Customer Reviews
Had a really pleasant enjoyable experience, a much needed relaxing break from city life. Great comfortable boat with much appreciated breakfast provisions. Thoroughly enjoyed a trip up the canal with Peter at the helm, good conversations. Just wish we were staying for longer. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Juliana, Becki
Thank you for this wonderful weekend. Although the weather wasn't that great (cold, windy) We had a lovely time on the Premier Cru and in beautiful Bath. We enjoyed the boat trip and your company Peter! Thanks for that.
Greetings from the Dutchies!
We had a fantastic weekend on this beautiful boat. Clean, well presented, cozy Prem Cru. Lovely touch of breakfast items plus extras in the fridge. Enjoyable trip down the canal to the pub with Peter. Home from home, we didn't want to leave. Will definately be back and recommend to all our friends. Thank you Peter and have a fab Christmas.
Lyn and Mark
Brought my wife Jean to Bath to celebrate her birthday plus return to my birth city. What an excellent choice the Premier Cru, warm cosy and everything one needs. Breakfast provisions and other items supplied by Peter superb as was his welcome and helpful attitude. Wildlife swans ducks come to visit. We will return
Paul and Jean
Wonderful weekend, boat very comfortable and warm with all equipment supplied. Bath is a beautiful city and the Premier Cru well located. Will recommend to friends and family.
David Kate Emma
Thank you for your amazing hospitality. We particularly enjoyed the cruise. Thank you for having us Peter! All the best.
The Ashon Family
What a marvelous time we had on the boat! Super nice dude. Peter the boat trip made it. Will be sure to pop up sone pictures up on your Fb page. Great times!
All our love Ali and the gang
Here as a surprise for my birthday with husband, sister and brother-in-law. Fabulous setting on a beautiful boat. Everything you could need, lovely evenings in front of the log fire. Many, many thanks to Peter…great host, nothing too much trouble. Cruise up the canal on the twenty sixth was amazing with non stop chat and laughter with Peter. On top of all the wonderful things this boat has to offer, I HAVE to mention being chief cook of breakfast (although my b-day treat?!), the frying pan is of great quality (nothing sticks)! 11/10 for that. Incredible, will definitely be back if you’ll have us.
All the best,
Kath, Dan, Teresa & Chelsea
Had a fabulous few days on the Grand Cru, would certainly hire again. Great cruise from Pete as well.
G.Norman, Dave & Diana
My husband and I had a wonderful weekend on this beautiful boat, very well equipped, clean and cosy. Thanks to Peter for the boat tripto the pub. We must do it again one day.
Julie + Ian Kitson
Had a wonderful weekend on the Premier Cru, we enjoyed the boat trip and Peter was brilliant. Many thanks
Alyson and Jonathan
Had a lovely relaxing weekend to celebrate Mike's birthday. Cruise to 'The George' was very enjoyable - can't fault the Premier Cru very comfortable. many thanks to Peter
Mike and Sue
Had a lovely few days and were happy to stay put. Really enjoyed the river cruise with Peter and the George Pub. Peter was very helpful, especially in the first couple of hours when we had to contact him 3 times in the first couple of hours due to our inexperience. Very generous with the food supplies. Highly recommended and we would definitely do this again.
Jenny Michelle + Aby
Really pleased with how things have turned out, so much space on board and equipment etc. Lovely to sit outside in the sun and cosy with the fire in the evening. FAB - U - LOUS!!!!
The Fletcher family
Cosy evenings by the fire, beef wellington, cake, wine, beer, port (theme?), terrible guitar playing, jogs along the toe path in the snow, cheeeeeeese (overdose!), a jolly cruise in the sunshine, fun and games with friends, and EPIC walk and tea and cakes and gin and tonic and more wine. I think I might live on a boat. Thank you Peter for looking after us. We will recommend you to our friends and will hopefully be back before long.
All the best,
Alex, VP, Chris & Amy
Hi Peter,
Colin and I wanted to thank you for a fabulous stay on Premire Cru, we thoroughly enjoyed ourself, so unique and our Sunday cruise with you was priceless! We will be coming to stay again. Could I ask you for the details on the 'treasure event'? Sounds right up our alley!
Many thanks Peter and Merry Christmas
Heidi & Colin
After the canals of both Paris and London for the past week, relaxing on the Grand Cru was just what our family needed for a change of pace. The boat was wider than expected inside, making it feel so roomy! At six-foot-eight, I certainly appreciate the tall ceilings. Peter is the BEST! His help with transport from the rail station, plus his excellent cruise was appreciated. I enjoyed piloting the boat too. Until next time…
Your Californian connection,
Jim, Gaynor, Lee & Shelby
Just got back to Cornwall, just wanted to say a big thank you for a great stay on your boat this weekend. It was just perfect. I will like the facebook page and recommend your service to anyone.
Thanks again
G. Lemin Cornwall
After hearing of canal trips from Grandchildren (4) and great grandchildren (10) for quite a few years and being a little bit envious, who would have thought that in my 101st year I would actually experience one! Thanks to Peter at Bath Canal Boat Company and my two grandsons I had a fantastic time last week in great luxury, very cosy and very warm and all being well hope to repeat in Autumn
Many thanks
Mrs Wooltorton
"We had such a fantastic time on board Premier Cru. It was a totally different experience from staying anywhere else and it was well worth stepping out of our comfort zone. The boat was really cosy and easily accommodated for four people.
"Highly, highly recommend staying here, you'll love it."
Nicola Watson, Manchester
Had a wonderful stay on Grand Cru, despite it being winter outside it was very cosy because of the fire and radiators in every room. There are great facilities for cooking, there's a tv, DVD player and can listen to your iPod. The beds were comfortable, slept well and it's great to wake up to a view of other boats and the canal. Peter is very knowledgeable about his boats showing me through how to work everything and friendly on arrival. Would definitely stay again and recommend others to was a lovely way to spend a few days.
Thank you :-)
Sarah Marshall Bath
5 of us booked Grand Cru on a bed and breakfast basis for 2 nights in late November as we wished to visit the Christmas Market and generally hangout in the area. It was just perfect - the boat is warm and cosy with the wood burner going and was well equipped. The breakfast goods and wine supplied were top quality and ample for 2 nights. Peter is funny and good company and took us on a lovely trip up the canal on Sunday. It was great to get away from the bustle of Bath to the complete peace and quiet of the canal and the area. Highly recommended and we will definitely return.
Mary Greener Exeter
My partner and I walked from Reading to Bath with our dog in July, along the Kennet & Avon canal, stopping at dog-friendly B&B's en-route. It was a fantastic experience, rounded off perfectly with our 2 night stay on the Grand Cru. The approach into Dundas Aqueduct was breathtaking, a really beautiful stretch of the canal, and we were impressed with the boat's location. The boat itself was very comfortable and spacious. with a well stocked fridge and all the equipment we needed. The cabin bed is a quirky feature, and we all enjoyed the best night's sleep we'd had all week, as it's such a peaceful spot. Our dog Mitzy loved the freedom of boat life, and was often found snoozing up on deck in the sunshine. The 4 mile walk into Bath Centre was pleasant and interesting, and a lovely way to access the City. The owner, Peter, was extremely helpful and accommodating throughout our stay, and even gave us a lift to the station to catch our train home. A thoroughly nice chap! Would certainly recommend to anyone wanting a break from the norm - a wonderful snippet into life on the canal.
Victoria, Steven & Mitzy Tufnell Park, London
'We came to visit the famous Bath Christmas Market for a weekend and decided to book the Grand Cru for a totally new B&B experience. When we arrived Peter explained all we needed to know about the boat (not at all difficult, even for a novice!) and then left us to enjoy the weekend. We were able to walk into Bath from where the boat was moored so no worries about parking. Peter left us ample provisions over the two days which consisted of top quality products and was enough for even the most healthy appetite and a complimentary bottle of wine. After a day out in the cold it was lovely to get back to the boat with its welcoming wood burning stove. Included in the cost of the weekend was a cruise and time for a couple of pints in the pub, brilliant! Overall we had a fabulous weekend and would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who fancies something a little different. Thanks Peter, we would definitely come again'.
Carol and Ray, Kent
Such a fantastic way to spend a winter weekend, aboard Grand Cru and visiting the sites of Bath. The barge was lovely and cozy when we arrived with the fire going great guns, we almost didn’t want to leave but had a table booked for dinner in town. Pete is a laid back lovely guy who explains what you need to know about the boat and then leaves you to it, but is only a phone call away Hopefully see you again.
Gail & Kevin, Glasgow
Just a quick e-mail to say how much we enjoyed our narrowboat bed and breakfast experience, it is a really great way to spend the weekend and visit Bath.We will certainly recommend you to our friends and family. Thanks again
Tracy and family, Dorset
Hired la "Grand Cru" from Friday to Sunday. Turned out to be one of the best weekend breaks I have had in years. Beats airport security cues and budget airlines, hands-down.
D. Joyce - Wapping, London
Last December I spent my birthday weekend on Grand Cru with my partner. We had a wonderful romantic time. Peter Brown gave us a big welcome and explained everything to us in great detail. We did not feel rushed. The canal boat was well equipped, very clean and the fridge was stocked up. The wood burning stove and central heating kept us warm and cosy. Peter Brown reassured us that he was at hand if we had any difficulties but we didn't have any!!!!! I highly recommend this for an amazing weekend break on the Avon Canal.
Mrs. Davies - Wimbledon, London
Muy apto para familias - cerca al centro de Bath, precio razonable comparade con dos habitaciones de hotel bueno - pero con la ventaja de tener espacio muy amplio privado (casi 17 metros de largo por 3 y pico) - los niños felices por el simple hecho de estar en un barco genial en vez de una habitacion aburrida. Desayuno muy bueno - si los hijos no dan todo de comer a los patos y cisnes.... La calefacción funciona bien - pero la chimenea tiene más gracia. El sistema este no me deja dar más que 3 estrellas porque soy novato y no de fiar, pero merece más...
Roughly translated- Highly recommended for familes, reasonable price compared to two rooms in an average hotel - but with the advantage of a large private space as the boat measures 50 x 10 ft. Kids happy just because they're in an interesrting boat instead of a boring hotel room. A generous breakfast - unless the kids feed it all to the local ducks and swans... The central heating works well, but the log fire is more fun. The GoogleMaps review system doesn't let me give more than 3 stars because I'm an un-trustworthy novice, but Grand Cru deserves more Richard - Barcelona, Spain
Nothing was too much trouble. We were given a warm welcome, luxurious accommodation, a well stocked fridge and a great day out.
Mrs. Cordall - St. Pierre du Bois, Guernsey
We booked the Grand Cru Cru on the B+B basis early in 2007. The group took the train across from London to Bath. Peter was there to meet us as promised on arrival and transfer us to the Grand Cru. The transfer took less than 10 minutes. On first impressions the boat looked huge! To be honest it needed to be to accommodate the 6 "larger athletes" in our group! It still came as a bit of a shock for us townies that the boat had central heating and a wood burning stove, both of which worked really well. The bathroom was very small but functional. The boat was berthed close to the town centre so it was only minutes from many of the tourist attractions (pubs) that Bath has on offer. The boat was stocked as promised with drinking and breakfast goodies, all of which were well received. The kitchen was immaculate and well equipped. It was certainly good fun tucking into coffee and bacon banjos whilst negotiating the locks and watching the world go bye on a Sunday morning (prior to going to the pub) I'm not sure if the size of the craft hindered our boating ability, but navigating the barge up the river is certainly more difficult than it looks. We resorted to watching Peter drive whilst quaffing red wine, which was a win win for everyone!For a bunch of barge first timers the experience was first class. We would have no hesitation in recommending a break on the Grand Cru for those seeking something different for a weekend away.
Mr. Heakins - Canary Wharf, London
We all had a wonderful time on the canal boat. We would all come again and
have recommended it to a few of our friends. We had the trip on the boat
which was a wonderful day. It beat a B/B any time.
B. Crumpton - Essex
Needed to write & let you know what a wonderful stay we all had, so cosy & comfortable. We all loved every minute & you joining us to take us out along the river with your friendly & expert manner was a bonus we will always remember. We will be visiting again.
The Stevens - Essex
Thank you so much for such a terrific time. In fact, of all the places we travelled in the UK, the Canal Boat was by far the highlight for myself and Tim. I really cannot give you any criticisms as the facilities on the boat were absolutely fine and the trip to the pub was definitely a great deal of fun for my husband and dad who attempted the locks. Really Peter, you have such a lovely product to offer and I only hope that more international travellers' take up your canal boat holiday as a brilliant way to see Bath. It's fun and exciting, yet relaxing and tranquil. Ten out of 10 from our side! Thank you for your hospitality and helpfulness. Keep us updated when you buy another boat. We will certainly punt you to all our friends in SA! Keep well and stay in touch.
Lauren Spencer - Durban, South Africa
Hi Pete, Just to say we had a great weekend on your marvellous houseboat this weekend. All four of us agreed that it was perfect in every way and there was nothing that could have improved it. It was a great location, brilliant accommodation, and welcoming personal service from you. Attention to detail was spot on. We loved it! and hope to return.
Christine, Tracey, Juliet & Jude - Worthing
Thanks so Much!
We had a terrific time & the boat was a home away from home. If you ever decide to travel to the US feel welcome to call us!
Sage, Katie & John - U.S.A
Hi Peter
Just wanted to write and say thank you for letting us stay on your boat and especially the trip up the canal, which we really enjoyed! Hopefully we will come again and have been telling all our friends about it! We're still working on Jo and Steve to try to persuade them to buy a boat and they even went for a walk at the weekend on the canal at Oxford to have a look!
Oh and being a dreadful sceptic I couldn't help just checking on the origins of the word wharf and this is what I've discovered,( In a book on word origins not just on the internet!)
Etymology of wharf "The word comes from the Old English hwearf, meaning "bank" or "shore", and its plural is either wharfs, or, especially in American English, wharves; collectively a group of these is referred to as a wharfing or wharfage. "Wharfage" also refers to a fee ports impose on ships against the amount of cargo handled there. It has been suggested that wharf actually is an acronym for ware-house at river front, but this is a backronym, spread around as a fact by "tour guides" on Thames river boats."
..and now those on the Kennet and Avon Canal!
However I did also check out where plasticine first came from and where it was made and your story checked out so I guess it's one all for now!
Best Wishes, Sarah - U.K.