Have you booked your boat trip on the Basingstoke Canal? It’s a lovely way to see the Canal, and it’s also a great way of supporting the Canal
And there are lots of boats to chose from. So please, go ahead and book a trip for you, your friends and family
John Pinkerton at Odiham
This is one of the Society’s own trip boats and operates normally from Colt Hill, Odiham. It can carry up to 50 passengers with toilet facilities and a fully licensed galley offering snacks, hot and cold drinks and alcoholic refreshments. All of the crew are volunteers from the Basingstoke Canal Society and all profits from trips goes towards maintenance of the canal.
Trips may operate eastbound or westbound. Westerly takes passengers through farmland, a narrow cutting followed by a lift bridge to King John’s castle where passengers can visit the remains of the castle. Heading east from the start the route winds through lovely remote farmland and woods to Barley Mow Bridge in Winchfield where the boat will turn round and return.
In both directions ducks, moorhens, swans, herons and other wildlife may be spotted. If you are lucky, you may get a fleeting glimpse of a bright blue kingfisher.
Public trips operate from Easter to October, on Sundays and most Wednesdays
We also offer themed trips, which may include food and entertainment. This year’s themed trips include Jazz, sea shanties and an ABBA tribute, along with cream teas and Italian food. There will also be a cruise and ramble, a painting trip and a midsummer day cruise to see the sunrise over the canal.
The boat is also available to charter by individual groups. We have had birthday celebrations, wedding receptions and trips by clubs and societies. It’s great and ideal for parties.
To book and find out more about dates, times and booking information, click here.
Kitty at Woking
The Society’s other boat is Kitty, a 12 seater trip boat that is run by fully trained volunteer crews along the 4 mile lock free stretch of canal through Woking.
Typically the trips leave from the Woking Town Wharf and head east skirting Horsell Common, before turning and returning back. The normal length of a trip is 75 minutes, but longer trips of up to 2.5 hours can also be undertaken – sometimes with a guided tour to the Grade 2 listed Peace Garden on Horsell Common.
Trips are run from April right through till early November, and working with The Lightbox art gallery we will be offering innovative Thursday ‘Lates’ trips, and also cream tea cruises during the Jubilee celebrations in the summer. All details posted on both the Lightbox website and Society’s social media pages.
Kitty has originally built as a house boat on the River Thames, and was then purchased by the Chichester Ship Canal Trust who modified her into the present trip boat layout.
To find out times and to book a trip, click here.
Accessible Boating Association at Odiham
ABA is a Charity managed by volunteers, which invites disabled people and those with mobility or socialising difficulties to enjoy day trips or longer cruises with carers, family and friends on their two specially-equipped boats, Dawn and Madam Butterfly on the Basingstoke Canal from Colt Hill Wharf, Odiham, Hampshire.
 |  |
Dawn can be hired for day trips of four hours or more. £100 up to 4 hours plus £25 per extra hour. As an alternative to hiring the whole boat, ABA also offers a programme of Public Trips lasting about 3 hours.
Their well-equipped 7-berth Madam Butterfly gives an opportunity for 2-night short break, or a week’s holiday for families or groups with members who require special facilities to enjoy a restful meander over several days along one of the more attractive canals in England.
Events Diary 2022
- 12th May Public trips start running with regular midweek and weekend trips up till 24th September.
- 3rd June attending the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations rally at the Fox & Hounds Pub 12.00 – 18.00
- 4th June Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, trips on Dawn will be operating from the Wharf Reading Road, Fleet to Pondtail new bridge.
- 10th September Heritage Day, trips on Dawn will be available at 10am and 2pm from Colt Hill Wharf.
- 17th- 18th, 21st – 23rd December meet Father Christmas on the canal, enjoy a trip with Santa on our wheelchair-accessible boat Dawn.
For further details including booking enquiries please contact 07934 926683 or visit their website www.accessibleboating.org.uk or
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AccessBoating/
Galleon Marine at Odiham
Galleon Marine is a family run business operating from it’s base in the pretty village of Odiham. You can hire a traditional narrowboat for a short break or longer. All their boats are well maintained with modern facilities. Day boat hire is also available for those special occasions.
Be the captain of your own boat (max 10 people). Or why not hire a row boat, kayak or canoe to explore the canal which is credited as a site of special scientific interest due to its wonderful and varied wildlife, flora and fauna. There is a kiosk on-site and a picnic area with tables, seating and toilet facilities are also available. Parking is limited but there is plenty of free parking outside and in the Colt Hill Wharf Car Park
Website: www.galleonmarine.co.uk Tel: 01256 703691
Rosebud at Mytchett
Boat trips are also run from the Canal Centre, Mytchett. Rosebud is a 23ft narrow boat, with seats for up to 12 people. Public trips run every weekend from April – September, and additional Mondays and Wednesdays during school holidays. These relaxing trips offer the perfect opportunity to see the wildlife up close and personal as well as explore the canal.
Cream teas cruises run every Thursday from June to the end of September. Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the canal with a traditional cream tea of scones, jam and cream with a pot of fresh tea or coffee. All served at an idyllic setting.
Chartered Hire options are available.
Please visit their website www.basingstoke-canal.co.uk for more information.
To make a booking, simply contact The Canal Centre on 01252 370073.