Not only are we convenient and easy to reach from all corners of the country to begin your short break or longer holiday with us, we are also at the very heart of the canal network and therefore able to provide you and your group with a wealth of choice on routes for your trip.

In the second of two features, we provide you with more suggestions of some of many great places you and your group can reach and visit depending on your length of trip.

5 days, 7 days, more 

• Coventry

A visit to one of the Midlands’ key cities, Coventry and some of its key landmarks including St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry Cathedral are well worth a visit if time permits.

Having cruised from Braunston and skirted past Rugby on the North Oxford Canal, the scenic countryside returns past the villages of Brinklow and Stretton under Fosse before reaching the cathedral city and the Coventry Canal Basin which itelf has plenty to offer with waterside wildlife, walks and historic canal architecture. Situated in the heart of the city, it also marks the start of the Coventry Canal as the North Oxford reaches the big junction at Hawkesbury, which is the official end of the canal before it joins the Coventry Canal.

As you would expect from a bustling city centre, Coventry has plenty of shopping and leisure activity options.  You can discover the history of the British motor industry by exploring the excellent Coventry Transport Museum and or pay a visit to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

• Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick

Often referred to as Royal Leamington Spa, this historic spa town in Warwickshire is renowned for its Regency architecture.

The town gained prominence in the 19th century due to its natural mineral springs, believed to have therapeutic properties. The town is well worth jumping off the boats and paying a visit to explore its elegant streets, spacious parks like Jephson Gardens,  numerous shops, cafes and restaurants, and arts venues.

Find out more by reading here

The neighbouring historic market county town of Warwick is known for its stunning medieval architecture and rich history.

The county town is most famous for Warwick Castle, a well-preserved fortress with over 1,000 years of history and one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions for a day out (certainly bear that idea in mind)

Warwick’s charm includes its cobbled streets, Tudor houses, and landmarks like St. Mary’s Church. The town also has a vibrant community with independent shops, cafes with its proximity to the canal and River Avon adding to its scenic beauty.

Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick can both be reached via the Grand Union Canal

Find out more by reading here

• Stratford-upon-Avon

World-famous as the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of more popular places to visit by groups each year and for good reason.

Its historic connections to The Bard see visitors have the chance to explore sites like Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Plus the town’s Tudor-style architecture, scenic riverside along the River Avon, quaint shops, cafes and restaurants and general historical charm – notably celebrating the Bard’s legacy – are just a few of several reasons to moor up and explore.

Find out more by reading here

• Birmingham

Where do you start with Birmingham?  There is so much to see, do and explore, and as many groups over the years will attest to a visit here is well-worth the effort and recommended.

Known for its rich industrial history, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene, it boasts iconic landmarks like the Bullring, a lively leisure and food scene, The city’s extensive canal network is often said to have more miles of canal than Venice and played a crucial role in its industrial growth. Today, Birmingham’s canals have been revitalized into scenic walkways, lined with bars, cafes, and attractions like the National Sea Life Centre (again, an attraction well worth visiting). The Gas Street Basin is a particularly popular spot where visitors can enjoy boat tours (not that you and your group would have had enough of canal cruising by then) and picturesque views of the city’s modern and historic blend.

 Read more by reading here and here

• Drayton Manor Park

Not a town or city as such, but..a residential trip on the canal combined with a visit to experience the thrills and excitement of one of the UK’s leading theme parks?

Yes, that correct, there is chance for groups to visit the wonderful Drayton Manor Park as part of your itinerary. You cannot really go wrong can you?

Read more by reading here

A few extras to consider – options to head south

• Banbury

A historic market town in Oxfordshire, England, known for its picturesque setting and rich heritage.

Famous for the “Banbury Cross” and the nursery rhyme “Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross,” the town offers a charming mix of history and modern amenities. Explore landmarks such as Banbury Museum, the medieval Banbury Castle site, and People’s Park. The town’s canalside area provides scenic walks along the Oxford Canal and riverside cafes.

Find out more by reading here

• Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes has a lot to offer for visitors to enjoy.

Attractions such as the group and family-friendly activities at Xscape which features an indoor ski slope and entertainment complex are a good option, plus MK is also home to scenic parks, lakes, and over 200 miles of dedicated cycle paths, including the tranquil Willen Lake, making it a great spot for outdoor activities.

Find out more by reading here

• Head to the capital

Yes, you read right. 

There is a great way for your group to enjoy a day out in London whilst staying cruising and staying on our boats.

Why pay expensive prices to stay in the capital when you can simply wake up, visit London, and then return to bunk back down on Lancelot and Guinevere all in a day after a busy day exploring.

Find out more by reading here

For more details about these and other routes and great places you can visit, click here

Routes to take and explore with LNBP

To make a booking or check on availability and the dates you want, head to our Bookings Page here

Or please get in touch to find out how we can help and for any general advice. Contact Nigel Smith, our Bookings Officer, by calling on 07783 002073 or emailing him at booking@lnbp.co.uk

The post 10 great places to visit with LNBP – Part II appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

And here in central England we are fortunate – blessed even – to have so many great spots to visit.

Our Bookings Officer Nigel Smith paid a return visit to the fabulous setting of Hatton Locks and its flight of 21 (yes, 21!) locks on the Grand Union Canal at Warwick

Nigel is one of our Project Skippers has ventured up and down this lock flight many a time with countless number of our client groups over the years.  Talk to him and he will tell you that he has his own personal record for getting through them too which is no mean feat.

Hatton is really a sight to behold for in addition to the flight of locks it is a beautiful peaceful setting ideal for walking and a picnic to watch the boats pass through.

And there is also a lovely little cafe here too. Anyone for ice cream?

A little closer to our mooring base at Braunston,  our Press and PR rep Karl Quinney took advantage of some lovely bright sunny June mornings to venture down to Hillmorton Locks on the outskirts of Rugby.

According to the Canal and River Trust, Hillmorton Locks is officially The Busiest Flight of Locks in the Country and if you happen to visit here during the day particularly in the height of the season you will see why.  However Karl was down here around 6:30 am on a couple of occasions well before the first boats were firing up and anyone was moving to enjoy the peace, tranquility and beauty of this spot

Also, click HERE

Also click HERE

The area here covers a decent stretch over just over a mile, from The Kent at Bridge no 69 heading west towards Rugby, Newbold and Coventry, and Moors Bridge no. 72 heading east towards Braunston.  And right in the middle is Hillmorton Locks.  Car parking is available nearby, there are a number of benches to sit and watch the boats and world go by, and there is a small cafe – Badsey Cafe – just up from Bottom Lock. (check opening times though).

• For more details on the routes and numerous places you and your group can visit and explore whilst on a short break or longer holiday with us, click here

• For enquiries about bookings and availability, contact Nigel by telephoning him on 07783 002073 or email at bookings@lnbp.co.uk

The post Out and about with LNBP appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

And what a great few days it was too. Even the weather was kind to us too.

Friday was once again designated a Trade and Preview Day, with the Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday the public days.

Here’s some images from the weekend.

The post In the picture – LNBP at the Crick Boat Show part #3 – Show Time appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

Another glorious morning greeted the crew of husband-and-wife team Paul and Denise, who were again joined by Richard and our Press and PR Karl and a special guest for the meander from the overnight mooring at Norton Junction down towards Crick.

So to that special guest visitor and traveller with us.

We were pleased to welcome BBC Radio Northampton reporter James Grant aboard to join from Norton down to Watford, in doing so for James to experience life on board Guinevere and to interview the crew live on air. Find out more HERE

If you have experienced Watford Locks – either taking a boat through them or visited and walked the area – you will know it is a lovely setting and amazing piece of Victorian engineering. (If you haven’t, it is highly recommended you pay a visit)

After a short wait to get in line and then get through Watford Locks, James (and Karl) left the crew here

Next stop..Crick Marina for the weekend’s Boat Show

The post In the picture – LNBP at the Crick Boat Show part #2 – Norton Junction to Crick appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

However our plans for the event at Crick Marina started well in advance of the Friday’s Trade and Preview Day and Saturday’s opening to the public with several months of advance planning.

With one of our boats Guinevere once again set to be berthed in the Marina and on display at the Show,  a small crew assembled all the necessary ingredients and materials we would need for the Show on the Wednesday before to take Guinevere and all up to Crick.

Stage 1 then was from Braunston, through the locks and Braunston Tunnel to moor up overnight at Norton Junction, ready for another big day ahead and early start.

Our Press and PR rep Karl was on board with us to capture the scene

The post In the picture – LNBP at the Crick Boat Show part #1 – Braunston to Norton Junction appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal runs from Birmingham’s suburbia to Shakespeare’s Stratford, covering some 25 miles long stretching from the Birmingham suburb of Kings Norton and the junction with the Worcester and Birmingham Canal descending 55 locks to the River Avon at Stratford Upon Avon.

There are many lovely little spots along this stretch of inland waterway, along with a few curious places to watch out for. Lock number 53 – otherwise known as The Maidenhead Road Lock (Bridge 67) – is one of them, located about a further 30 minutes cruising and two further locks before arriving at the Stratford Basin outside of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Lock 53 is similar to all locks on this canal in that it is a single boat lock but the strange feature being the right-angled metal balance beam. As a regular gongoozler at this lock watching other people trying to open it, be under no doubt this is a tough one! I often help people out opening the lock. Bent knees, effort and sweat required here, this is the toughest lock that I have encountered anywhere on the canal system!

The lock drops a boat about six feet from the higher to the lower pound. As the boat goes under the bridge, the lock workers can either walk across the road or take the tow path under the road as the horses would have done. However, here is a word of warning – anybody under 6 foot tall, then duck!

More little features on this delightful stretch of canal to come soon.

How does a trip along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and visiting the birthplace of the Bard sound to you?

If you are interested to find out how your community group and organisation can also enjoy a residential trip with us and explore what we can offer, please get in touch with Nigel on 07783 002073 or email us at bookings@lnbp.co.uk

The post Cruising the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal part 1 appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

Guinevere is now available to hire by community groups and organisations between mid to late August.

The boat is available to your group between 14th and 29th August 2022 for anything from a 2 day group hire trip or any number of days during that period i.e. 5, 7, 10 or 14 days!

And if you are thinking where you could head towards from our mooring base and starting point at Braunston, there are so many great places that you and your group could potentially visit, depending on your length of trip. They include Warwick (and its fabulous Castle) Stratford-upon-Avon (birthplace of William Shakespeare), the bright lights of Birmingham, even Drayton Manor Park. Check out our Routes page HERE for an insight into where you could visit.

This hire opportunity also comes with the offer of our project skippers if required or the boats can be hired on a self-steer basis if you have the necessary CCBM.

As always, these dates are available on a first come-first served so get in touch before the opportunity goes.

For more details and to book your group, call our Bookings Officer, Nigel on 07783 002073, or email us at bookings@lnbp.co.uk.

Alternatively, complete the Booking Form below

The post August availability alert appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

We have added a new article to our series of Routes and Places To Visit, this time heading on the Grand Union Canal and into Leicestershire.

 

 
One of LNBP’s skippers, Brian Tibury, has kindly produced an excellent article from regular first-hand experience on what you can expect to sample and enjoy on a trip from our mooring base at Braunston to Foxton Locks.
 
This wonderful journey takes many highlights including the Braunston lock system before heading through Braunston Tunnel (always a treat!), before sampling the staircase of Watford Locks. From there, there is the chance to head through Crick Tunnel ahead of a very generous lock-free stretch of cruising through the Leicestershire countryside before reaching Foxton.
 

To read the article, click the image below

 
https://www.lnbp.co.uk/boats/routes/another-favourite-trip-with-brian-braunston-to-foxton-locks/
 

The post Another favourite trip with Brian – Braunston to Foxton Locks appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

Unique opportunity for family groups

 
The coronavirus pandemic outbreak has meant LNBP have been able to offer a unique boat hire opportunity for family groups for the 2020 boating season. It means our boats – Lancelot and Guinevere – can be hired by family groups for weekend or midweek short breaks of two or more day/night trips until Sunday 1^st November 2020.
 

About Our Boats

 
Both boats are purpose-built, full-length, modern vessels that are designed, fully-equipped and maintained to the highest possible standards. Each boat is 12 berth in size across three separate cabins with central heating, instant hot water and double glazing, and contains two toilets and a shower. Sleeping accommodation is provided in four berth and six berth cabins, with the saloon area also providing accommodation, with an additional berth also available in the rear cabin.

 

Help is at hand!

 
We can assist with everything regarding your trip, including route planning with so many great places to potentially visit depending on your length of trip.
 

Hiring of our boats are on a first come, first served basis, and subject to availability with the stipulation that at least one person in the family group has a Certificate in Community Boat Management (CCBM) and assumes responsibility of the boat. All users of the boats must however follow and comply with the current government guidelines.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How to book and find out more

 
To find out more information about the boats, hire rates and current availability, call LNBP’s Booking Officer Nigel Smith on 07967 406875 or email at bookings@lnbp.co.uk.
 
 
Alternatively head to our online Bookings page here to check availability and make a booking enquiry, or complete the form below.

The post October on the Oxford Canal (or Grand Union) with LNBP's boats appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.

Autumn is a wonderful time of year to explore our beautiful canals so why not take advantage of LNBP’s unique boat hire opportunity in September and October.

 

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the social distancing rules has forced us to ‘think outside of the box’ for this boating season.  It means our boats – Lancelot and Guinevere – can be hired by family groups for weekend or midweek short breaks of two or more day-night trips, up to 14 day trips from our mooring base at historic Braunston at the heart of the canal network in Northamptonshire.
 
A short break holiday by canalboat is not only a great way to get away from it all but it is a wonderful opportunity to sample the vivid colours of autumn at close quarters. As the trees and hedges begin to change colour and mirror elegantly in the water, there is also plenty of wildlife to look out for along the waters including small mammals such as wood mice and bank voles stocking up on food before the winter.
 

Our Boats

Our boats are purpose-built, full-length, modern vessels that are designed, fully-equipped and maintained to the highest possible standards. Each boat is 12 berth in size across three separate cabins with central heating, instant hot water and double glazing, and contains two toilets and a shower.
 
Sleeping accommodation is provided in four berth and six berth cabins, with the saloon area also providing accommodation, with an additional berth also available in the rear cabin.
 

Experienced help and knowledge on where to go

 
We can assist with everything regarding your trip, including route planning with so many great places to potentially visit depending on your length of trip.  This includes the beautiful elegant rural rural up the North Oxford Canal to Rugby and on to Hawkesbury Junction to join the Coventry Canal. Or perhaps go south to historic Banbury, or embark on one of many people’s favoured routes, The Warwickshire Ring.
 

 
 
There is really so much choice all starting from Braunston. And don’t forget to explore the village itself which is steeped in history and charm.

 
 
Hiring of our boats this autumn is on a first come, first served basis, with the stipulation that at least one person in the family group has a Certificate in Community Boat Management (CCBM) and assumes responsibility of the boat. All users of the boats must however follow and comply with the current government guidelines.
 
This current opportunity for hiring of our boats – which is normally only available to community groups and organisations – is really something unique in nearly 40 years of our operation and is therefore one not to be missed.
 

To find out more information about the boats, hire rates and current availability, call LNBP’s Booking Officer Nigel Smith on 07967 406875 or email at bookings@lnbp.co.uk.

Alternatively head to our online Bookings page HERE to check availability and make a booking enquiry, or complete the form below.

The post Book now to enjoy Autumn afloat with LNBP appeared first on LNBP Community Boating.