Narrowboat Escapes
Narrowboat Escapes
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About
We are a traditional narrowboat hire and training centre based at the heart of England’s waterways. Our base is within 'Braunston Marina' the former historic boat yard, near Daventry in Northamptonshire. Our boats have traditional engines so if you’re looking to hire a boat that doesn’t look or sound like an average hire boat, we may have just what you are looking for.
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Narrowboat Escapes
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5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
glenn b
1 contribution
Sep 2022
My partner and I have just spent one day with Martin completing his one day 'Helmsmans' course. Fantastic experience, would highly recommend. Martin's knowledge and skill regarding boatmanship was very inspirational and I feel much more confident as I await delivery of our boat next month.
The weather presented us with both sunshine and heavy rain, throughout, Martin was full of encouragement and enthusiasm. His patience with Karen, who was very apprehensive at the beginning of the day, underlines his ability to interact with students of all abilities. (Karen insisted I comment on this!)
Do not hesitate to book a course with Narrowboat escapes, you will not regret it!!
Glenn and Karen. September 27 2022.
The weather presented us with both sunshine and heavy rain, throughout, Martin was full of encouragement and enthusiasm. His patience with Karen, who was very apprehensive at the beginning of the day, underlines his ability to interact with students of all abilities. (Karen insisted I comment on this!)
Do not hesitate to book a course with Narrowboat escapes, you will not regret it!!
Glenn and Karen. September 27 2022.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark G
Cardiff, UK2 contributions
Sep 2020
We completed a two day training course with Martin on his traditional narrowboat. What an experience!! Superb!! This was the first time we have driven a narrowboat and what an excellent course it was. Covering steering, emergency stops, winding hole turning, locks, tunnels and basic boat maintenance, it gave us all the confidence then to go on our first narrowboat holiday. we thoroughly recommend Martins course to novice and experienced boaters too.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BellowingFoghorn
Spalding, UK39 contributions
Aug 2021
Just had a week on Driftwood, a boat for the those who appreciate and respect canal history. A 75 year old Ailsa Craig RF2 engine awaits you in a full size engine room and it will need grease nipples attending to each morning . This boat will garner admiration from those who know their Russel-Newburys from their Gardners. I've been hiring boats for decades but I learnt a lot this last week. Hand over is very thorough and you undertake a short introductory cruise to familiarise yourselves with rod controls and the speed wheel. Thank you for this unique opportunity Martin.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane R
Somerset1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Couples
Martin was absolutely brilliant on our one day course, learning how to steer the boat, moor, stop and lots of other things packed into to the day. His knowledge is amazing and we felt 100 per cent confident with him helping and showing us how to handle the boat. Can't recommend him enough! Thankyou Martin!
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn B
Nottingham, UK11 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
What a brilliant day! We absolutely loved our narrow boat day out with Martin & Kay.
We were really excellently instructed on how to steer the boat, there was plenty of time for relaxing and taking in the scenery, it’s a fantastic length trip with the option to stop at a pub for lunch, gorgeous traditional narrow boat run by lovely people
Absolutely amazing
Would 1000% recommend
We were really excellently instructed on how to steer the boat, there was plenty of time for relaxing and taking in the scenery, it’s a fantastic length trip with the option to stop at a pub for lunch, gorgeous traditional narrow boat run by lovely people
Absolutely amazing
Would 1000% recommend
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andreas K
Redruth, UK3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
My girlfriend and I had a brilliant trip on the Oxford Canal a few weeks ago in Driftwood. Having been boating for a number of years with more modern engines, taking a trip on a traditional boat with a vintage engine was an extra special treat. Martin at Narrowboat Escapes was very helpful and knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble throughout our stay. We could tell that the boat is very well loved and in great working order. If you are new to boating, they also run great courses to get you started. We would definitely love to come back!
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnnymattock
1 contribution
Oct 2022
I am new to boating so expert guidance and tutoring is what i needed and is exactly what i got over the two day course. Martin was very knowledgeable in all areas of canal life , from the technical aspects of my own boat to what to look out for when you're out and about 'on the cut'. Health and safety was high on the list of subjects - something that you just wouldn't get from a hire boat company. Martin's patient and thorough teaching put me at ease and made for an enjoyable 2 days learning - highly recommended! Thank you. Jonny Mattock 26/10/22
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Solo
New Boat Owner with zero experience. After first day I was able to navigate a crowded marina and tie up. By the end of the 2nd day I was confident to handle the locks and tunnel as a solo boater.
Excellent tuition and approach to the subject. Highly recommended and thanks for 2 very memorable days.
Excellent tuition and approach to the subject. Highly recommended and thanks for 2 very memorable days.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A n K
1 contribution
Sep 2019
We have completed 3 days of training with Martin who has been an excellent and very informative trainer. We had no experience of boating, but now feel confident taking our boat out on the canals. The training was on our own boat, which was really good to get used to handling her, and we had a variety of experiences which Martin worked through with us. He is very patient, very knowledgeable and we would very highly recommend his training days.
Written September 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woody
Kenilworth, UK5 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Just spent two very well-planned day’s with Martin on my boat. He’s a very patient chap that took a complete beginner and taught him how to safely steer his own craft in a wide variety of situations. Thorough explanations, good preparation and also a really interesting guy to be around - his knowledge of and passion for the canal network are infectious. Highly recommend.
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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