Access statement for Grand Union Narrowboats

Introduction

Grand union Narrowboats is based in ‘The Boatyard' in the village of Weedon, Northamptonshire operating on the Grand Union Canal.

Our main business is narrowboat hire, but we also carry out general Narrowboat repairs and also painting in our workshops.

The country's canals where all built around the period of the industrial revolution and compared with most other canals in Europe are quite small in their dimensions. Due to this the narrowboats that are built to navigate the canals of Great Britain are restricted to about 6'10" wide. Unfortunately this means that our boats may not be suitable for some people with restricted mobility.

For safety, a minimum of two active crew are required for handling the boat and operating the locks.

We provide full training and are externally audited by British Marine on the quality of our training to ensure your safety.

Pre-arrival

For directions, map and public transport please see find us, or call us on 01327 342418, or email enquiries@grandunionnarrowboats.co.uk.

Arrival and car parking.

On arrival at the boatyard you will need to press the button on the gate to alert the staff of your arrival. The gates are kept locked at all times for security as we have privately owned boats and customer's cars on site. On arrival, we shall give you the key code for the gate for access. The car park is mostly gravel and uneven with some very small trip hazards. There are no kerbs. There are no marked disabled bays but space can be reserved on request.

Boats are generally moored alongside each other, so it may be necessary to step across other boats to gain access to yours. We can ensure your boat is moored against the bank with prior notice. Your car can be parked near the boat for loading and unloading, we will be more than happy to help you with your baggage.

Reception

The entrance to our reception/office is on the level through a standard width door. There is no induction loop. A pad and pen is available on request.

Public areas- WC's

There is a unisex toilet on site, we can provide access on request at reception. Access is via a standard inward opening door.

Pubs and Restaurants

Heart of England Pub, Tel. 01327 340335

The Crossroads Hotel and Pub, Tel 01327 340354

Our Boats

Due to the nature of the design of Narrowboat as the name indicates they are restricted on available accommodation space.

Typically, doorways and corridors are 500mm wide, most corridors pass down one side of the boat or the other.

Headroom is at least 6'2". There are no handrails inside the boat.

The floor covering is a combination of vinyl and carpet.

Seating is mostly on fixed dinette seating with additional folding chairs provided.

Double beds are 4' X 6'3" singles are typically 2'X6'3".

Mattresses are either foam or interior sprung. Duvets and pillows are filled with hollowfibre, no feather pillows are used.

Rear decks are cruiser style layout with raised side lockers stepping down to access the cabin via three steps. All deck areas have a non-slip surface.

The front cockpits have seats running down each side doubling as a step for boarding the boat, for safety reasons these seats must not be used as a step while the boat is under way.

A gang plank is provided for use when the boat cannot be moored close to the bank.

Colour TV's are provided with remote controls.

Lighting is via limited batteries on 12 Volt bulbs which are not considered to be as bright as domestic lighting.

Heating is via diesel fired boiler with a thermostatic control of the water temperature.

Bathrooms are of restricted size compatible with the dimensions of a narrowboat, the showers are hip baths with a 20" cill to step over to access the shower tray with integral seat.

Kitchen and inventory are described in the boat details.

Dogs may be taken on all boats. No charge is made for assistance dogs.

Our boats have 230 Volt supply up to 1500Watts, suitable for charging mobile phones and similar equipment. Please note that because all power is supplied from batteries we cannot guarantee continuous availability of 230 Volt power. We therefore regret that we cannot take responsibility for power supply to equipment on which a life depends.

We operate a No smoking policy on our boats and inside our buildings.

Other information

Call-a-taxi

Tel. 01327 877477

Shop

Tesco Express, High Street, Weedon

Boats suitable for wheelchair users

The Bruce Trust or the Community Boat Association.

Contact Information

Grand Union Narrowboats
The Boatyard
High Street
Weedon
NN7 4QD

Telephone 01327 342418

Minicom N/A

Email enquiries@grandunionnarrowboats.co.uk

Grid Reference SP 629599

Hours of operation 09.00-17.30

Emergency Number provided in boat manual.