Help and FAQs
General
- Who are Tillerman Boats?
- Are your prices better than other canal boat companies?
- I´m having technical problems using the site, what should I do?
- How can I contact you?
Making a booking
About your holiday
- Can I bring my pet?
- What should I pack?
- What will the weather be like?
- What can I get to eat?
- How do I choose a route?
- What activities can I enjoy on a canal boat holiday?
About your boat
- Do I need a licence to drive a canal boat?
- Do I need insurance to drive the canal boat?
- Are the canal boats difficult to drive?
- How do I handle canal locks?
- Where do I collect and return my canal boat?
- When I pick up my canal boat, will there be somewhere to park?
- Can I stop my canal boat anywhere?
- Are canal boats easy to navigate?
- What happens if I have a problem whilst on holiday?
The Tiller man Boats newsletter
- How do I subscribe to the Tillerman Boats newsletter?
- How do I unsubscribe to the Tillerman Boats newsletter?
General
Who are Tillerman Boats?
Tillerman Boats is the UK´s largest independent canal boat company, visit about us to learn more about the services we offer.
Are your prices better than other canal boat companies?
Yes! What's more our price promise guarantees that if you book the same holiday* for a lower price elsewhere, we'll refund the difference.
(* The holiday must be for the same date)
I'm having technical problems using the site, what should I do?
Please check that you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer and if you should continue to experience technical problems, please email us via our contact form.
How can I contact you?
You can call us on 0800 389 8004, email us via our contact form or if contact us by post at:
Tillerman Boats Ltd.
PO Box 57,
Budleigh Salterton,
Devon,
EX9 7ZN.
Making a booking
How do I book a canal boat?
Booking a canal boat with Tillerman is easy, either call us on 0800 389 80 04 or click the availability & booking link on the left of this page to make your booking online. You'll be taken through a simple 3 step process where you'll plan your holiday, then give us the necessary information and payment details. The system is entirely secure. Tillerman Boats respects your privacy and you can view booking terms and conditions at any time.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards for payment. Our payment mechanism is 100% secure so you can be sure your credit card details are safe with us. However, you are welcome to pay by credit or debit card by telephone simply call us on 0800 389 8004.
About your holiday
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed on our canal boats except at Alvecote Marina and this is subject to written agreement by Tillerman. There is an additional charge for your pet. Please refer to the price list link for the latest cost.
What should I pack?
Your canal boat comes fully equipped with all the basics you'll need to enjoy your holiday. When planning which clothes to bring, think casual and comfortable. Remember the English weather can be changeable so don't forget to pack a waterproof coat and some warm jumpers or a fleece. A pair of strong gloves and some old clothes (which you don't mind getting dirty), are also useful when you're opening locks.
What will the weather be like?
Who can predict the English weather?! It's best to check out a good weather website prior to your holiday to get an idea of what's in store for your holiday.
What can I get to eat?
There are plenty of great pubs along all of our canal routes. Generally English pubs serve lunch from around midday until 3pm and dinner from seven until nine pm. You can buy all your basics (bread, milk, eggs etc) at canal side shops and most of the marinas have a restaurant, takeaway or fish and chip shop nearby.
How do I choose a route?
We've put together some great routes for you from Alvecote, Union Wharf and Blackwater marinas. These routes will help you take advantage of a range of facilities, visit areas interest and find the best pubs!
What activities can I enjoy on a canal boat holiday?
You're unlikely to get bored on a canal boat holiday, quite apart from the day to day driving of the boat and working the locks, you'll meet lots of other happy canal boaters. We've also compiled a selection of the best activities and attractions at Alvecote, Union Wharfa and Blackwatera marinas.
About your canal boat
Do I need a licence to drive a canal boat?
No, you don't need a special licence. When you come to collect your boat you'll be given all the training you need. Check out our canal boat training section for more information.
Do I need insurance to drive a canal boat?
No, you don't need to get any extra insurance. All Tillerman boats come with full insurance, so in the unlikely event of an accident you and your family will be fully covered.
Obviously our insurance policy does not cover your car, or any of your personal possessions so please check your own insurance policies for carefully.
Are the canal boats difficult to drive?
Don't worry our canal boats are easy to drive! The canal waters are generally free of currents and your cruising speed will be a leisurely three to four miles per hour. You'll also be give full training before you set off on you holiday.
How do I handle canal locks?
Locks are probably one of the most challenging parts for any novice canal boat driver. We've provided some detailed information on locks for you to read before you holiday, but remember you'll also be given full training before you start your holiday
Where do I collect and return my canal boat?
We ask that you arrive at 2pm on your collection day so that you have sufficient time to check-in, load the boat and receive the necessary training. On the final day of your holiday you'll need to vacate the boat no later than 9.30am so that we can prepare it for the next cruise.
When you've selected your location and made a booking we will send you details of how to get there either by car, train or bus. You can also find directions to each of the marinas here:
When I pick up my canal boat, will there be somewhere to park?
Car parking is available at all Tillerman locations although we can only currently guarantee one parking space per boat occupied. Many of our marinas are also close to main line railway stations.
Can I stop my canal boat anywhere?
Yes, usually you can stop (or moor) your canal boat up wherever you like, just find a nice spot and tie up.
Are canal boats easy to navigate?
When you pick up your canal boat you'll be given a welcome folder packed full of information and good advice as well as a canal map. The map shows you where to find bridges, water-points, villages and those essential canal-side pubs! We've also included some special routes for Union Wharf, Alvecote and Blackwater marinas to help you decide where to go.
What happens if I have a problem whilst on holiday?
The dedicated Tillerman team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and every boat is equipped with a mobile phone for any problems or emergencies you may have.
Tillerman Boats newsletter
How do I subscribe to the Tillerman Boats newsletter?
To subscribe to the Tillerman Boats newsletter is simple, enter your email address in the field on the left hand side of this page, click 'go' and then complete the additional details required.
How do I unsubscribe to the Tillerman Boats newsletter?
You can unsubscribe from the Tillerman Boats newsletter at any time. Simple send email us and we'll remove you from our mailing list.
Holiday Finder
Price Promise
With Tillerman the price you are quoted is the price you pay.
No extras!