To request a day trip, please use the form at the bottom of the page. A day trip costs £250, and usually runs between 10am and 4.30pm from Great Bedwyn, in the summer months (April to September).
A day trip on one of our fully-accessible boats is a very special occasion. We can take groups of up 12 people, and the boat will be crewed by four of our trained volunteers. It is a lovely way to get close to nature, chill out, and keep all ages and abilities entertained at the same time. On arrival at Bedwyn wharf, at about 10am, you will be greeted by the skipper and welcomed on board the boat. There is plenty of space for parking and unloading, and you can leave your cars here for the day. To get on to the boat, a ramp and a lift makes boarding easy.
Once aboard, you are encouraged to make yourself at home. Decorations are welcome for that special occasion, and you can make yourself hot drinks straight away. There is plenty of space in the saloon with moveable furniture for maximum flexibility, or, if the weather is nice, you can go straight out on to the spacious front deck. The boats all have accessible toilets with grab rails, etc, and full kitchen facilities with fridge, gas oven and hobs, and microwave.
And then the boat sets off. We normally travel down the canal, through four locks. Everyone who would like to is encouraged to take a full part in boating activities, whatever their age or ability. This includes helping to work the locks and even steering the boat. All under the watchful eye of the skipper, of course!
We usually stop for a leisurely lunch. You will need to bring this with you – either a picnic, or use the kitchen facilities to cook something hot. There is plenty of space for storage on board. Lunchtime might also be a chance to stretch your legs by a short walk along the towpath (although do make sure the skipper knows where you are going!), or simply enjoy watching the world go by.
Then it will be time to return to Bedwyn, back through the four locks. If you should need an afternoon nap, you can always get comfy on one of the beds on board! Or stay awake and enjoy the scenery. There are swans, ducks and moorhens on the canal, and if you are lucky you may see a heron or kingfisher as well. We aim to return to Bedwyn around 4.30pm, although it is difficult to predict an exact time as it varies a lot due to other boats and whether the locks are set in our favour or not.
This is what one family wrote after their Bruce Boats day trip:
For this diverse group of different ages, abilities and tastes, this trip brought everyone together in the most wonderful way. The canal worked its magic and everyone was relaxed and charmed. I think everyone left wanting more canal experiences. The boat is so well cared for and equipped. Your crew were all open and friendly and their enthusiasm and love of the canals was infectious. I cannot recommend this enough for any family group looking for an activity to bring everyone together. The children were occupied and active as you involved them with all the locks. My nephew, who can find it difficult to manage himself, had just the right level of challenge and purpose to have a really good day. The men in our group, who can find family chatting and socialising a little under-stimulating, had the opportunity to steer and quiz your crew about all the technical details. Dad could sit and feel in the centre of things and my Mum, the birthday girl, had everyone she loves all around her. Please pass on our thanks and congratulations for the wonderful atmosphere and experience you, as a group of volunteers have created. Your values and ethos shine through. A truly life-affirming experience!!
Availability
For more information, please fill in our enquiry form. If you require a grant in order to come on a day trip, please apply using our grant application scheme here. Grant applications must be submitted by 21st Febuary each year.
