Water babies Narrowboat hire

What an absolute pleasure from start to finish with Karen and Chris from Water Babies. This was our first time barging and Karen and Chris both went out of their way to make sure we felt confident to set sail on our own. Communication was first class and clear instruction from Chris on the first day ensured we had a fun filled few days. Dolly Mixture has absolutely everything you could need and the Lancaster canal is an easy first trip. Many lovely places to moor and lots of wildlife. We took our dog along with us which added to the fun; she loved it as much as we did. We will definitely be back and would recommend Water Babies to anyone wanting to try barging or those who are experienced wanting a lovely few days.
Apr 21st, 2023

We had a great few days on Dolly Mixture. First time canal boaters. Chris showed us how to drive and operate all the onboard equipment. Very soon we were under way. Heading north we got to Carnforth and back in 4 days. The boat was easy to manoeuvre and great fun to drive. We saw lots of wild life including Kingfishers. We also stopped at a few canal side pubs. The book that we were given made navigation easy and showed where to moor, shop and explore. The boat was comfortable and clean. Thanks to everyone at Water babies
Sep 15th, 2022

Just got off dolly mixture.. what a fantastic week Boat had everything we needed and more Jay was fantastic would definitely do this trip again Thanks again for a very memorable birthday week Chris and marybeth
Feb 22nd, 2022

Great little boat, just back from a long weekend hire. Were seasoned boaters and used to much longer narrowboats, but Dolly Mixture was a pleasure to handle and so much easier to turn round! Everything was ready when we arrived and a quick trip down the canal to the nearest winding hole and back for familiarisation and tuition on the boats controls etc. When we were both happy we left the stunning private mooring and set off towards Lancaster. An unexpected April snow shower had me hiding under a bridge for a while at Galgate, but the sun came out as we approached the Water Witch at Lancaster. Overnight moored outside the pub in the very comfortable bed and mid morning took a trip over the aqueduct to Hest Bank where we ate at the Hest Bank Hotel before winding and heading back towards Lancaster as on Sunday we were heading to Guys Thatched Hamlet. Another comfortable night, we needed the central heating in the morning as the boat was covered in frost, an early start for a leisurely full morning cruise to Guys. Bar meal at Guys then winding again before heading north again to be back at base for 10am Monday. Thank you for an enjoyable weekend, a lovely boat.
Feb 9th, 2022

Had a lovely long weekend cruising down the Lancaster Canal on Dolly Mixture. The boat has got everything that you need and is very well neat and tidy throughout. We had great instruction and the owner made the entire process enjoyable and professional. Highly recommend, we will be back. Thank you.
Jan 16th, 2022