How do I find you?
By car. our base is one third of a mile from Junction 11 of the M56 Motorway. By train, we are approximately 4 miles from Runcorn Station on the line from London Euston to Liverpool or 6 miles from Warrington Bank Quay on the London Euston to Glasgow main line. By air we are 18 miles from Manchester Airport. In respect of rail or air arrivals and departures we offer a free transit service, please ask prior to the start of the holiday.

When are you open?
We are open 7 days a week from: 8.30a.m. -5.30p.m. Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. -5.30 p.m. Sunday.

What are your boats like?
Our distinctively painted fleet of steel-hull narrowboats are 6'10" beam and less than 2' draft, which allows navigation on any part of the inland waterways system. The large rear deck, with room for the whole crew, allows your party to be together even when underway. There is full headroom throughout the boat and the berths are fitted with deep foam or inner sprung mattresses for maximum comfort. Showers and flushing toilets are provided on all boats and for your privacy each cabin is separated by a door (except Moore Hall).

All of our boats are centrally heated with gas fired boilers and hot water radiators. There is a generous inventory of blankets pillows and freshly laundered bed linen with a choice of duvets or sleeping bags. Tableware, cutlery, saucepans, frying pan, roasting pan and other kitchen utensils are all provided. Cot sides for the beds made be requested in advance. The saloon is fitted with a radio/cassette player and a colour TV set. All of our narrowboats are powered by a water cooled marine diesel engine, with single lever control and electric start. Large diesel tanks contain enough fuel for two weeks cruising.

Exceptional to canal hire boats, The Cheshire Cat, Cheddleton Mill, Castle and Priory class boats are equipped with a hydraulic drive. This arrangement eliminates gearbox and stern tube vibration and attendant noise, providing a very high degree of reliability and unusually low noise levels.

Do fuel and gas cost extra?
No. Both diesel fuel and Calor gas is included in the hire charge. Each boat is supplied with 2 or 3 Calor gas bottles, giving you plenty of gas for your holiday. These are stored in the gas locker in the bow of the boat (except Alice and Moore Hall which are in the cockpit) and are connected to an automatic change-over valve to give a continuous supply. The Calor gas supplies your full size cooker and central heating.

There are two sets of batteries. One for the engine starting and a bank of batteries for domestic use i.e. the lighting, water and bilge pumps, TV and radio, shaver points and refrigerator. The batteries are kept charged by the diesel engine. The fresh water is stored in a large tank (minimum 100 gallons) situated in the bow. This will last you for approximately 3 days, but the normal procedure on the canals is to top up your fresh water tank daily at the taps situated along the waterways.

All of our boats are thoroughly cleaned and serviced between trips and we make every effort to keep our standards high.

What is a canal holiday like?
In a word, relaxing. If you take off your watch time will become meaningless. The boats are easy to handle and the locks, whilst requiring some physical exertion, are simple to get to grips with. You will always find someone to lend you a hand or to give you a bit of friendly advice. In fact the one thing that may surprise you is the camaraderie that you will find amongst fellow boaters. If you live in a city you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have a chat at the locks or say a simple 'good morning' as they pass by.

I have never been before, how will I know what to do?
At Claymoore we believe in giving you the best instruction in the equipment and handling of your boat so that your holiday is as enjoyable as possible. When you are ready to leave, a member of our team will travel a short way with you to instruct you on the control of your boat, the working of locks and some canal etiquette. When you feel comfortable, we step off to allow you the freedom to discover this wonderful world.

What is your cruising season?
Our price schedule indicates our main operating season but we are open for business all year round and some boats are available for hire at any time. For full details and prices please email, telephone or write.

How do I book?
Simply contact us by telephone, email or in person to check availability and reserve your boat. The confirm your booking with a completed booking form and deposit within 7 days. The balance of the hire charge is due 6 weeks before your holiday start date.

What does the hire fee cover?
The hire fee covers the hire of the boat and its full inventory of equipment. Also included is VAT, fuel, Calor gas, bedding, bed linen, car parking, buoyancy aids, toilet pumpout, accidental damage to the boat and its inventory and public liability risks. Please refer to clause 7 of the 'Conditions of Hire' for reservations.

Is there parking for cars?
Yes, we have ample outdoor parking space at our base. Please remember that parking is at the owners risk and is free of charge.

Are pets allowed on board?
We are pleased to allow your cat, dog or small pet on board but please - NOT ON THE UPHOLSTERY OR BEDDING. Please note that Moore Hall is not suitable for pets.

Can you order groceries for me?
Yes, we would be pleased to do so. Please request a grocery order form and return your order at least one week before your departure to have your groceries on board on your arrival. You will need to pay for you groceries on arrival at our base.

Should I book early?
Quite simply, the earlier you book, the more chance of getting the boat you want.

Do you accept credit or debit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Switch or Delta. A small charge may be made for payments by American Express.

Are there televisions on the boats?
Yes, a colour television is on all of our boats at no additional charge.

Will our children be safe?
Yes. Our boats have guard rails around the external cockpit and we provide buoyancy aids. Cot sides for the beds are available on request. Safety netting for the stern deck can also be provided on request. There is no charge for any of our safety equipment.

When can I see the boat?
You are very welcome to visit us at all times during our opening hours. However please consider that our boats may not be at the base during the height of the cruising season so a telephone call to check may save a wasted journey.

Can I charge my camcorder, digital camera or mobile phone?
The is a 12v recharging point (cigarette lighter type socket) on each of our boats for the charging of these types of items. Most electronics manufacturers offer a cigarette socket charger for their products. By prior arrangement a 240v recharging facility can be provided.

What are the conditions of hire?
Please read our conditions of hire carefully. They can be found by clicking here.