Question 1

When/where can we start?

Accepted Answer

We usually start from King’s Place near King's Cross station. Our times vary but for a full day trip (approx. 6 hours) we start between 10am and 11am. Afternoon trips normally start at 2pm and finish at 5pm.  Three hour evening trips start no later than 6.30pm in the lighter summer evenings.  
If you want something different, please feel free to contact us and discuss options.  You can be picked up or dropped off anywhere other than King's Place but bear in mind that the time charged will start from when the boat leaves King's Place to when it returns there.

Question 2

Can we drive Tarporley ourselves?

Accepted Answer

Short answer is no. Tarporley is a heritage narrowboat that requires trained personnel to operate. Because of this, all trips are run by our qualified skippers and crew. (No extra charge, this is included in the bookings.)

Question 3

Why can you only take 12 passengers?

Accepted Answer

The Canal trip boat “Tarporley” is only licensed to carry 12 passengers (due to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Small Commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code of Practice). This does not include our crew who are the only ones who can operate the trip boat.

Question 4

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

The canal boat “Tarporley” does not have Wi-Fi on board. However, we operate our trips in the centre of London where 4G and 5G networks are strong throughout the full length of the Regent’s Canal.  We do have plenty of USB charging points on our boat for phones, tablets etc.

Question 5

Where can we go?

Accepted Answer

This depends largely on the time available. The most popular day out is to Little Venice, Paddington, W9 and back.  Others go to Victoria Park, Old Ford, E3 and back.  Please be aware, as we are 72' long we are limited as to where we can turn around. For more ideas and information on where to go, check out our 'Bookings'(https://www.tarporley-camdencanals.org/bookings) page. Feel free to contact us to discuss other options.

Question 6

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor clothing, appropriate to the time of year and the current weather forecast. Dress a little warmer than usual as it is colder on water. Please wear flat shoes, preferably with a sole that doesn’t slip on hard wet surfaces. Walking boots are ideal. We have buoyancy aids; these may be issued and worn, or not, at the discretion of the customer, except on the tidal river, where they are compulsory.

Question 7

Do you provide food and drink?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide food, though tea and coffee are available.  Feel free to bring whatever food you want and cook aboard. Our galley (kitchen) has a fridge (with icebox), gas cooker, oven, microwave, hot water and a large worktop onboard.  All manner of crockery, cutlery, glasses and cooking utensils are available - we do expect you to do your own washing-up though!

Question 8

Can we drink/bring alcohol onboard?

Accepted Answer

Responsible social drinking is perfectly acceptable.  Drunkenness is, however, completely unacceptable and uncontrolled behaviour would risk the premature discontinuation of the trip. NOTE: Recreational drugs of any kind are not permitted on board.

Question 9

Can we smoke/Vape onboard?

Accepted Answer

Smoking tobacco and vaping are permitted but only out of doors – i.e. nowhere inside the boat, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.

Question 10

Can people with limited mobility go on Tarporley?

Accepted Answer

Because Tarporley is an ex-working boat and was converted for use as community boat 50 years ago, the basic layout is not suitable for anyone unable to negotiate a few steps up and down without assistance. Unfortunately, because of this, she is not suitable for most wheelchair-users, unless they are very agile and/or they can be assisted fully by their companions. Partially limited mobility is still an option as there are places to sit inside, as long as the person is able enough to climb on board to them.

Question 11

Is boat hire our main purpose?

Accepted Answer

We have had a number of people ask if our purpose is boat hire.  Here at CCNA we do "Regents canal boat hire", sometimes known as "Camden canal boat hire", to raise money for the maintenance and running costs of the boat.  We hire the whole boat and do not sell individual tickets.  Individuals looking for Regent's Canal boat hire or Camden Canal hire will need to look for one of the trip boats that run on a regular basis, such as London Waterbus Company ()or London Canal Boat Tour | Jason's Trip.(https://www.jasons.co.uk/)