Guest Reviews

“We did this trip about 10 years ago 2009” This was a hoot. My wife and I rented one of the Narrow Boats. It was 40' long and just... read moreThis was a hoot. My wife and I rented one of the Narrow Boats. It was 40' long and just the right size for a couple. We spent 6 days on the boat. A couple can easily get through the locks. It gets a little be much when you face a string of 6 locks. We tied up to the bank every nigh to sleep. Often we were within walking distance from a Pub on the canal. We really enjoyed the pub food. We typically ate breakfast on the boat and had lunch and dinner in the pubs. We wanted to visit Stratford upon the Avon. This would have meant doing 13 locks. We locked the boat and took a cab the 5 miles. The next day we did the same to Warwick Castle. Plan you trip to go past the Cadburry Chocolate factory. The tour was about $27 but we must have eaten $50 worth of chocolate. This was a wonderful stop. The trip took us through a tunnel that was over a mile long. You travel at a max speed of about 4 mph. You get to know each sheep, goat, pig and cow that you pass. This is the ultimate restful vacation. read less

“Brilliant weekend on Lady Sophia” We spent a weekend on Lady Sophia at the end of April 2019, for the wife’s birthday. Couldn’t be happier... read moreWe spent a weekend on Lady Sophia at the end of April 2019, for the wife’s birthday. Couldn’t be happier with the service from Paul, at the beginning and end of the trip. He explains most of what you need to know before setting off, and makes sure you’re happy with manoeuvring the boat, so you’ll be well prepared for your trip. The only suggested improvement in tuition would be to explain the use of the gas bottles powering the hob and central heating... the ‘live’ bottle ran out on us in the middle of the night, so one night wasn’t quite as cosy... I’m fairly practically minded, so next morning, I figured out where the gas bottles lived, and how to open the valve on the next bottle, but it would have helped to mention this on handover... not a big deal, though.As for the boat itself, she was perfectly clean and presentable when we took over - absolutely no issues there. The central heating works brilliantly, and (subject to earlier comments about the gas) kept the boat lovely and warm overnight, and while on the move. The bed at the bow was very large and comfortable, but personally, I think I’d prefer an open deck at the bow for next time, to provide more room to sit outside. Otherwise, Lady Sophia is very well equipped and you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer hire boat.I’d definitely recommend this boat, and Paul / floating holidays. It’s also likely we’ll use them again in future. read less

Absolutely beautiful stretch of canal from Poynton to Whalley Bridge. Would definitely do it again. Although I was with a... read moreAbsolutely beautiful stretch of canal from Poynton to Whalley Bridge. Would definitely do it again. Although I was with a friend, he has zero short term memory so I had to do everything & there were a lot of instructions to remember, at my age a good memory is a distant memory. I'd suggest writing them down. Apart from that awesome time can't wait to go again next year ALONE read less

“Lovely boat in wonderful scenery” Gerat tuition with a personal touch. Though at 69 feet not a short boat, it was easy to handle, a... read moreGerat tuition with a personal touch. Though at 69 feet not a short boat, it was easy to handle, a boat with character and style. We enjoyed the scenery, both on the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canal, visited nice pubs (with great food), even some micro breweries. Only half a day of rain during the entire week. read less

I had a wonderful stay on Paul's narrow boat. It's a perfect, leisurely and relaxing way to spend a holiday... read moreI had a wonderful stay on Paul's narrow boat. It's a perfect, leisurely and relaxing way to spend a holiday cruising through the canals along side beautiful rolling hills, and through small towns where you get a chance to try plenty of homemade pub food and great beers. I'd highly recommend to anyone interested in giving it a go! read less

The boat was clean and the beds were really comfy. Thoroughly enjoyed our family of 4 trip over 7 days.... read moreThe boat was clean and the beds were really comfy. Thoroughly enjoyed our family of 4 trip over 7 days. Our first time on a canal boat but after the thorough induction from Paul we cracked it. The Columbina was well stocked with cupboard necessities which made it feel really homely. We will be happy to do this again. read less

Paul excellent on the getting started , best sleep in the beds they are so comfy ,no noise but the... read morePaul excellent on the getting started , best sleep in the beds they are so comfy ,no noise but the ducks !,we managed getting an 86 yr old with poor mobility onto it ,but would suggest bring an extra block as the steps are steep ,but no …MorePaul excellent on the getting started , best sleep in the beds they are so comfy ,no noise but the ducks !,we managed getting an 86 yr old with poor mobility onto it ,but would suggest bring an extra block as the steps are steep ,but no problem for abled bodied, expected to bring washing liquid soap towels hand soap etc but all there ,would highly recommend them nothing seemed to be a problem with booking and easy to contact read less

Boat was clean and well equipped ready for use, easy to use and we had a really relaxed week sailing... read moreBoat was clean and well equipped ready for use, easy to use and we had a really relaxed week sailing to the south and back with no pressure. Good support from Paul when things went wrong (a leak in the canal !) and at the start showing us …MoreBoat was clean and well equipped ready for use, easy to use and we had a really relaxed week sailing to the south and back with no pressure. Good support from Paul when things went wrong (a leak in the canal !) and at the start showing us how to use the boat and the equipment.Unexpectedly there was good central heating (not much used as the weather was generally good) and a hot shower. Cooking was easy with cooker and microwave....just had to run the engine to keep the power up and not drain the batteries but easy in practice.Useful map on board showing bridge numbers and local towns, though we generally used quiet, countryside moorings. We'd happily use Floating Holidays again.Thanks for a great weekPat & Rosie read less

“A very sucessful week on Lady Sophia” We hired the Lady Sophia for a week because we are thinking of buying a narrowboat and wanted to see... read moreWe hired the Lady Sophia for a week because we are thinking of buying a narrowboat and wanted to see what it like when the weather is not so good. We picked the perfect week !!! Cold, wet and very windy BUT we really enjoyed the experience mainly because the boat was warm and in good condition. Paul was excellent. Friendly, helpful and informative. In the entire week we only had one small issue which was our fault (I forgot what Paul had said about the heating). His advice on the phone, which was answered immediately, was clear and sorted the problem literally in minutes.Later this year Paul is moving his operations from Poynton a little further south but still in a great area for enjoying the canals and scenery.Whether you want a boat for the same purpose as us or just a simple holiday I would definately recomend Floating Holidays Ltd and I wish the company every success in the future, read less

This was a most enjoyable time aboard the Gemini III, made possible by Paul's efficient and personal handling of our... read moreThis was a most enjoyable time aboard the Gemini III, made possible by Paul's efficient and personal handling of our booking. We were taken through every step and given confidence to drive the boat on this beautiful stretch of canal. There was so much heritage, local interest and pubs, together with the beautiful and tranquil landscape to keep us occupied, though simply mooring up and taking a break on deck was a pleasure itself. The boat is well equipped for a comfortable stay and we really appreciated the supply of wood for the fire on cool April evenings. Self catering is easy in the fully functional kitchen. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wishing to either start out or extend their experience on the canals. Thanks Paul for your friendly help and advice. read less

“Gemini weekend.” Wonderful weekend had on Gemini. Paul was fab and gave full instructions and demonstration for handling the boat. Luckily we... read moreWonderful weekend had on Gemini. Paul was fab and gave full instructions and demonstration for handling the boat. Luckily we had great weather and sailed upto Whaley Bridge. This was our first overnight aboard a narrowboat and we definitely recommend!! The boat was well stocked with everything you will need. We will definitely be returning soon. Thanks Paul. read less

“Could not have found better for our purpose.” We are thinking of buying a narrowboat. We know what it is like when the weather is good and wanted... read moreWe are thinking of buying a narrowboat. We know what it is like when the weather is good and wanted to see what it is like when the weather is not so good. The week we spent on Lady Sophia was perfect for the test. Storms !! Wind !! Rain !!It would have been a dreadful experience were it not for the great little boat we hired and for Paul who made sure we were going to be comfortable. He put an extra duvet on the bed and made sure that the first outing for Lady Sophia in 2020 ran smoothly by checking the boat over before we took over.Paul's pre talk was comprehensive and clear. During the week we had only one simple issue, mainly because I had forgotten something Paul told me. I called him on the mobile, he answered immediately and clearly explained what I had to do. The problem was fixed in minutes!!!! Brilliant.I would highly recommend using Floating Holidays (even to my best friend). Paul has got it right. A really nice man. If you want to see how we spent the week go to YouTube and search either "Shall I buy a narrowboat" or go to my channel "Michael Chartres" read less

Paul’s narrow boat did everything it was supposed to do despite us being complete novices! Had a wonderful time chugging... read morePaul’s narrow boat did everything it was supposed to do despite us being complete novices! Had a wonderful time chugging along the scenic Macclesfield and Peak canals. The facilities on board are good and provided everything you require. Paul was very helpful and accommodating. Thoroughly recommended. read less

“Relaxing weekend.” We booked this boat at very short notice due to cancellation of our booked holiday and we had a lovely... read moreWe booked this boat at very short notice due to cancellation of our booked holiday and we had a lovely relaxing weekend. Paul did a quick transfer, (we had rented canal boats before) & after a night stay in Poynton & a meal in the local pub we set off for Bugsworth Basin the next morning as this didn't have locks so was easily achievable in the short time on board, we spent the next night here. We were lucky to have lovely weather for the Bank holiday weekend & the scenery was beautiful. The boat itself was comfortable & had all that we would expect when renting. It was a very friendly community feel with the canal users & nice places to eat out along the canal. We travelled back on the Sunday for an early morning handover, as we are not early risers so didn't want to rush back early morning. We handed the boat back to Paul, who is a friendly & knowledgeable chap and returned home relaxed & rested. read less

 We have just come home from a lovely canal boat holiday booked with Floating Holidays. Paul couldn’t have been... read moreWe have just come home from a lovely canal boat holiday booked with Floating Holidays. Paul couldn’t have been more helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Gemini was a great boat really cosy with the log burner. It’s a great part of the country extremely friendly. We will definitely be booking with Floating Holidays again. Sue and Jim Hay read less

Lovely boat, just the right size and with everything you need! We went in January but was warm and... read moreLovely boat, just the right size and with everything you need! We went in January but was warm and toasty once the woodburner got going! The area is beautiful with fabulous views from the canal and had an excellent meal at The Ring O Bells canalside pub. Paul showed us how to handle he boat and gave us lots of handy tips, a great chap! We had the best weekend and I would thoroughly recommend a Floating Holiday! read less

Great weekend. A lot easier than you'd imagine. Beautiful scenery.. everyone is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

“Cosy relaxing short break on Gemini III” Had a great short break on Gemini III (Mon-Fri). Paul was friendly and handover was quick and efficient. We cruised... read moreHad a great short break on Gemini III (Mon-Fri). Paul was friendly and handover was quick and efficient. We cruised the Upper Peak Forest which was stunning and then part of the Macclesfield canal which also had some great scenery. Good places to eat/drink en route as well,As there were only 2 of us and a short break, we chose a lock free route but still managed ca 6 hours cruising on a full day.Gemini is a good boat for 2, easy to handle, good kitchen and for winter cruising the stove makes it really cosy. read less

 This is our 2nd holiday with them. 2017 on Gemini III their 4 berth. 2018 on Rakiraki the 10 Berth.... read moreThis is our 2nd holiday with them. 2017 on Gemini III their 4 berth. 2018 on Rakiraki the 10 Berth. Everything on board brilliant. Fantastic customer focused company. Doggy friendly boats. Highly Recommended. read less

Very nice People. No Problems. Wonderful holidays. Greetings from Austria. We will come again. Thomas

“Great pet friendly narrowboat hire, lovely week :-)” The owner Paul was an excellent host, answering any queries before the booking and was very flexible in his approach... read moreThe owner Paul was an excellent host, answering any queries before the booking and was very flexible in his approach which we appreciated. Paul completed a comprehensive guide of the boat before we were let loose on the canal. The instructions we were given were clear and there was a hard copy guide on the boat in case we were unsure of anything.We had a wonderful week touring the local area, even though we are from Stockport and only went as far as Whaley Bridge and back, we sampled some lovely restaurants and of course tried a few new pubs along the way, it was a great experience.Gemini has everything you need, from a log burner on cold nights to an alfresco dining area for the Summer. I would recommend to friends and family, thanks for a great week Paul and we will hopefully see you on the canal soon. In fact we saw Gemini recently in Bollington and Tia (our dog) jumped on board (obvioulsy lasting memories for her as well), xx read less

The boat was as advertised and Paul was a great host. We had a great time with lovely weather and... read moreThe boat was as advertised and Paul was a great host. We had a great time with lovely weather and we met so many nice people. Paul Provided us with great advice, for a lovely weekend. I would suggest you have a look at the canal route prior to going so you can plan your trip. read less

“Really good fun” Neither of us had operated a large boat before. Paul was very helpful and made sure we were confident before... read moreNeither of us had operated a large boat before. Paul was very helpful and made sure we were confident before handing over the boat. We had a really lovely holiday. Gemini 3 is a very comfortable size for two people. read less

I spent the weekend on the boat for my mates stag do. We had Paul driving the boat for us... read moreI spent the weekend on the boat for my mates stag do. We had Paul driving the boat for us which at first I thought was going to be slightly awkward but hes such a great guy and really easy to talk to and by the end of it he was one of us. I would highly recommend using floating holidays to anyone. Definitely worth every penny! read less

We had a lovely time on the boat and was pleased to say that we managed to do a couple... read moreWe had a lovely time on the boat and was pleased to say that we managed to do a couple of trips on the canal. Paul was very good and told us what to do and expect. Would love to do it again read less

“Great experience” Picked up the narrow boat at Poynton and motored through to Whaley Bridge on our 5 day rental. Bed was... read morePicked up the narrow boat at Poynton and motored through to Whaley Bridge on our 5 day rental. Bed was comfortable, bathroom small but manageable, as was the kitchen. We didn't do any serious cooking as there were lots of pubs and towns to buy meals / provisions along the canal. The heating on the boat was excellent, and there were lots of places to moor the boat. We didn't do the 16 locks at Marple, preferring the less energetic swing and lift up bridges instead which were easily managed by one person. Great fun and definitely to be recommended. read less

A great boat for our two families, lots of fun for all -swing bridges, narrow turns and lovely country pubs.... read moreA great boat for our two families, lots of fun for all -swing bridges, narrow turns and lovely country pubs. Paul is a very relaxed and friendly host, would highly recommend read less

We spent 4 days on one of Floating Holidays' boats in end May 2019. I recommend them very highly: they... read moreWe spent 4 days on one of Floating Holidays' boats in end May 2019. I recommend them very highly: they have an excellent mixture of friendliness, efficiency, pragmatism, politeness, service and helpfulness in the right amounts. The boat was clean, comfortable and well-provisioned. Their advice was useful, well-judged and required. The hand-overs were done well, and they responded quickly and efficiently to our text/phone questions. [In case this all sounds too gushing, I confirm that I have no relationship with Floating Holidays at all, and first met the owner on the afternoon when we picked up the boat.] read less

 Having fab short break on Gemini III - lovely n interesting trip up to Bugsworth Basin.

Booking the boat was made straightforward and easy, the boat itself was really nice and Paul was laid back and... read moreBooking the boat was made straightforward and easy, the boat itself was really nice and Paul was laid back and informative. He was understanding when the boat was damaged and squared it away quickly and fairly. Nice weather, gorgeous location and we would book again! I would add that information about using the boat, in some sort of written instruction, in the boat would be useful as I did worry about all that I had to remember! Thanks Paul read less

“Tranquil break” Had lovely experience boat lovely bed sooo comfortable Paul was a great host, narrowboat dog friendly ,had no issues but... read moreHad lovely experience boat lovely bed sooo comfortable Paul was a great host, narrowboat dog friendly ,had no issues but feel that had we had any problems Paul would have dealt with them quickly, the canal was so peaceful and the scenery was lovely ,great canalside pubs never had a bad meal ,we had a lock free experience,I left my Raybans and Paul postrd them back to me, I would not hesitate to reccomend Paul and his Company,thanks Paul ,kim Dewar read less

“Highly Recommended, the perfect canal boat company!!” This trip surpassed our expectations. It was the small touches that made it extra nice, the dog biscuits and dog... read moreThis trip surpassed our expectations. It was the small touches that made it extra nice, the dog biscuits and dog bedding that Paul kindly left on the boat for our pups. The cafetière so we could have decent coffee but also a fully stocked tea, coffee and coffee making facility.The boat was comfortable and clean and Paul spent a great deal of time with us at the beginning of the trip, teaching us how to drive the boat, ensuring we were completely happy with it before our departure.Paul even recommended routes and pubs so we could make the most of our trip.Above all, Paul was friendly and funny and gave us a really lovely start and finish to our trip and the bit in the middle was relaxing with stunning scenery.Highly, highly recommended!! Thank you for a lovely holiday!!!! read less

“Cosy narrowboat” We had a weekend on the Gemini III on a cold January weekend but still had a wonderful time! The... read moreWe had a weekend on the Gemini III on a cold January weekend but still had a wonderful time! The boat was cosy and warm once the woodburner was going and there was everything we needed, including constant hot water! We were novices but Paul showed us how to handle the boat and gave us lots of tips. Had a fabulous meal at canalside pub, The Ring O' Bells, in Marple. The area is beautiful with wonderful views and very friendly locals. Would thoroughly recommend booking Gemini III. read less

“Brilliant Weekend by John Ford” Management brilliant. Nine adults had a great weekend on the canal as first time explorers. Boat clean and superb. Would... read moreManagement brilliant. Nine adults had a great weekend on the canal as first time explorers. Boat clean and superb. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Thanks to all. Cheers John read less

We decided to rent Paul’s floating home for the Easter weekend and we were not disappointed. As both of us... read moreWe decided to rent Paul’s floating home for the Easter weekend and we were not disappointed. As both of us had never manned a narrow boat before we were a little nervous but Paul gave us lots of instruction and we felt very comfortable once we got underway. Paul thinks of everything to make your stay enjoyable - plenty of wood for the fire, tea and coffee and lovely fresh laundered sheets and towels. The Macclesfield canal is an enjoyable introduction to water holidays, no locks to navigate on the Poynton to Sutton stretch so it’s a rather stress free affair with lots of great pubs along the way! We will return for an extended stay! read less

“Lady Sophia” This was our first experience of a narrow boat and so we only had a vague idea of what to... read moreThis was our first experience of a narrow boat and so we only had a vague idea of what to expect. The boat was well equipped and comfortable for four adults but may get a bit cramped if you go for a longer trip. Absolutely ideal for a family of four. The booking was easy and support from Paul was great. This gave us confidence to set out and explore the Macclesfield and Peak District Canals. The scenery is fabulous. Everyone on the canal we met were friendly and helpful. It was fairly obvious we were novices. We had a relaxing four days and somehow you are cutoff from the hustle and bustle but always close to walks and amenities. Mooring up at night and listening to the bird song was a real highlight. A great short break we hope to repeat. read less

“Pet friendly, Good holiday” Paul was very helpful, although the Weather was not so good we will be prepared for rain next time! Boat... read morePaul was very helpful, although the Weather was not so good we will be prepared for rain next time! Boat was clean and comfortable with all the facilities one could need. We did the Cheshire ring and saw some beautiful countryside. We look forward to our next trip. read less

Enjoyed our break away last year so much we have re-booked - can’t wait.

If you are a first timer on the canal then this is the ideal holiday for you. My wife... read moreIf you are a first timer on the canal then this is the ideal holiday for you. My wife and I spent a 3 night cruise on the Gemini 111 cruising on the macclesfield canal. We were met by Paul on the first day who gave a thourough but relaxed …MoreIf you are a first timer on the canal then this is the ideal holiday for you. My wife and I spent a 3 night cruise on the Gemini 111 cruising on the macclesfield canal. We were met by Paul on the first day who gave a thourough but relaxed introduction and was very helpful in assisting in planning our journey. The boat was easy to handle and a pleasure to be on; we will definitely be booking again. read less

I’ve used the floating holidays for the last couple of years & had a fantastic time every time . Boats... read moreI’ve used the floating holidays for the last couple of years & had a fantastic time every time . Boats are very equipped & homely . Every thing on board you need & More . A really good relax throughout on a great stretch of the scenic canal …MoreI’ve used the floating holidays for the last couple of years & had a fantastic time every time . Boats are very equipped & homely . Every thing on board you need & More . A really good relax throughout on a great stretch of the scenic canal . Paul is a great guy ,all the staff are very polite & helpful too . Look forward to booking again soon .Thanks again Dan read less