Road House Narrowboats
Road House Narrowboats
Road House Narrowboats
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About
Four narrowboats available for short breaks, weekly hire and longer on the spectacular Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal which runs its course within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Our boats will sleep between two and five people.
Gilwern, Monmouthshire, Wales
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Road House Narrowboats
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5.0
60 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Bayleaf49
Chard, UK15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A fantastic service, personal handover with Nigel and the first bend, bridge and mooring escorted by him on board. Couldn't ask for a more complete introduction.
We had The Princess, great size for 2 people and easy in the Windings - well equipped and the answer to any questions is within handy reach or labelled.
We had stunning weather for the first few days, fantastic views and the autumn leaves were amazing. Very few other boats at this end of the season which was great and the lock volunteers were on hand all the way up. Tunnel, electric and lifting bridges all add to the excitement and new experiences, we were, of course, experts by the time it was time to turn and come back.
Thank you, we will be back next year.
We had The Princess, great size for 2 people and easy in the Windings - well equipped and the answer to any questions is within handy reach or labelled.
We had stunning weather for the first few days, fantastic views and the autumn leaves were amazing. Very few other boats at this end of the season which was great and the lock volunteers were on hand all the way up. Tunnel, electric and lifting bridges all add to the excitement and new experiences, we were, of course, experts by the time it was time to turn and come back.
Thank you, we will be back next year.
Written 20 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.
AngusJanet
Jersey, UK13 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We hired the Countess for a week and had a fabulous time. The boat was great just the size and configuration we were looking for. A pretty boat that was clean and very well equipped we had everything on board that was needed. Nigel and Sally gave us all an in-depth introduction telling us all about the boat it’s workings the canal it’s self and places to stop and visit so we didn’t get any unexpected surprises. Would definitely recommend this as a great relaxing break.
Written 18 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.
SteveP P
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful trip up the canal over 3 days. Nigel gave an excellent briefing on the handling of the boat and also ensured we could manage prior to leaving us. Nigel also kindly pick us up and dropped us off to the train station without any additional charges. He waited for us to gather supplies from the supermarket prior to setting off. These points all being key reason we decided to go with Roadhouse Narrowboats.
Thanks again Nigel and team for a wonderful weekend
Cheers Steve and Pauline
Thanks again Nigel and team for a wonderful weekend
Cheers Steve and Pauline
Written 12 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.
Jenny K
8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
As a boater myself, I really appreciated the thought and attention to detail that Nigel and Sally have put into equipping and maintaining the boat "Gilwern Lady ". There was everything we needed for a relaxing and comfortable week on the Monmouth and Breacon canal. Would hire from them again.
Written 29 August 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.
ScottMcH1982
Airdrie, UK3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We booked a 1 week hire of the Countess from Road House Narrowboats. Such a great adventure we had from beginning to end. The boats are specifically designed for the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and with fantastic instruction from Nigel we were off to a great start on our first Narrowboat experience.
The boat was like new, well designed, maintained and super clean.
Nigel went through all the things we needed to know which made the experience very safe and enjoyable.
Should you be thinking on hiring a Narrowboat then this is the company to hire from. We hope to return and hire again in the future.
The boat was like new, well designed, maintained and super clean.
Nigel went through all the things we needed to know which made the experience very safe and enjoyable.
Should you be thinking on hiring a Narrowboat then this is the company to hire from. We hope to return and hire again in the future.
Written 21 July 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.
Thank you for leaving us a review, we are so glad that you enjoyed your canal experience and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 6 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert F
Battle, UK7 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Fabulous week pottering along the canal from Gilwern to Brecon and back, at a very leisurely pace through idyllic countryside. We brunched on the boat & there was no shortage of options for evening dinners ashore, with a little planning ahead. We were fortunate to pick a sunny week, but would’ve been happy to moor up with a good book if necessary - either way it is a relaxing experience. Highly recommend RHN & their well equipped comfortable boats in a super location - Sally & Nigel couldn’t have been more pleasant and helpful. Very happy with the price of our holiday too +++
Written 29 May 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.
Thank you for your kind review and we are glad you enjoyed your time aboard Countess
Written 19 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paulfish
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
Have just returned home from the most relaxing holiday that we have had in a long time. We have spent a week aboard the Gilwern Countess Narrowboat on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal that meanders through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The boat was well designed with everything that we needed to make our holiday comfortable and the friendly family, who run and own the business, couldn’t have been more helpful giving advice and tuition on how to handle the boat . This was our first time on a Narrowboat but we soon gained confidence and thoroughly enjoyed navigating up the canal , through the locks (that have volunteers who help) and under the lift bridges. The scenery is absolutely stunning and we were surrounded by wildlife and bird song. The pace is so relaxing, everyone should try it. The pubs were friendly, welcoming and close to the canal along the route, where we enjoyed a drink and meals. All four of us are now hooked and cannot wait to return.
Written 27 May 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.
Thank you for your review, we are so pleased you all enjoyed your holiday and we hope to welcome you back soon.
Written 19 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stella k
Christchurch, UK89 contributions
May 2023
An excellent company to hire from. The Narrow boat was spotlessly clean and well kitted out with cooking facilities etc. Because these boats are purpose built for this canal they are easy to manoeuvre in the relatively shallow water. The scenery along the canal is beautiful, plenty of opportunity for walking or sitting in a pub garden enjoying the views.
Written 21 May 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.
Dave and Helen A
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
A big shout out to Nigel and Sally at Roadhouse Boats for making our trip on the Mon and Brec canal so memorable. My wife and I were beginners and our friends experienced canal boaters but the Gilwern Countess suited us all and was easily piloted even through 5 locks. It had everything we needed for a comfortable weeks trip at a reasonable cost and Nigel and Sally did everything possible to make our trip safe but fun, from a comprehensive initial briefing to fetching our car back for us at the end so we didn't have to walk far with luggage in the rain when we left. All their boats are beautifully appointed and their customer care is beyond compare. Well done to you both. We'll be back. Dave, Helen, Share and Tim
Written 6 May 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.
Thank you for your lovely review, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday on Countess and hope to see you again.
Written 11 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sian C
cardiff31 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
From booking to hand back, Sally and Nigel were excellent. The booking process was easy and they were on hand to happily answer our pre- arrival questions. As first timers to both this canal and narrow boats we were novice handlers (one of the reasons for choosing the little lady of the fleet). But need not have worried - the detailed hand over from Nigel gave us enough confidence to be left loose. There were a few moments, like trying to get off one of our overnight moorings as she was grounded - but the reverse and punt tips Nigel had given us paid off. We had only a short hire and so went South - very quiet and peacefull.
The boat was lovely and clean and equipped with everything we needed - including waterproofs for the wet days ! Definatley would repeat the experience in future and would recommend Road House Narrowboats to anyone looking for a boat on the Mon & Brec.
The boat was lovely and clean and equipped with everything we needed - including waterproofs for the wet days ! Definatley would repeat the experience in future and would recommend Road House Narrowboats to anyone looking for a boat on the Mon & Brec.
Written 11 April 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.
We're so glad you enjoyed your break on Gilwern Lady and thank you for leaving us a review.
Written 11 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience