Grand Union Narrowboats
Grand Union Narrowboats
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
A small family operated company operating a fleet of five Narrowboats providing canal boat holidays on the Grand Union Canal.
Weedon, Northamptonshire, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Grand Union Narrowboats
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(11 reviews)
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5.0
134 reviews
Excellent
133
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Rob H
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We hired Knotweed from Grand Union Narrowboats as a family for a Monday to Friday break. We were extremely impressed with their level of service from start to finish. On arrival we were shown to the boat and where to park our car. The boat was very well maintained and spotless inside. Steve and his team were all very friendly. They showed us through the boat and explained to us how everything worked. We left the boatyard feeling confident and well prepared for our holiday. When we returned, Steve and his team were all ready to assist in mooring up our boat and checked how everything had been. It had been excellent!
We would definitely hire a narrowboat from Grand Union Narrowboats again and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in going on a narrow boating holiday.
We would definitely hire a narrowboat from Grand Union Narrowboats again and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in going on a narrow boating holiday.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine m K
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
We hired the boat Driftweed last weekend and the experience exceeded our expectations. Steve and his team (special thanks to Dave) were first rate, from advice before travel to extensive, tailored guidance on the boat and even joining us on day 2 to help with navigating locks for the first time.
The boat itself was well-maintained and well-equipped. The milk/tea/coffee and fresh flowers were a nice touch.
We would travel with Grand Union Narrowboats again and would 100% recommend.
The boat itself was well-maintained and well-equipped. The milk/tea/coffee and fresh flowers were a nice touch.
We would travel with Grand Union Narrowboats again and would 100% recommend.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murray S
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
It was great on a narrow boat! with my classmates.
turning locks, seeing different places. Such as Birmingham, Leamington spa, A birthday meal at a chinese restaurant. Going on local walks by footpaths.
turning locks, seeing different places. Such as Birmingham, Leamington spa, A birthday meal at a chinese restaurant. Going on local walks by footpaths.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Murray, It's great to see you had such a fantastic time on your canal holiday! But i think you may have left your review on the wrong page as I don't think you had your holiday with us. BUT if you are thinking of a canal holiday in the furture then please bare us in mind as we have a great selection of routes to choose from at our location on the Grand Union Canal at Weedon.
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alistair Cope
Seaton, UK20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This might not be the right place to write a review on some paint work carried out by this company, but I have to spread the news that Steve and his team are quite simply excellent.
I purchased a 60' narrowboat a couple of months ago and it needed a few things doing and in particular the name changing and a new name sign written.
After a quick call to Steve, I could tell things were going to go well. He popped down to the boat and we chatted for some time. He quickly understood my desire to maintain my boat well and sympathetically to its traditional style.
We reached an agreement as to what needed doing and shortly after this the boat was out of the water and work had started. By this time I was some 4 hours away in Devon, so calling in to monitor the progress just wasn't possible. However, regular updates by Steve, providing photos of the progress being made and also suggestions as to what could be done were reassuring and very professional.
When I returned to collect the boat, it not only looked stunning with its new paintwork, but the interior had been fully cleaned.
A massive thank you to Steve and his efficient and friendly team. I look forward to meeting up again in the future for any annual maintenance required.
I purchased a 60' narrowboat a couple of months ago and it needed a few things doing and in particular the name changing and a new name sign written.
After a quick call to Steve, I could tell things were going to go well. He popped down to the boat and we chatted for some time. He quickly understood my desire to maintain my boat well and sympathetically to its traditional style.
We reached an agreement as to what needed doing and shortly after this the boat was out of the water and work had started. By this time I was some 4 hours away in Devon, so calling in to monitor the progress just wasn't possible. However, regular updates by Steve, providing photos of the progress being made and also suggestions as to what could be done were reassuring and very professional.
When I returned to collect the boat, it not only looked stunning with its new paintwork, but the interior had been fully cleaned.
A massive thank you to Steve and his efficient and friendly team. I look forward to meeting up again in the future for any annual maintenance required.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thankyou Alistair! It was a pleasure working for you and getting your boat looking it's best for you. Enjoy your boating and we look forward to welcoming you to our workshops again in the future! Best Wishes, Steve.
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arthur H
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Such a great company . Was only last week we come back but for a small family company it was amazing . Entrance is hard to find but they sent us emails with photos and sat nav address to put in etc . Early check in which makes a change from other company's, boat had so much space outside , beds were so clean and smelt so fresh and looked inviting unlike most beds u get on holiday , and the smallest touch but meant alot to us was the fresh flowers ( not fake) which me mum looked after throughout holiday . Plus they let us park our campervan on site while we was away and Steve even parked his car Infront of it while we was away for extra security , didn't get rushed away they let us unpack first before the tutoring but luckily we had experience from previous year . And when we got back there was fresh flowers ready for the next people to get put in after cleaning etc and there prices are not expensive like other well known company's. Truly can not recommend this company enough . And all the staff were so friendly. Only downside was we only had a week haha . Thankyou Steve and all the narrowboat family .
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was great to meet you all, I'l pass you thanks onto the rest of the team. Steve
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom T
Auckland, New Zealand144 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We have just completed a 6 week trip around the UK and one of the highlights was a short break with Grand Union Narrowboats. We slotted it in after 3 weeks o travelling and it was just a great way to recharge the batteries. From the very first email inquiry the communication from Steve and his team was excellent. Instructions on how to find the base were clear and easy to follow. Upon arrival we were met by Steve and made to feel welcome as he introduced us to our home for the next 3 nights. A really nice touch was the New Zealand flag on the back of the boat. Coming from NZ we were complete novices at Narrowboating and were given a comprehensive induction on all aspects of the boat as well as a safety briefing. This process isn't rushed and you get to ask as many questions as you need to feel ready to go.
Once we were ready to leave we were accompanied by Jeff, one of Steves team, for the first hour as we learned the intricacies of piloting the boat. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first but Jeff was a great teacher and wouldn't leave until he was sure we had the hang of everything.
Steve set us a great route that took in a small Aquaduct, the 2.8km long Bilsworth tunnel and a 7 lock flight that was a lot of fun. As part of the service Steve arranged to met us at a designated time at the locks to show us the ropes. After the first 3 he was happy to leave us to enjoy the rest of our weekend.
We hired Knotweed 6 and what a great boat. As two couples we had plenty of space and privacy. The boat is very well equipped and in top condition. The canal is a wonderfully peaceful environment and just cruising along a 3-4 mile per hour is extremally relaxing. There are plenty of places to stop and we were able to find parking near a pub every night. All in all it was an awesome experience and great value for money. I just wish we had a few days extra. I would have no hesitation in recommending Grand Union Narrowboats as a great place for a canal experience
Once we were ready to leave we were accompanied by Jeff, one of Steves team, for the first hour as we learned the intricacies of piloting the boat. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first but Jeff was a great teacher and wouldn't leave until he was sure we had the hang of everything.
Steve set us a great route that took in a small Aquaduct, the 2.8km long Bilsworth tunnel and a 7 lock flight that was a lot of fun. As part of the service Steve arranged to met us at a designated time at the locks to show us the ropes. After the first 3 he was happy to leave us to enjoy the rest of our weekend.
We hired Knotweed 6 and what a great boat. As two couples we had plenty of space and privacy. The boat is very well equipped and in top condition. The canal is a wonderfully peaceful environment and just cruising along a 3-4 mile per hour is extremally relaxing. There are plenty of places to stop and we were able to find parking near a pub every night. All in all it was an awesome experience and great value for money. I just wish we had a few days extra. I would have no hesitation in recommending Grand Union Narrowboats as a great place for a canal experience
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou! We are so pleased you enjoyed your canal experience so much. It was great to meet you all. Perhaps see you again in the future. Best Wishes, Steve
Written 24 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carl M
16 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Very Enjoyable trip the boats have everything you need to get you started tea coffee etc... I was shocked to she towels had been provided wasn't expecting them after a rocky start and a few mistakes getting used to the boat it was a very enjoyable trip and would highly recommend anyone doing it
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela N
Farnham, UK51 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Arrived and met owner Steve and his efficient team who showed us the narrowboat 'Londonweed' we had booked online. Steve was meticulous with narrowboat show round and initial training and we felt we were in good hands. This was our third time hiring a narrow boat for a holiday, so felt confident after the refresher. Had a fab time away. Traveling south on Grand Union Canal we encountered beautiful scenery and great places to stop off and moor overnight. Discovered lovely quaint villages on the way - Bugbrooke and Upper Breune. The Blisworth Tunnel is a real experience and the 7 double locks that follow, was glad to see help as we approached them to travel downhill. The Canal volunteers were very chatty, informative and helpful. Our holiday was ideal with our two dogs with us - finding different places to walk with different sniffs and meet other dog owners. Also nice not to have TV for the week!
Thank you for the fresh flowers and pint of milk in fridge and the eco washing up liquid - much appreciated. See you again.
Thank you for the fresh flowers and pint of milk in fridge and the eco washing up liquid - much appreciated. See you again.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane J
Saint Louis, MO7 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Could not have been better -
I highly recommend Grand Union Narrowboats if you plan to hire a canal boat. Their service was friendly and SO helpful. This was the first time on a narrow boat so Steve not only explained the operation of the boat but also came with us for the first mile or so down the canal to make sure we were comfortable driving the boat. And best of all, EVERYTHING on the boat worked perfectly - no issues.
I highly recommend Grand Union Narrowboats if you plan to hire a canal boat. Their service was friendly and SO helpful. This was the first time on a narrow boat so Steve not only explained the operation of the boat but also came with us for the first mile or so down the canal to make sure we were comfortable driving the boat. And best of all, EVERYTHING on the boat worked perfectly - no issues.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
apsara711
Salem, OR34 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We had such a great trip on the Jimsonweed. We chose Grand Union Narrowboats because of the excellent reviews on the training guests receive before setting out. They were all true. Having never been on a narrowboat, we were a little nervous about navigating the narrow canals. Steve was incredibly patient, staying with us as long as we needed. He even went down the canal with us for an hour! By the time he left, we actually felt quite confident. Meeting us for our first few locks the next day was also so helpful! Locks aren't hard, but it is so much easier to learn while doing it.. especially with an expert teaching you in person!
The Jimsonweed is a great boat! It was very clean, in good condition, and well-equipped. We had a cabin for my husband and me, and a separate cabin for our son, and we didn't need to hassle with converting the table into a bed each night.
Narrowboating is fun! We loved going to the pubs in the small villages along the canal. It was relaxing and still felt like a grand adventure. We went for 5 days. I don’t think I'd go for a shorter trip than that. This was long enough for us to learn the rope and then be able to enjoy the cruising. We'd definitely love to come back for a much longer trip and we'd definitely come back to Grand Union Narrowboats.
The Jimsonweed is a great boat! It was very clean, in good condition, and well-equipped. We had a cabin for my husband and me, and a separate cabin for our son, and we didn't need to hassle with converting the table into a bed each night.
Narrowboating is fun! We loved going to the pubs in the small villages along the canal. It was relaxing and still felt like a grand adventure. We went for 5 days. I don’t think I'd go for a shorter trip than that. This was long enough for us to learn the rope and then be able to enjoy the cruising. We'd definitely love to come back for a much longer trip and we'd definitely come back to Grand Union Narrowboats.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori M
Halifax9 contributions
Hi, ourselves and another couple are booked for two weeks on the Tasselweed in September and would love any recommendations, advice, must see places, great pubs, attractions etc. We are coming from Canada and are extremely excited. Hoping to pick up groceries along the way at some point and right now the route is pending on your thoughts and ideas!! We did order the canal route guide book # 1, hoping to receive it soon. Thanks so much in advance! Lyman, Lori, Bob and Sharon
Bernice T
King's Lynn, UK8 contributions
Hi, the New Inn at Buckby Locks is a must if you go North. Also the Greyhound at Hawksbury Junction both do amazing food. The canal shop at Buckby Locks does stunning hand painted canal art gifts. Highly recommend. Hope you have a wonderful trip. We just got back and it was truly an amazing adventure. Recommend cameras as there was so much wildlife around. Bernice
Lori M
Halifax9 contributions
Hi everyone, ourselves and another couple are booked for two weeks on the Tasselweed in September and would love any recommendations, advice, must see places, great pubs, attractions etc. We are coming from Canada and are extremely excited. Hoping to pick up groceries along the way at some point and right now the route is pending on your thoughts and ideas!! We did order the canal route guide book # 1, hoping to receive it soon. Thanks so much in advance! Lyman, Lori, Bob and Sharon
David H
Jumilhac-le-Grand, France44 contributions
Just go with the flow don't set yourselves high targets spoils the trip four to six hours is best