Willow Wren Canal Boat & Narrowboat Breaks - Rugby

kiwisflythecoop nz

This was our first experience with a narrowboat, we spend a bit of time researching the company we wanted to use. We sent a few emails with the type of questions newbies would ask and Deb was always quick to respond and they are also a small family owned business which we like. We had Bryn which was the perfect size for the two of us, and came well appointed for our week away. One good piece of advice from Deb was a grocery order that arrived just before us on our uplift day. Also if a first timer don’t rush and take the time on the first day learning as much about controlling the boat and each persons tasks when mooring and using the locks. We would definitely use Willow Wren again.

Neil Roberts

The boat was good except for some issues with the electrics. But once we'd learned to live with them we had a great holiday on 'Beatrice'. Would recommend it. But think twice before you go on your own for the first time. I went with a disabled person who wasn't able to help with the physical side of narrowboating (mooring, locks, etc.). Having a second able-bodied adult on board would have been a big help.
Very friendly and helpful staff. The other unexpected bonus was the other boaters we met who were very forthcoming with help and advice to someone new to their world. Not come across that with other holidays before.

Update for 2024:

A second hire of 'Beatrice' for a week. The electrical problem we'd encountered in 2022 had been resolved and the boat was comfy and clean. Handled well, even on the Ashby Canal which was on the low side in terms of water and easy to ground on mud banks, especially on corners. Easy to operate single-handed (I was with a disabled person in a wheelchair), Much easier than the 72 foot boat hired last year on the Llangollen Canal.

EFA

The most dreadful company run by the most unfriendly, abusive woman on the canal system. The boats are old and knackered, filthy dirty and unhygienic. Nothing worked properly, the TV (didn't have any aerial cable) and not even the toaster worked. Broken toilet seat, toilet door that could not lock, filthy mould on the shower, microwave splattered with other people's food. Just the total lack of cleaning (old spills, dirty floors and surfaces) and maintenance of the boat.

The water tank was nowhere near full, the propeller was wrapped in loads of debris from the bottom of the canal and we had to clean it after 1/2 mile as the tiller vibrated so badly. One of the toilets only flushed occasionally. The rest of the time it didn't work.

I strongly advise finding an alternative company to rent a boat from.

The area they are in is not a picturesque canal. Head to Coventry basin and there are very few places to stop.
The aggressive woman could not advise where anywhere to stop was. Where you can the pubs and restaurants are daggy horrible places or the one or two slightly less awful ones totally beyond capacity. Quite inkeeping with the boats.

I've attached pictures of the filth, the poor condition and general state of the boat, so you can be assured this is a genuine review.

Nick Davies

Boat all ready at 9 at am sharp. Quick and concise lesson from Deb..very efficient. Good handover for dayboat. Run up to Ansty and back by 5.30. No locks so an easy run. Jenny Wren wanders a bit if you don't concentrate! Good day out. No many pubs on this stretch of canal....making a pub lunch a difficulty.

Jake Goodger

A Willow Wren Whimsy

Aboard the Willow Wren we sailed,
With pirate hearts and dreams regaled.
The trip was grand, the sights were keen,
A floating paradise, serene.

But ahoy! Came Deb, with scowl so stark,
Her manners rough, like a landlubber shark.
She barked and snapped, a tempest's roar,
No pirate spirit in her core.

We pirates laughed and shared our cheer,
But Deb’s rude ways were far from dear.
She scowled and snarled, a fearsome beast,
Her temper foul, to say the least.

She kept our booty without due cause,
Her reasons vague, a pause for jaws.
A treasure taken, not quite right,
In Deb’s grasp, a pirate’s plight.

Yet through the storm, we found delight,
In scenic views and stars so bright.
The river’s charm, a treasure chest,
If only Deb had been our guest.

We sailed through beauty, wild and free,
But Deb’s harsh tone was mutiny.
We’d parley peace, with rum in hand,
If Deb could join our pirate band.

So Willow Wren, heed well our tale,
For smoother seas, adjust your sail.
A joyful trip, with one small gaffe,
Tame Deb’s rude ways, we’d share a laugh.

George Thompson

Very helpful and informative. We'll equipped boats. Plenty of information. Very friendly staff. Would recommend taking your own proper canal boat map book highlighting routes, water points and ideal moorings.

Katarzyna Sulinowska

We've had a FANTASTIC boating holiday thanks to Debbie, Jan and Chris from Willow Wren. It was our first time and we couldn't have chosen a better hire company. From booking to handing the boat back we knew the team is there to answer any questions and offer help if needed. Brilliant communication.
The boat was impeccably clean and had everything we needed for a very comfortable holiday. We appreciated household supplies which helped us maintain sparkling cleanliness we had on the first day. Bedding was more luxurious then what we have at home and I actually checked the labels to buy the same when we get home 🙂

Training with Chris the engineer was invaluable and it was a joy to meet a person who is so passionate about his work. Both Debby and Jan are friendly, approachable and professional. In overall we had a great experience and we cannot wait to be back! We will recommend Willow Wren. Thank you the brilliant, hardworking team.

Michael Hutton

What a great company. Willow Wren deserve the highest praise for their dedication to their customers. Our holiday was booked and because some selfish person refused to return the boat, we had to delay for 24 hours. The excellent staff at Willow Wren resolved the problem quickly and even sent people to get the boat back to Rugby overnight!
The boat was cleaned and prepared to the latest corona virus standards in record time.
Prices are very competitive and the attention to detail is second to none.
Staff at the yard are willing to help and advise with all your questions.
As already said, we cannot praise them highly enough for the attention and help they have given us.