Introducing Our Hotel Boats

Snipe & Taurus are a type of craft that is unique to the inland waterways of the United Kingdom. They are each 70 feet long and 7 feet wide, which is the maximum size able to navigate Britain’s narrow canal network. Following in the footsteps of historical working narrow boats, Snipe and Taurus are gaily painted with traditional roses and castles and are resplendent with polished brasses and scrubbed white ropes.

We operate the boats as a pair using long established techniques. Snipe is the motor boat, powered by a quiet modern diesel engine, which complies with the most stringent exhaust and noise emission standards. It is housed in a sound-proofed compartment, to avoid it obscuring the sounds of the countryside.

Taurus, the "butty", is towed by Snipe - she is specifically designed for this, and therefore does not have an engine.The name 'butty' to describe such a boat is derived from an old phrase used in the north of England to mean a mate or partner, and which today may be recognised in the American term 'buddy'. Snipe and Taurus have been thoughtfully fitted out for their role as hotel boats;together they offer comfortable accommodation for nine guests in five single, one twin and one double cabin. Both the twin and double cabins have en-suite shower and toilet facilities.

Every cabin is self-contained and has a large opening window; there is a porcelain washbasin with hot and cold running water, a small wardrobe and separate luggage space. As you would expect in any other hotel, all your linens and towels are provided. In addition to the en suite facilities, there is a shower on Snipe, and flush toilets on both boats, as well as central heating.

The spacious lounge on Snipe has a drinks cabinet and cooler, facilities for guests to make hot drinks, a small library of good books and a supply of board games. On Taurus there is seating for all our guests in the dining room around our large family table, which stows neatly away to make another spacious lounge between meals. There is also room to sit outside in the covered well decks or for those who like the grandstand view, the cabin roof provides a panoramic outlook. Whether your cabin is on Snipe or Taurus, the facilities of both boats are there for all to enjoy.

The Cruising Day

It is almost impossible to describe a typical day, as no two days are the same! From the moment you set foot on our boats, you are in another world, and “everyday life” is a distant memory. A trip with us is not just a “boating holiday”, but an adventure into the secret world of rivers and canals that make up the inland waterways of Britain.

A strict timetable is impractical - we would hate to hurry you away from a pretty village or a beautiful view. We try to be as flexible as possible, so you can relax and see the sights that you want to see.

We start each morning with a short chat from Neil about the highlights of the day over breakfast. As we travel at a serene speed of three miles per hour, there is plenty of opportunity to walk alongside the boats on the towpath: and return at one of the frequent locks or bridges for “elevenses”. Should you wish to, there is often time to venture off the towpath into the surrounding countryside, or to one of the many towns and villages, we can pack you a picnic, or you can rejoin the boats further on for lunch.

You can do as little or as much as you like - you may wish to assist the crew with the locks, take time to observe the passing wildlife, or just indulge in an afternoon nap. In the middle of the afternoon there are freshly baked cakes or biscuits and a pot of tea to enjoy, then towards the evening we settle at our mooring in a pretty historic town or the peaceful countryside.

A pre-dinner drink in the lounge is always popular, as the events of the day are discussed, before Corinne, Neil and crew serve your four course evening meal - a leisurely affair where conversation flows easily around our large family table. Coffee is served in the lounge, where you may choose a book from our library or perhaps share a game. At night, after a day in the open air and sunshine, the sound of water gurgling over a lock weir and the drowsy sounds of the countryside provide a restful backdrop to sleep.