AN AFTERNOON CRUISE WITH CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Cruise times are currently extended to about 3.5 hours due to low water conditions.
This trip is family friendly and includes crafts and activities aimed at ages 5-10 years. Come dressed in your finest royal costumes. There’s a small prize if you do! Make a crown or maybe a flag, decorate a royal biscuit, colour, draw and stick as we gently cruise through the Hampshire countryside.
As we are experiencing low water levels, the John Pinkerton ll will be going eastwards towards the Barley Mow and not towards the castle as previously advertised. Here, there may be an opportunity to let off steam while the boat turns round for the homeward journey. (Skipper’s decision)
Look out for heron, swans, ducks and other wildlife along the way, not forgetting the green horse.
The galley is open for hot and cold drinks and snacks for the duration of the trip. Feel free to bring your own picnic too.
Cruise in the peaceful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal
The canal is an SSSI, and not only serves as a local recreational amenity but is also a notable wildlife habitat.
The alkaline water from the chalk springs at Greywell and the acid water content eastward where the canal passes through heathland, has given rise to one of the largest varieties of aquatic plants and invertebrates in the United Kingdom.
As many as 25 of Britain’s 39 species of dragonflies and damselflies inhabit the canal.
You may get lucky and see a Kingfisher, it’s considered to be a lucky bird. You can also see herons swans, ducks, geese, moorhens (often with young) and various local floras.
Cruise times may be extended in low water conditions.
