Where can we meet our boat?

You will meet Moonbeam, Medusa, Moondance or Moonshadow at Bradford on Avon, about two hours' cruising from the Georgian city of Bath, at Honeystreet east of Devizes or Newbury. You will recieve information, a map and directions to your boat in your handbook that will be sent to you. Perhaps you may go down the River Avon further to the great city of Bristol or, to the East, up the magnificent Caen Hill flight of locks and on to Devizes, Hungerford, Newbury, Reading and Old Father Thames. If you've enough time (three weeks or more), you could go down the Thames to London, or upstream to Oxford.

How many boats have Moonraker got?

Four boats, Moonbeam, Medusa, Moondance and from Christmas 2011..Moonshadow! They have established our reputation for exceptional quality and set new standards in luxury canal boat hire.

What is provided on the boat?

Everything you need for a comfortable holiday is provided:

Comfortable beds with duvets

All towels are provided!

Galley with gas cooker, microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery, pans, cafetiere etc.

Digital colour TV with Freeview

CD Stereo and DVD.

240v

Luxury Jacuzzi Bath/Shower

Flushing fresh-water toilet

Life belt, plank, mooring pins, etc

Life jackets if requested

2 sets waterproof jackets and trousers

All you need bring are your clothes and your food.

What shouldn't we bring?

Please don't bring any electrical appliances without our agreement.

How difficult is it to drive a narrowboat?

Don't worry! We will give you all the instruction you need which is very thorough. We stay onboard with you for as long as it takes for you to feel comfortable, confident and relaxed. You do not require a licence to drive a narrowboat. To help you, your boat carries a comprehensive manual containing all you will need to know. You'll also find all the maps you need.

How far can we go?

Allow four to five hours' cruising a day, and work on 3 to 4 miles per hour. A lock takes 15 minutes, so add the miles you want to travel to the number of locks ('lock-miles') and divide by three to get the cruising time required. Experienced boaters may go as far as Bristol to the West and London to the East (and Ripon to the North, if you have a couple of months to spare!), but this will require extra licences at your own expense. Inexperienced boaters will be restricted to the K&A between Bath and Newbury - still a good two weeks' worth!

What if we have a problem?

Problems are very rare, but we do have an emergency engineering call-out service. We'll do our very best to get you going as soon as possible.

What extras do we have to pay for?

Almost none. Coal, wood, diesel and gas is provided free of charge. Water should be topped-up daily, and is free. Car parking is £25.00 per week per car or £12.50 per short break per car (at your own risk). Mooring en-route is generally free, but check your guide-books. The only extra which we insist you pay for is any non-BW licence you might require, e.g. for the River Thames or Bristol Harbour.

What extras can we have?!

Moonraker can offer a personalised holiday experience like no other. From the simple, like groceries on your boat for your arrival, to the sublime, like a gourmet dinner served to you on your boat at a location of your choice, Moonraker will strive to exceed your expectations. If you have an idea to make your holiday special, let us know!

What about insurance?

The boat is insured by us for third party risks and damage to the boat in excess of £500. You are now required to take out your own holiday insurance to cover cancellation, personal accidents and loss of personal effects. Moonraker recommends HSBC Direct travel insurance, call them on 0800 277377; or Guest First on 01404 41234.

Can we take our pets?

Your well behaved pets are welcome (but not on the furniture). A surcharge of £25 will be made to cover extra cleaning.

Are there any restrictions on bookings?

You must be 21 or over to book. We will not normally accept bookings from hen and stag parties - we are a family holiday provider.

Can we Look before we book?

Yes, but do ring for an appointment to avoid a wasted journey. We may occasionally host 'open days' for potential hirers to try the boats out; dates will be advised to you at the time.

How to book

To reserve your dates, please call 07973-876891, or e-mail bookings. We will hold your dates for 6 days. Print out and complete the booking form for either Medusa, Moonbeam, Moondance and Moonshadow (after reading the Terms and Conditions carefully) and send it to us, together with your 25% deposit. Once we receive your booking, we will send you confirmation and your Moonraker Information Pack..