Take a Boat Trip
Dragonfly has spent over a year unable to run trips, partly because she was out of the water receiving maintenance and more recently because unfortunately a key part of our trip route has been blocked off - see elsewhere on this site. BUT - although our usual boat trips cannot run, we have found that we can offer much shorter trips, so have decided to commence these on Saturday May 8th. Fares are £3 per person, irrespective of age. To stay within current Covid restrictions, passengers will have to remain outside the cabin at the front of the boat (though there is shelter from the rain). Group size is up to 6 from several households, or up to 12 from two households or Covid bubbles.
Trips will run from 10.30 am at weekends, at half-hourly intervals. To book, call the boat team on 07401 220076 or preferably email boat.bookings@wbct.org.uk
We very much hope we shall be able to resume our usual trips once the blockade has been lifted.
Information on our usual trips
Dragonfly is a great way to see the restored section of the canal in Swindon.
Dragonfly is of traditional construction, having a steel hull and superstructure. She can carry up to 12 passengers and 2 crew, has plenty of room inside and with heating and a table, is ideal for parties or meetings, even if the weather is poor. When the weather is good, there is also plenty of room for passengers outside the cabin. She has a galley with hob, fridge and sinks. The engine has a sound reducer for a smooth, quiet experience.
There is a wheelchair lift to allow people who use a wheelchair or have a mobility problem to access the boat from the landing stage. Please note that there is only space for one wheelchair, and it is not possible to get larger powered wheelchairs on the lift.
Trips normally run from the landing stage at Waitrose, Wichelstowe, Swindon to Kingshill and return to Waitrose, lasting approximately 50 minutes. Use the postcode SN1 7BX to find the landing stage.
Please remember we require a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 3 children You can just turn up on the day, but if you want to be certain, please book via the contacts at the bottom of the page. Bookings close at 7 pm the day before - and you are only booked once you've received a confirmation!
The boat can be chartered, subject to crew availability, during the week or at weekends. It is popular for birthday and anniversary parties, including pirate parties, club meetings and get-togethers, in the day or summer evenings. Plenty of notice is good to make it easier to find crew. Charter fees are £60 for one hour, £90 for two hours.
If you would like to purchase a trip voucher as a present for a friend, we offer them at £18 for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. You may wish to purchase a Charter voucher for groups of up to 12, at the rates above. To obtain one, please email cheryll.yeowell@wbct.org.uk
For information, call the boat team on 07401 220076 or preferably email boat.bookings@wbct.org.uk