Rose Narrowboats

Rose Narrowboats is a long established company owned by the Steward and Ambrose families. We have 22 self-drive boats available for weekly or short break rental and a day boat. Our boats are Tourist Board inspected and approved to exacting standards. Make sure you book with a company that has been assessed, like us, under the Narrowboat Standard Scheme.

Enjoy the outdoors: With ever changing scenery this may be a new experience, you will find yourself outdoors more than usual, perhaps taking occasional walks on the towpath beside the boat (It goes at walking pace). The warm and dry boat is always there just in case the weather is bad!

Start and stop when you like: The beauty of the holiday is that you are free from pressures - choose a slow, relaxing pace or get up early to travel further afield. The choice is yours.

Stopping to moor up for lunch or for the night is always enjoyable. Prepare a meal on the boat or sit back, relax with a drink and peacefully watch the varied wildlife, different boating neighbours and passers by.

Operating the locks is part of the fun and even younger children can take part (with care). Again, they are easy to work, (with the exception of the odd stiff paddle) and on a longer flight all the walking will give you an appetite for the pub that is invariably at the end of it!

Sleeping on the boat is part of the fun. waking up to the water lapping on the side of the boat, pulling back the curtains to see the sun dispersing the early morning mist has an appeal of its own that needs to be experienced.

Canal architecture & scenery: You will appreciate the many 200 year old features along the way; bridges, locks, cottages and even boatyards. New waterside developments, such as the exciting example in Birmingham, provide new attractions. the scenery is varied, taking in some breathtaking countryside as well as the centre (and backyards) of towns and cities.

Operating the boat is also part of the fun. It is not difficult once you have got the hang of it. We give you full instruction and you should be an expert in no time! Teenagers (under supervision) and indeed any of the crew will enjoy taking a turn at steering; it is really an enjoyable and therapeutic activity.

Pubs, restaurants & villages: The holiday can take many forms, and one of them is cruising from one watering hole to another sampling the local brew or food; pub food can be very good and often not expensive. there are also a number of top restaurants on some routes. there are pretty villages to explore, often with their own local shop and pub, as well as larger towns and cities.

Our Boats

Our wide range of canalboats means there's one right for you. To ensure your comfort and enjoyment all boats are fully equipped with all the furnishings, equipment and utensils you are likely to need.

When you collect your boat everything will have been looked after for you - an engine that has been serviced, a thoroughly cleaned interior and exterior and a fresh supply of bed linen.

All boats have:

• a four ring cooker and good sized fridge with freezer compartment
• comprehensive inventory
• shower (two on Scarlet Rose)
• radio/cassette player, shaver socket, small hair dryer and 12 volt cigar lighter socket so that you can charge 12v telephones and camcorders
• propane gas, diesel, VAT and car parking and cancellation insurance are included in the price
• colour TV (although good reception should not always be expected)
• extra pillows available
• fresh water flush toilets

On most boats we can:

• usually provide a bunk side to stop not-yet-mobile babies from falling out of bed
• and on some accommodate a smallish extra person in a 'pipe cot'

Boat Equipment & Bedding:

• There is a duvet (Hollofibre), duvet cover, bottom sheet and pillow with pillow case for each bed. Each bed also has a blanket that we usually make up as an underblanket.
• Central heating from radiators and hot water from an insulated hot water tank. Cerise Roses have space heating catalytic heater and an instant gas hot water system.
• Coral, Amber and Scarlet Roses additionally have 230 volt power up to 1500 watts with appropriate appliances provided. Joey and Prestige have a 5ft bath (with a shower over).
• Cerise & Ivory Roses haveduvets as above on the double bunks. The single bunks each have sleeping bag, liner, blanket and pillow with pillow case.

We offer:

• Canal boat holidays
• Boat hire
• Moorings

Services for you

• Toilets
• Water points
• Refuse disposal

Services for your boat

• Boat service & repairs
• Chandlery
• Diesel
• Bottled gas
• Pump out
• Slipway
• Dry dock