Hawkesbury Narrow Boat, Narrowboat Trent and Mersey Canal Trips

So you like the idea of a holiday afloat but don't fancy doing all the work? Maybe a 'Hotel' boat doesn't give you the exclusive use of the boat or the 'hands on' aspect you were looking for? Perhaps you are considering buying a boat and want the chance to try a vessel out with a homely feel? 'Hawkesbury' is as close to 'Live-Aboard' as you will find.

Either way 'Hawkesbury', built in 1937, could be the solution... We offer 'Skippered Charters'. You get a qualified Helmsman who manages the boat for you, assist him all you wish! He lives independently from the main guest accommodation in the origional 'Back Cabin'. 

 Hawkesbury has been awarded a two rosette rating by ‘Visit Britain’ and 'Enjoy England' for holiday charters, and features in ‘Destination Staffordshire’. We also run a variety of other services aboard, including day charters for groups of up to ten people.

Short breaks and weekly charters are available around a multitude of cruising routes. You get to steer if you wish and operate the locks and bridges, even gain a recognised qualification if you are up for it! (See the website for details www.bm3co.co.uk)
What you don't get are the stresses and strains of operating one of the largest, heaviest narrowboats on the entire system - leave that to the Skipper.

Facilities aboard
·         Quality bath / shower room with constant hot water
·         Beautifully appointed interior saloon with solid fuel stove, digital TV,sofa bed for guests etc
·         Light, airy, spacious galley / kitchen
·         An enormous exterior saloon under the removable 'Cloths' in The Bows
·         Master Cabin with large fixed double bed - Central heating
 
Hawkesbury is a perfect space for a couple, although she can accommodate two couples, using the sofa bed in the main saloon.
 
BES Ltd is now running various activities aboard ‘Hawkesbury’, including:
 
Taster days at the helm - A great gift for a budding Skipper or try your hand yourself.
Corporate events and team building exercises - Why have a meeting in a stuffy room when up to ten clients can convene aboard, stop for lunch then work the boat back to base! Speak to the Boss!
Family and group day charters - We cater for up to ten guests in our comfortable exterior saloon. Refreshments served, catering available and we have several canalside pubs and cafe's along our routes that can provide a varied range of meals.

Youth projects - BES Ltd is an ‘Accredited Training Centre’ for the NCBA and we are also registered as an Alternative Education Supplier and ASDAN regulator for youngsters, working particularly with teenagers with Autism.
Skipper training - Looked after by ‘Hawkesbury’s resident Skipper who is a Royal Yachting Association and National Community Boats Association Instructor and was recently appointed as Regional Assessor for Skipper training for the Inland Waterways Association.

Towage - Hawkesbury is available for towing in broken down vessels, safely, fully insured and with experienced Skippers and Crew.
 BES Ltd hope Folks who want to get qualified, have a holiday afloat, fancy a venue for an event or anything else that we can help with will take a look at our website www.bm3co.co.uk and get in touch! 01543 481868 or 07527 727169