The 'John Pinkerton' trip boat

Crewing the boat The trip boat is entirely run by volunteers. New crew members are always welcome - and needed. Would you like to take part? more

COMBINED DAY OUT for CHARTER CRUISES MAKE A DAY OF IT If you are booking the 'John Pinkerton' for a charter party of up to 50 people, why not make your half-day trip on the canal into a day out by visiting another attraction in the area. Here are some ideas: STEAM RAILWAY TRIP Enjoy a morning cruise on the John Pinkerton and a steam train trip on the Watercress Line from Alresford in the afternoon. Details and bookings - tel: (UK) 01962 733810 Watercress Line GUIDED TOUR OF ODIHAM Join local guide Jane Pratt for a 2-hour walk and discover the Georgian town of Odiham, first mentioned in the Domesday Book. She can also meet your party at the canalside ruin of the early 13th century Odiham Castle, to inspect the remains and give a 20 minute talk about its history in the days of King John. Odiham Your guide can also meet your party at Odiham Castle, beside the canal at North Warnborough to inspect the ruins and talk about its history and how King John rode to Runnymede to seal the Magna Carta in 1215. King John's Castle MILESTONES MUSEUM at BASINGSTOKE The new Milestones Living History Museum at Basingstoke brings alive the social and economic history of Hampshire over 100 years. Walk through the town's 'streets' with shop window displays showing how merchandise changed from 1850 to 1950. There is a large collection of commercial vehicles, industrial and engineering artifacts and the recreated Chesil railway station at Winchester. (UK) 01256 477766 RURAL LIFE MUSEUM Located at Tilford, near Farnham, the Centre covers ten acres of field, woodland and barns, showing village life and trades in the 1800s. Farm vehicles, agricultural tools, a wheelwright's shop, blacksmith's forge and a shepherd's hut are among other displays. Home cooked meals available. We can give you more information and costs of the above three attractions which can be booked when you charter the John Pinkerton. CATERING for CHARTER TRIPS Private parties may provide their own food but not drinks which must be ordered and paid for at the bar. Special drinks can be provided if ordered in advance. If you intend to use a catering service, we have a local catererwho provides food to order delivered to the boat. For menus and prices contact: Chapel Pond Catering, 4 Chapel Pond Drive, North Warnborough, Hook, Hants RG29 1EF. Tel: 01256 701859. e-mail: kathryn.ball@virgin.net If you want a fish'n chip supper, Flying Fish in Fleet (tel: (UK) 01252 616556) will deliver your order to the boat.

TRADITIONAL JAZZ BAND Add to the party atmosphere of your cruise and enjoy a canal boat shuffle with The New Excel Jazz Band. (UK) 01252 549037 SENIOR CITIZENS and DISABLED PERSONS For the comfort of parties of senior citizens or disabled persons, the total number should not exceed 45 persons. Access is by 4 steps. Wheelchairs can be taken on board but there is no mechanical lift. Group organisers must provide able bodied helpers to lift chair-bound passengers on and off the boat. We regret that crews cannot be expected to assist - some of them are senior citizens themselves! Please note: The toilet is not large enough to take a wheelchair. Whether you join a public trip aboard the John Pinkerton or charter the boat for a private party, a leisurely cruise provides a unique way to enjoy the fine countryside and unspoilt woodlands along the canal.

Last updated February 2003