Keep Swanning Around
Did you know swans are the largest extant members of the waterfowl family Anatidae, and are among the largest flying birds in the world. A group of swans is called a bevy or a wedge in flight. Swans usually mate for life, although divorce sometimes occurs, particularly following nesting failure, and if a mate dies, the remaining swan will take up with another. Swans are highly protective of their nests. They will viciously attack anything that they perceive as a threat to their chicks, including...
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SShhhhh - Quiet Zones
The canal waterway is a community hub where there are many users that share the same space from boats, cyclists, fishermen, walkers, mores, neighbours and many business operations. One of the greatest attractions the canals have are that they are peaceful and tranquil places where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, please help us keep them that way. In some places where waterways and buildings are in close proximity to one another, there can be a risk of noise that may...
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Mysteries of the canal - Plasticine
Did you know that when you leave Sydney Wharf on one of our boats, approximately 40 minutes later, you pass through Bathampton where the original Plasticine factory was sited! Who hasn't as a child had fun making things out of plasticine? Sometimes they come alive, just ask Wallis & Gromit! William Harbutt, an art teacher in Bath, England, formulated Plasticine in 1897. Harbutt wanted a non-drying clay for his sculpture students. He created a non-toxic, sterile, soft and malleable clay...
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New Boat - The King of Diamonds
We've been working hard during the winter and have added to our expanding fleet our newly refurbished King of Diamonds. A cracking boat with a lounge, a diesel stove for those winter nights, a kitchen with granite worktops, coffee machine and gas hob etc.
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Another Boat Sold
Even in these Pandemic times, people are still looking for a chilled escape and what better way on a narrowboat! Last year a unique and rare opportunity arose to purchase a 59 ft traditional narrowboat with an exceptional mooring in the Somerset Coal Canal. This short length of canal was restored approximately 40 years ago and turned into a linear marina. We operate at the closed end where there is a Canal Visitor Centre, restaurant and us. We are a hire base, hiring out nearly 40 different boats,...
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Claverton Pumping Station is over 200 years old and still works
Step Back in Time and Visit Claverton Pumping Most of our hirers if traveling from Sydney Wharf to Dundas aqueduct will pass through Claverton along the canal. This is where there is a wide turning circle allowing for the longest narrowboats to turn safely. There is also below the canal, one of only two operating beam pumps in the country. It is worth taking a look if you have time as it's over 200 years old and still works. The Claverton Pumping Station is a rare surviving example...
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