London Canal Cruises - the concept
Most visitors to London see the sights by car, bus or train. Many go on foot, jostling their way through the crowds. Very few people have the opportunity to cruise through the centre of town, relaxing on a privately chartered narrowboat. With London Canal Cruises, the boat is exclusively yours for the duration of your cruise - anything from a few hours to a full day, so you can unwind and explore the canal in the company of your hosts without all the pressure of modern city life. We can take up to six people, with a minimum of two, making our cruises popular for a wide range of occasions including business lunches, entertaining friends, surprise birthday celebrations, even engagements (we’ve done lots - and they all said yes!) We recommend our popular cruise itineraries, such as the day cruise from City Road to Little Venice and back to Camden, but if you have a specific timetable we may be able to tailor a cruise to suit your preference. Once you book your charter, everything is included; elevenses, a three course lunch, all your drinks... All you have to do is sit back and enjoy!
Narrowboat ‘Helix’
HELIX is typical of the narrowboats found on the English canal system. Constructed of steel, she is 45 feet long and 6 feet 10 inches wide, the width of all traditional narrowboats. The forward deck is unusually long and gives unobstructed viewing plus the opportunity to dine outside if you prefer, with the option of a canopy overhead. As you step inside through the forward doors, you enter the saloon which has both central heating and a cosy wood-burning stove for those ‘not-so-warm’ days. As you proceed aft, the galley is next in line, followed by the shower room to port. Then there is the aft cabin, where we can serve lunch if you prefer to dine indoors. Beyond the next door is the engine room housing the diesel power plant and most of the mechanical equipment, with a companionway leading out onto the stern deck. Like a traditional working boat, Helix has a very compact stern just large enough for the driver, to avoid using up valuable length. Unlike the working boats however, on which a whole family often lived in one small cabin with spartan equipment, Helix has all the modern creature comforts without being overtly ‘modern.’
Alex and Jenny - your hosts
Having made their first trip aboard a friend’s narrowboat, Alex and Jenny were immediately hooked on inland cruising. After trying out a couple of other boats over a number of years, they designed Helix and had her built specifically with entertaining in mind. Boating remains a pleasure as well as a business; you can often find one or both of them getting involved with local waterways events and festivals. Whether your trip is for a special occasion, a business meeting or just a getaway for the day, Alex and Jenny will give you as much or as little personal attention as you like; you will soon feel completely at home on Helix. Jenny trained as a Cordon Bleu chef, so as a team they have combined their experience as restaurateurs with their love of boating to bring you the best in hospitality.
How to choose and book a cruise
Take a look at our recommended cruise itinerary. If you have any questions, or need to organise different timings or a special extra, email or call us. We will do our best to make the day exactly what you want it to be. Once all the cruise details are worked out, we will send you a booking form either by email or post, on which you can choose your meals and fill in the essential details. On receipt of the form and your deposit, Helix will be reserved just for you.
The cruises