Grand Union Narrowboats
Grand Union Narrowboats
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
A small family operated company operating a fleet of five Narrowboats providing canal boat holidays on the Grand Union Canal.
Weedon, Northamptonshire, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
155 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
chrisrudman
london6 contributions
Jul 2020
We hired a 4-6 berth narrowboat called Tasselweed from Steve at Grand Union Narrowboats. We had a really lovely holiday for 1 week, and the boat/service received were second to none.
It was July 2020 and this was the perfect holiday during lockdown... the boat provided us with our own bubble yet we could still travel and explore safely. I really recommend this as a holiday for COVID times. Steve went to great care to be COVID compliant and make us feel safe doing the handovers, and took extra precautions to sanitise the interior several times before we boarded.
We choose Grand Union Narrowboats after searching lots of options based on the quality of the boat (the website gave good 360 videos to see what you're really getting) and the area we wanted to explore. Steve was very friendly and helpful on the phone and kindly agreed to hold a reservation for us while I waited for confirmation from work I could actually take that week.
I had been on narrowboats before, almost 30 years ago, but my family had no experience. Steve spent quite some time before we set off going over the important parts of the boat and how to use it and stay safe. When we did set off he came with us for the first 30 minutes to give us steering/navigation lessons plus general canal info (places to stop, see and eat, etc). He then hopped off and walked back to base. What was really amazing service (that I wasn't expecting) is the next morning he met us at our first set of locks (Stoke Bruene) and walked my wife/kids through the first 2 locks just to make sure we all knew what we were doing.
The boat itself was lovely - I couldn't help but compare the many boats we went past and I was happy with our choice. We had a really large space on the back, which I didn't see on any other boat, and this allowed all of us to be together while one of us steered. We got a lot of compliments from other boat owners and walkers alike. I would be keen to get this boat again next time.
It was a great holiday and I want to recommend Steve in particular. He was such a helpful, cheery, friendly guy that you can't help but wish him well in his business. He has a fleet of great boats and will ensure even beginners will feel at ease. Thanks again Steve.
It was July 2020 and this was the perfect holiday during lockdown... the boat provided us with our own bubble yet we could still travel and explore safely. I really recommend this as a holiday for COVID times. Steve went to great care to be COVID compliant and make us feel safe doing the handovers, and took extra precautions to sanitise the interior several times before we boarded.
We choose Grand Union Narrowboats after searching lots of options based on the quality of the boat (the website gave good 360 videos to see what you're really getting) and the area we wanted to explore. Steve was very friendly and helpful on the phone and kindly agreed to hold a reservation for us while I waited for confirmation from work I could actually take that week.
I had been on narrowboats before, almost 30 years ago, but my family had no experience. Steve spent quite some time before we set off going over the important parts of the boat and how to use it and stay safe. When we did set off he came with us for the first 30 minutes to give us steering/navigation lessons plus general canal info (places to stop, see and eat, etc). He then hopped off and walked back to base. What was really amazing service (that I wasn't expecting) is the next morning he met us at our first set of locks (Stoke Bruene) and walked my wife/kids through the first 2 locks just to make sure we all knew what we were doing.
The boat itself was lovely - I couldn't help but compare the many boats we went past and I was happy with our choice. We had a really large space on the back, which I didn't see on any other boat, and this allowed all of us to be together while one of us steered. We got a lot of compliments from other boat owners and walkers alike. I would be keen to get this boat again next time.
It was a great holiday and I want to recommend Steve in particular. He was such a helpful, cheery, friendly guy that you can't help but wish him well in his business. He has a fleet of great boats and will ensure even beginners will feel at ease. Thanks again Steve.
Written July 31, 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.
Mick G
Somerset, UK88 contributions
Jul 2020
Jimsonweed, what a boat
our first holiday since covid 19 from the first contact with Steve until its cheerio on the last day everything was top class.
On arrival everything was done to covid standards and Steve did not miss a thing.
We have had many a narrow-boat Holiday, brand new boats and old boats but JImsonweed was the best, she may be dated but she is pure class and quality, everything was on board what you needed including a lovely bottle of wine and a bunch of flowers.
The beds were the most comfortable we have had and the boat was so resposive it was a dream to drive, the location of the yard is perfect for starting your holiday.
Looking at Steve's other boats i would say they are all on the the 5 star level.
If you want a really good break on the Gu you must go with Grand union Narrow boats.
Thanks to them all for giving us a great time
our first holiday since covid 19 from the first contact with Steve until its cheerio on the last day everything was top class.
On arrival everything was done to covid standards and Steve did not miss a thing.
We have had many a narrow-boat Holiday, brand new boats and old boats but JImsonweed was the best, she may be dated but she is pure class and quality, everything was on board what you needed including a lovely bottle of wine and a bunch of flowers.
The beds were the most comfortable we have had and the boat was so resposive it was a dream to drive, the location of the yard is perfect for starting your holiday.
Looking at Steve's other boats i would say they are all on the the 5 star level.
If you want a really good break on the Gu you must go with Grand union Narrow boats.
Thanks to them all for giving us a great time
Written July 14, 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.
Andrew Lewis
East Grinstead, UK54 contributions
Jul 2020
This holiday was originally booked for the first week in May to celebrate a family members 60th birthday but Covid struck and we had to cancel. Steve went out of his way to accommodate us with other dates which he felt maybe available, we transferred to these new dates with his help but these too were cancelled, so the holiday was moved yet again for July - Hurrah we actually went.
On arrival we were impressed by the Covid precautions that had been instigated to ensure everybody's safety, we were given a full tour and instruction of the 70ft boat 'Tasselweed', then a briefing about canal safety. Tasselweed is the pride of Steve's fleet and we could not fault it in anyway from the fresh flowers and the little personal extras to the unexpected dishwasher and washing machine.
This is our 6th barging trip, Steve is a small independent family run business that stands out above the rest as he really values his customers and has great attention to detail, striving to ensure that your holiday is the best it can be.
We can see why Steve gets so many returning customers, especially as you can do so many different routes from his marina. We shall be booking again next year!
On arrival we were impressed by the Covid precautions that had been instigated to ensure everybody's safety, we were given a full tour and instruction of the 70ft boat 'Tasselweed', then a briefing about canal safety. Tasselweed is the pride of Steve's fleet and we could not fault it in anyway from the fresh flowers and the little personal extras to the unexpected dishwasher and washing machine.
This is our 6th barging trip, Steve is a small independent family run business that stands out above the rest as he really values his customers and has great attention to detail, striving to ensure that your holiday is the best it can be.
We can see why Steve gets so many returning customers, especially as you can do so many different routes from his marina. We shall be booking again next year!
Written July 20, 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.
Carl H
4 contributions
Sep 2020
Excellent week on Jimsonweed. The owner Steve is always happy to help and nothing is to much trouble. The boat was very clean and has everything you could need, the additional measures in place made us feel assured in this current climate, very COVID safe. We have used several boat companies over the past 12 years, and Grand Union Narrowboats stands out above the rest, so much so we have already booked for next year. Carl and Kate.
Written September 25, 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.
Graham S
1 contribution
Jul 2021
We had a great time on the Grand Union on “Driftweed”.
It was our first time on a narrowboat and Steve and his team did a fantastic job of explaining everything to us. The handover was excellent – and Covid safe – with lots of local knowledge and we were given hands on instruction for the first mile or so on steering, stopping and mooring which was very welcome. Next day Steve met us to go through lock handling.
The boat was well equipped – better than we expected a narrowboat to be – with plenty of storage, a good shower and full facilities. There were also some personal touches, some flowers and a bottle of wine, which summed up the personal service from Steve and Steph.
Overall we couldn’t have chosen a better company to hire from and we’ll certainly be back.
It was our first time on a narrowboat and Steve and his team did a fantastic job of explaining everything to us. The handover was excellent – and Covid safe – with lots of local knowledge and we were given hands on instruction for the first mile or so on steering, stopping and mooring which was very welcome. Next day Steve met us to go through lock handling.
The boat was well equipped – better than we expected a narrowboat to be – with plenty of storage, a good shower and full facilities. There were also some personal touches, some flowers and a bottle of wine, which summed up the personal service from Steve and Steph.
Overall we couldn’t have chosen a better company to hire from and we’ll certainly be back.
Written July 21, 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.
Del
Crawley, UK2 contributions
Jul 2020
Spent a fab week heading South on the Grand Union canal on Tasselweed.
Steve and his team really go the extra mile to make sure you're confident and happy before letting you loose. Even turned up on the second morning to show us the ropes regarding the locks,
The boat was spotlessly clean and very well equipped, we got many a compliment under way on the boats lovely looks.
I would highly recommend Grand Union Narrowboats and am sure we'll use them again
Steve and his team really go the extra mile to make sure you're confident and happy before letting you loose. Even turned up on the second morning to show us the ropes regarding the locks,
The boat was spotlessly clean and very well equipped, we got many a compliment under way on the boats lovely looks.
I would highly recommend Grand Union Narrowboats and am sure we'll use them again
Written August 20, 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.
Travel00197189386
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Our first holiday on a narrowboat and we certainly picked the best outfit with Steve and his family run operation.
We were on Jimsonweed and although she was 65 feet she handled beautifully and made the handling stress free with all the home comforts you could ever want or need.
There clearly was no stone left unturned when it came to safety and training us novices to feel confident in all that we needed to know to have a safe and throughly enjoyable few days. Steve and all his team made us feel welcome. On pick up we had full training and were supervised until we felt confident to handle the boat without guidance. Steve also met us on the second day to give us first hand lock training for as long as we wanted him. This far exceeded our expectations.
For anyone thinking - shall we hire a narrowboat - we thoroughly recommend you try Grand Union Narrowboats!
We were on Jimsonweed and although she was 65 feet she handled beautifully and made the handling stress free with all the home comforts you could ever want or need.
There clearly was no stone left unturned when it came to safety and training us novices to feel confident in all that we needed to know to have a safe and throughly enjoyable few days. Steve and all his team made us feel welcome. On pick up we had full training and were supervised until we felt confident to handle the boat without guidance. Steve also met us on the second day to give us first hand lock training for as long as we wanted him. This far exceeded our expectations.
For anyone thinking - shall we hire a narrowboat - we thoroughly recommend you try Grand Union Narrowboats!
Written September 7, 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.
Lemmy
Hertford, UK26 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
This is our fourth canal holiday but our first with this company. We have been impressed with Steve and his team every step of the way. From booking to holidaying it has been stress free dealing with Steve who goes the extra mile to make your trip special. We are already talking about booking again next year.
We were on Tassleweed, the largest of the fleet. With teenagers on board 2 shower rooms were welcome ;-) A dishwasher was an unusual treat on board and a washing machine! The bow thrusters certainly helped with locks and mooring up, again something new to us but great. The little touches make things easy like tea towels, washing up liquid, oven gloves, kitchen roll, plenty of spare towels, toilet rolls and fresheners in each toilet. Fresh flowers are a nice touch. The boat was spotlessly clean and ready for our allotted arrival time. The oven is worth noting which was new this year and as cooks we found it a great size as some can be quite small. The kitchen was generally very well stocked for everything you need.
We had a mechanical problem on route but Steve came straight out and we were quickly on our way as he didn’t want us held up at all. These things happen but usually you get an engineer the next morning so Steve really goes the extra mile :-). He even called us after we left the boat offering to post an item we had left behind.
We travelled south towards Tring and can highly recommend the wood fired pizzas at The Navigation Inn in Thrupp. We found pubs were often busy and booking in advance was essential during August.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Steve to anyone considering a canal holiday. It’s a great family week away and you are in very safe hands.
We were on Tassleweed, the largest of the fleet. With teenagers on board 2 shower rooms were welcome ;-) A dishwasher was an unusual treat on board and a washing machine! The bow thrusters certainly helped with locks and mooring up, again something new to us but great. The little touches make things easy like tea towels, washing up liquid, oven gloves, kitchen roll, plenty of spare towels, toilet rolls and fresheners in each toilet. Fresh flowers are a nice touch. The boat was spotlessly clean and ready for our allotted arrival time. The oven is worth noting which was new this year and as cooks we found it a great size as some can be quite small. The kitchen was generally very well stocked for everything you need.
We had a mechanical problem on route but Steve came straight out and we were quickly on our way as he didn’t want us held up at all. These things happen but usually you get an engineer the next morning so Steve really goes the extra mile :-). He even called us after we left the boat offering to post an item we had left behind.
We travelled south towards Tring and can highly recommend the wood fired pizzas at The Navigation Inn in Thrupp. We found pubs were often busy and booking in advance was essential during August.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Steve to anyone considering a canal holiday. It’s a great family week away and you are in very safe hands.
Written August 24, 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.
Many thanks for your positive feedback, myself and the team are so pleased you had such a great experience, it makes the effort we put in worthwhile.
We are sorry you had a problem with some suborn rubbish around the propeller, all part of the experience!!
We look forward to welcoming you back to Weedon in the future.
Best Wishes,
Steve
Written August 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
simione
akaroa16 contributions
Jul 2022
We would like to echo all the other positive reviews about the narrow boats from Grand Union Narrowboats in Weedon. Having owned and cruised on our own narrow boat for five years, we wondered whether renting a boat would measure up, but it did! We couldn't fault Londonweed, or Steve and his fantastic and helpful team. We loved the interior layout of the boat, the kitchen and bathroom set-ups, and particularly all the good storage areas throughout the boat. There were extra thoughtful touches, including flowers and a bottle of wine, as well as games to play on board. We would highly recommend Grand Union Narrowboats to anyone wanting to cruise on the English canals, and hope to be able to use them again ourselves.
Written July 30, 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.
Denise
Riehen, Switzerland4 contributions
Jul 2023
What a great company! It was our first time on a narrow boat, and the whole crew was so helpful. The trained us very well, and so we could enjoy our 12 days trip every single day (and every lock....).
The boat was very well equipped, very clean and there were flowers on the table, milk in the fridge, and tea/coffee ready to be prepared.
The whole crew is very helpful and friendly, and we always knew: If there is a problem....just call Steve ;-)))
We really had a wonderful time on 'our Jimsonweed' and highly recommend the 'Grand Union Narrowboats-Company'! Many thanks Steve and team!!
Wir hatten eine wundervolle und grossartige Zeit auf unserem Narrowboat 'Jimsonweed'. Die Reiseart ist einzigartig und es sind entschleunigende Ferien, die auch unserer 13jährigen Tochter sehr gefallen haben. Die Landschaft, die Ortschaften und auch die zahlreichen Pubs sind ein Erlebnis, von dem man noch lange zehrt! Wir können die 'Grand Union Narrowboats-Company' sehr empfehlen. Alle sind sehr zuvorkommen und hilfsbereit und instruieren einen so, dass man sich nachher wirklich sicher fühlt. Wir hatten eine einmalige und unvergessliche Zeit. Herzlichen Dank Steve und dem ganzen Team!!
The boat was very well equipped, very clean and there were flowers on the table, milk in the fridge, and tea/coffee ready to be prepared.
The whole crew is very helpful and friendly, and we always knew: If there is a problem....just call Steve ;-)))
We really had a wonderful time on 'our Jimsonweed' and highly recommend the 'Grand Union Narrowboats-Company'! Many thanks Steve and team!!
Wir hatten eine wundervolle und grossartige Zeit auf unserem Narrowboat 'Jimsonweed'. Die Reiseart ist einzigartig und es sind entschleunigende Ferien, die auch unserer 13jährigen Tochter sehr gefallen haben. Die Landschaft, die Ortschaften und auch die zahlreichen Pubs sind ein Erlebnis, von dem man noch lange zehrt! Wir können die 'Grand Union Narrowboats-Company' sehr empfehlen. Alle sind sehr zuvorkommen und hilfsbereit und instruieren einen so, dass man sich nachher wirklich sicher fühlt. Wir hatten eine einmalige und unvergessliche Zeit. Herzlichen Dank Steve und dem ganzen Team!!
Written August 2, 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.
Hi, ourselves and another couple are booked for two weeks on the Tasselweed in September and would love any recommendations, advice, must see places, great pubs, attractions etc. We are coming from Canada and are extremely excited. Hoping to pick up groceries along the way at some point and right now the route is pending on your thoughts and ideas!! We did order the canal route guide book # 1, hoping to receive it soon. Thanks so much in advance! Lyman, Lori, Bob and Sharon
Written May 31, 2018
Hi, the New Inn at Buckby Locks is a must if you go North. Also the Greyhound at Hawksbury Junction both do amazing food. The canal shop at Buckby Locks does stunning hand painted canal art gifts. Highly recommend. Hope you have a wonderful trip. We just got back and it was truly an amazing adventure. Recommend cameras as there was so much wildlife around. Bernice
Written August 25, 2018
Hi everyone, ourselves and another couple are booked for two weeks on the Tasselweed in September and would love any recommendations, advice, must see places, great pubs, attractions etc. We are coming from Canada and are extremely excited. Hoping to pick up groceries along the way at some point and right now the route is pending on your thoughts and ideas!! We did order the canal route guide book # 1, hoping to receive it soon. Thanks so much in advance! Lyman, Lori, Bob and Sharon
Written May 28, 2018
Just go with the flow don't set yourselves high targets spoils the trip four to six hours is best
Written February 14, 2020
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