JOB VACANCIES​

Contact us by phone 01524 389410, send us an email here Our office hours are : WINTER (Mid Oct to End March) Mon, Tues &Thurs 9:00 to 15:00 SUMMER (April to Mid Oct) Mon to Friday 09:00-15:00 Please note that during busy periods we may not be able to answer your call straight away but leave us a message and we will return your call as soon as possible

The cruises are operated throughout the year by “Kingfisher” which is 65 foot long by 10 foot 6 inches wide. It has seating for 48 at table plus 6 cushioned side bench seats and seating for 6 at the front of the boat (bow). There is a large toilet and opposite a welcome area and bar. The walls and surrounds of the boat are in light wood with the seat cushions in blue and the tables in red. Crockery is white and a menu and safety card is placed at each table. There is sound surround system which can use all main sources of music including iPod, mp4 and CD. Facilities are available for overhead projection which can be played through computer and via usb sticks. This allows any type of presentation to be used on board and includes films. There is ceiling spot lighting throughout the boat and in an emergency lighting is also available through the centre of the boat along the aisles. Hot and Cold food is available on most cruises and the bar is fully licensed. At least two crew will be available to meet and greet and look after customer needs and requirements on board. All meals are served at seat.

Yes. Why not treat family or friends, so that they can enjoy a wonderful canal cruise experience ? Purchase a gift voucher here.

Seating on Kingfisher is arranged by tables of 4. On busy cruises, if your party is less or more than 4 you may be seated with other passengers.

Refunds are not possible however, customers can transfer to an alternative date if we receive 24 hours' notice. In some cases food is pre-booked and cannot be cancelled, therefore customers will be charged for the food element of their cruise, and only a partial cost will be available to transfer onto another cruise.

For full details and maps of how to reach us please see click here. The main departure point in winter (November to April) is Barton Grange Garden Centre marina. During the summer season “Kingfisher” is at Barton Grange Friday to Sunday. The main departure point in Summer (May to October) is Lancaster Aldcliffe road on a Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.

Booking in advance is essential for all cruises. Cruises run subject to bookings. For card payments by telephone, call 01524 389410. We accept most credit and debit cards with no additional fee. Bookings can also be made securely online here.

Lancaster Departures The nearest car park for Lancaster departures is The Auction Mart car park situated on Thurnham Street at the top of the Lancaster one way system (sat nav postcode LA1 1XU). From the car park, a pedestrian crossing system takes you over the road to the canal & departure point. Carnforth Departures Cruises depart from The Canal Turn pub, situated on the A6, next to the BP garage (sat nav postcode LA5 9EE). Parking is not available in the pub car park. Barton Grange Departures Cruises depart from the marina located next to the garden centre on the A6. Our boat is in the marina on right hand side just after the entrance gates. Car and Coach parking is free with flat easy access to the boat. (sat nav postcode PR3 0RB) Click here to get directions and maps.

We are a dog friendly boat and a water bowl is available on request to a crew member – we do not however allow dogs on our food cruises for hygiene reasons.

We welcome group bookings, large and small. You may book for as many passengers as you wish on any available cruise. Seats will be reserved together for your group. A non-refundable deposit of £50.00 is required to secure a group booking. Chose your cruise here.

Unfortunately the boat does not have wheelchair access, although we can accommodate wheelchair users who can walk short distances, provided that the chair is foldable. Our friendly crew are happy to help any passengers who require assistance with boarding. In addition, for anyone who has concerns, we will be happy to show you the boat in advance of your travel date so that you can check whether the access is suitable for your party.

All services are subject to weather and operational circumstances; please ring 01524 389410 during office hours to check sailings, particularly in the case of forecasted high winds

Children under 3 travel may travel free of charge, but must not occupy a seat if there is no spare one available.

Cruises operate all year round from Barton Grange, in winter the boat is available seven days a week between November and April. In summer (May to October) the boat is available Fridays to Sundays. There is free car and coach parking available. All access is on the level. A pedestrian crossing provides a safe route between the garden centre and marina departure mooring. Stagecoach operates a bus service 40/41 between Preston and Lancaster every half hour during the day on Mondays to Saturdays. A hourly service operates on Sundays. The bus stop is less than 5 minutes from the marina cruise departure point. If travelling by bus the stop is Bilsborrow Barton Grange Garden Centre. The nearest railway station is Preston (6 miles). The 40/41 bus service operates from the bus station which is approximately 1 mile from the railway station. Public toilets are available at the Garden Centre should customers wish to use this facility prior to boarding.

Lune aqueduct cruises operate on Tuesdays to Thursdays throughout the summer (May to October) operating a timetabled service as shown in our leaflet or on the website. There is a flat access from the junction with Queen Street or a stepped access with additional access slope for wheelchairs etc from the coach layby at the junction with Penny Street. Private toilets are available nearby by asking the crew to unlock these in emergency only. The boat has its own toilet facility. Car Parking is available at the Auction Mart car park which is not the easiest to access because of the one way system. A plan on our website with directions is available for those travelling by car. The auction mart car park is less than 5 minutes from the boat departure mooring. The car parking charge for 3 hours is £4.90 please check our website prior to arrival on the latest charges. Stagecoach operate a large number of buses to the bus stops adjacent to the hospital including the 40/41 bus service. The bus stops are less than 5 minutes from the boat departure mooring. The nearest rail station is Lancaster situated just 1 mile from the cruise departure mooring. Taxis are available at the west exit (platform 3) or walking on the flat takes 20 minutes. The city centre and shopping area is just a 5 minute walk from the mooring point.

Souvenirs can be purchased on board the boat subject to availability.

Teas, coffees, soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks and confectionery are available to purchase on board. Buffets and hot meals can be booked in advance for groups of 20 or more.

All our boats are non-smoking. However, it is possible to smoke on the outdoor terrace at some of our restaurants. Some of our boats are equipped with an exterior platform where you can smoke.

All of our staff receive annual training covering safety awareness, fire, first aid and manual handling. It also includes customer care training and how to handle difficult situations. On departing from the mooring a member of staff will advise customers of the emergency procedures. Our Boat is certified under the Marine and Coastguard Agency safety certification and meets the necessary safety risks and passenger requirements laid down on passenger boat operations. Twice a year inspections are carried out by the MCA to ensure that the boat is compliant, and a safety certificate is then issued. Safety is our number one priority. We are a Registered Centre approved by Lancashire County Council. Fully trained operating staff travel on all cruises and safety briefings are given at the start of all trips. Further risk assessment information can be provided on request.