Christmas on a Narrowboat

Christmas is just around the corner!

After having an eventful summer the last thing you're thinking about is Christmas. Does anyone else feel it has come around so quickly this year?

Christmas on a narrowboat or widebeam can be difficult, but not to worry we are here to help! Follow our top tips to have a great Christmas on board.

Decorating your boat -

You need to think about decorating your boat before the mad Christmas shopping rush! Pop into your nearest supermarket/B&M or The Range for cheap and cheerful Christmas lights and decorations, you can even pick up a little tree for your boat. Don’t forget battery operated Christmas lights to display around your boat, this will prevent you running your engine to recharge the leisure/domestic batteries.

Christmas trees –

with little space to play with, having a Christmas tree may not be possible. The best option is to have is a small artificial tree to place on corner units or even on kitchen work surfaces. Keep things simple, decorating your boat doesn’t need to be a huge task, a few baubles and fairy lights for your small tree is perfect for anyone living on board. This will help everyone aboard feel Christmassy.

Christmas Dinner –

As you know cooking a large Christmas dinner for you and your family isn’t really an option aboard a small boat, but there’s nothing stopping you giving Christmas dinner a go for a small group of family or friends, preparation is key - you don’t have to spend the whole day cooking.

For those of you that don't fancy cooking or can't cook, there are plenty of great pubs along the canal that will most likely serve an amazing Christmas dinner. Just remember they get booked up very quickly so this needs to be booked in advance.

The Christmas period –

As most shops shut over the Christmas period, you'll need to make sure you stock up on the essentials – food, drink, water, fuel, coal, kindling, firelighters, firewood, matches, winter warmers, lights, candles and your Christmas outfit!

You may not even be on board over the Christmas period. If your boat is moored up during the Christmas period, follow these simple steps to keep your boat safe for when you come back home to it –

• Winterise your boat – make sure you drain all the water where possible.
• Have around 30% of anti-freeze in your heating system.
• Make sure you close all the windows
• Securely lock all side hatches
• Lock all doors front and back
• Do not leave the fire going
• Turn off all isolation switches
• Turn your stern greaser in till you can feel some resistance
• Turn the gas off Try and minimize condensation as much as possible 

Things to do over the Christmas period –

Don’t own a boat? Don’t want to miss out on a narrowboat experience over the Christmas break? You can hire a boat from any of the companies listed on our useful links page.

Cruise with Santa in Chesterfield – Canal and River trust is hosting narrowboat trips along the canal with Santa, You can choose to cruise with Santa Claus in any one of five locations on the Chesterfield Canal this Yuletide. Every child will receive a present from the great man and every adult can have a mince pie and a drink. All this for only £7 per person

Santa Cruises at Anderton Boat Lift - Join Santa and his helpers this Christmas at the Anderton Boat Lift for a festive cruise on the River Weaver Navigation. Storytelling, songs and a special present for each child.

 Whilton Locks Garden center - Or visit santa in his grotto near us at Whilton marina, (over the road at Whilton Locks garden center) Santa will be in his grotto waiting to meet you. Why not try a bit of ice skating while you're there – check out the website to book your slot 

Buying or Selling a Narrowboat?

If 2020 is the year you wish to either buy, sell or part exchange your narrow boat then we hope you all consider buying or selling through Whilton or Venetian Marina. Let us help take the stress out of finding a new narrowboat by providing you with the best service around. Buying and selling narrowboats is basically what we do best and our experienced staff are available 7 days a week to assist you. We can hold your hand all the way through the buying process and give you the best advice to ensure you buy the right boat.  

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Whilton Marinas Christmas opening hours