As an accredited CCBM (Certificate in Community Boat Management) Training Centre, LNBP run a number of training weeks each year for prospective candidates with demand always high to join us and complete the course.

On our latest week it was once again another successful few days of training with all of the candidates again successfully passing the course after several days out on the Oxford and Grand Union canal network in and around Braunston.

The pictures below give you a flavour from last week.

In addition to another great successful few days, LNBP were pleased to receive a wonderful testimonial from one  of the candidates:-

“Absolutely loved the CCBM canal boat training course with Mike, Paul and Russ from LNBP! From start to finish, it was a fantastic experience – super informative but never boring. The balance between practical hands-on training and the more technical/theoretical side was spot on. You could tell they really know their stuff, but they kept it light and fun, with plenty of laughs along the way. The LNBP team got the perfect balance between a challenging and yet enjoyable course delivering a professionally run practical boating programme. All the participants from The Boathouse Youth left feeling more competent and confident to take young people away in this unique residential setting.

Mike, Paul and Russ were all brilliant – patient, encouraging, and great at explaining things in a way that made sense without overwhelming you. Whether it was manoeuvring the boat, understanding the engine, or learning about locks and safety, they made every bit of it interesting and engaging. Even the knots !!

If you’re thinking about doing your CCBM or just want to build confidence on the canals, I can’t recommend this course enough. You’ll come away with loads of skills, useful knowledge, and a big smile on your face. Thanks again to the LNBP crew – you were awesome!”

Our thanks as always to our Training Manager/Lead Mike, Paul and Russ – all three who are also Project Skippers with LNBP – for their kind time and assistance with running this course.

• Details of the next CCBM Training Weeks will be announced shortly.  If you are interested to join us, please register your interest by emailing us at training@lnbp.co.uk.

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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.

LNBP Community Boating is an accredited Training Centre for the Certificate in Community Boat Management (CCBM) and in addition to another dedicated five day course, we took the opportunity to run a Re-accreditation Day to provide individuals whose CCBM’s had lapsed to renew them.

And the weather gods shined on the training team and course members as for the large part they were blessed with some fine spring sunshine and blue skies as the pictures below will testify.

What could be better than gaining a CCBM qualification in beautiful surroundings of the Oxford and Grand Union Canals here on the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire border?

See for yourself in the galleries below.

Thank you to all the attendees who successfully completed the Course.

A big thank you also to the LNBP team of Mike, Paul, Russell and Martin for running this latest CCBM Training Course.

• Our next CCBM Training dates are due to be announced shortly so look out for updates here on our website and across our social media channels of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• To make enquiries in advance, contact Mike on email at training@lnbp.co.uk

• For further details about CCBM Training with LNBP, click here

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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.

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Key attractions

Rugby School
 
Prepare to find yourself delving into the origins of the sport, to where and how it all started, the history of the characters that shaped the game we know today, and the profound uniqueness of the town’s connections.
 
The game of rugby which is now played and appreciated by millions all began at Rugby School way back in 1823. It was here during a football match on The Close that one of its pupils, William Webb Ellis, broke with tradition and ‘with a fine disregard of the rules’ picked up the ball and ran with it, in doing so creating the game of rugby football.
 

 
Tours of Rugby School and its fascinating small Museum are available every Saturday or on other days by prior arrangement.
 
 
William Webb Ellis statue
 
A short walk away from The Close is the elegant statue of William Webb Ellis, which stands in the shadow of Rugby School. It was commissioned after a worldwide appeal and is a fitting tribute to Rugby’s most famous son. If there is ever a photo opportunity – or chance for a ‘selfie’ – this is it.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
World Rugby Hall of Fame.
 
If there is one place you ‘must-see’ when in The Rugby Town, it has to be the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
 
Having opened its doors in November 2016, this state-of-the-art museum is a celebration of those individuals and moments that have inspired and developed the game, right from its humble origins around the corner at Rugby School to the worldwide sport we know today.
 

The latest HD touch-screen technology that allows you to really get ‘hands on to find out about the great players, personalities and pioneers of the game who have been inducted so far into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Each inductee is celebrated and profiled within a physical experience that is fully interactive, immersive and delivered in multiple languages.
 
There is chance to learn about all 121 World Rugby national unions, understand more about the variations of the sport, and discover the moments that created professionalism, Olympic inclusion and the values that unite the sport from the elite and professional arena right down to community level.
 
The World Rugby Hall of Fame also showcases a collection of fascinating objects associated with the game of rugby, many of which of them donated by unions from across the globe and many of the players themselves.
 
 
 
Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum
 
The Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum is situated opposite Rugby School in the original building where boot and shoe makers William and then James Gilbert, made the first rugby footballs in 1842. As a result, the museum has the distinction of having longest continuous association with the game of rugby in the world.
 

 
The delightful collection here is displayed in four themed areas which include the origins, the players, the game and the ball. Visitors to the museum can find out about the traditional manufacture of the rugby ball from its origin as a pig’s bladder to its highly advanced and technical production which today serves rugby nations and clubs worldwide. The Museum is also home to a vast collection of rugby-related items and memorabilia including a wealth of photos, match programmes, ties and artefacts of every description from all over the globe.
 

 
Whilst the game of rugby is understandably a key theme, there is more to Rugby than just rugby.
 
It is a great place to eat and drink with a wide range of different cafes and eating outlets available in and around the town centre. Why not lunch or picnic in the fabulous Caldecott Park.
 
And there is the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum which has an interesting social history gallery and is based in the same spot as the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
 
These are just two suggestions. For more, head to The Rugby Town tourism website at https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/
 

 
The town of Rugby and all its attractions can be reached inside half a day’s travel from Braunston, returning the same day or visiting as part of a longer trip; in particular the well-known and very popular ‘Warwickshire Ring’.
For more information about routes and places to visit, group bookings and availability, contact Nigel our Bookings Officer here
 

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To find out more about us and our Community Days / Taster Trips, why not get in touch by giving us a call or dropping us an email

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There are so many wonderful places to explore with us at LNBP Community Boating, many of which are very nearby. 

One of those places is Hillmorton Locks in Rugby.

Hillmorton was once a village in its own right, but today is now a pretty suburb of Rugby in Warwickshire. The mooring site is located on the Oxford Canal and provides boaters with plenty of good cruising routes.

It is officially named as The Busiest Flight of Locks in the Country, and a group of volunteers help play a crucial role in operating the series of locks during the season.

A brief history of the locks and canal at Hillmorton is well worth a read and can be found on their website here.

Hillmorton is reached either coming from Newbold and Rugby to the west or from Braunston (Northants) in the east. Either way, the route is mostly through some beautiful open countryside.

And yet for officially being ‘busy’ it is a delightful quiet and picturesque spot to pass through en route and worth exploring if you have opportunity. As well as walks along the towpath, Badsey’s Cafe is open through the season offering a good range of hot and cold drinks, light bites and meals, and ice cream. Plus a few hundred metres off the towpath, there is the delightful canalside church of St John the Baptist, which is well worth looking in at.

Click on the images below for a taster of what you can expect to see and encounter.

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• Tuesday 6^th June
• Wednesday 7^th June
• Thursday 8^th June
• Tuesday 27^th June
• Wednesday 28^th June
• Thursday 29^th June

 
If either of these dates are of interest and you would like to book a Taster Trip for your community group or organisation, please contact us by calling on 07967 406 875, or email us at bookings@lnbp.co.uk, or send us an enquiry via our website here.
 

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