Question 1

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Online booking - Day Trips

Complete our quick online Booking Form and let us know your preferred dates and details. We'll then be in touch with confirmation and further information.

Contact the office

You can call the office directly on 01509 265590 or email info@peterlemarchanttrust.co.uk to speak to a member of our team. We can inform you of available dates, book your trip and take your deposit payment over the phone. We also accept payment via cheque, BACs or cash if you pop by the base.

We can then either post out your booking form for completion with a copy of the pub menu, where applicable, and you can send it back by return post with any deposit money due.

Seasonal trips

These can be booked directly via the events page on our website and payment made via our secure online payment system.

Confirmation of booking will be emailed out with your tickets, along with a map and any other relevant trip information.

We can also take bookings over the phone or email enquiries, using the above contact details and we can take payment over the phone.

Question 2

What does the blue wheelchair symbol mean?

Accepted Answer

The wheelchair in a blue square is officially known as the International Symbol of Access (ISA), often called the "handicap sign." It signifies that an area, facility, service or vehicle is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.

As the UK’s first accessible canal boat charity, this reflects what we’re here to do, making the waterways open and welcoming to everyone through accessible boats and inclusive experiences.

Question 3

How many wheelchairs can be accommodated on a boat trip?

Accepted Answer

Our boats have different capacities depending on the vessel:
Serenade can accommodate up to 6 wheelchairs
Harmony can accommodate up to 2 wheelchairs
For comfort, health, and safety reasons, each wheelchair space is counted as two passenger places.

Question 4

Where do boats depart?

Accepted Answer

All boat trips and holidays leave from our base in Canalside Moorings, Beeches Road, Loughborough LE11 2NS

Please note: SATNAVs often send drivers over the other side of the canal if following just the postcode. Please use full address when navigating to the base.

Question 5

When can I go on a boat trip?

Accepted Answer

Our boating season runs from March through to October, seven days a week.
We also hold special family-themed trips throughout the whole year - please check our events pages to participate in these special events.

Question 6

Do I have to pay a deposit for a boat trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have to pay a deposit on our day trips. Our wellbeing and seasonal trips are paid in full via our website. We ask for a £100 deposit, which will then guarantee your reservation.

Question 7

What do I do if the weather is really bad?

Accepted Answer

We are constantly keeping an eye on the forecast. It is very rare we cancel a day trip; the weather will have to be very severe. Do contact the office as soon as you can if you have concerns about the weather.

Question 8

Is there on-site parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a large car park and it is free of charge for all our users.

Question 9

I use a wheelchair - can I still go on one of your trips?

Accepted Answer

We positively welcome wheelchair users and have ramps, lifts, disabled toilet facilities (on board canal boats and at our base) and access points to our canal boats ensuring your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Question 10

I only have a few people in my group, can I still book a day trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even if it's just you.  We have received funding which enables us to run a variety of wellbeing trips open to individuals and small groups.

The website is updated regularly with trip dates and availability.

Question 11

How much does a trip cost?

Accepted Answer

Day trips

Day trips are available from March until the end of October and run 7 days a week. DAILY CHARGE:  £20 per person - with a minimum boat hire charge of  £340.

Half-day trips and boat specials

Throughout the year we hold special events and seasonal trips which are available to all. Trip prices vary.

Please see our Events page for further details.

Question 12

Do you have any information about what we will see on our boat trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have produced a “Welcome Aboard” booklet which outlines some of the sites and buildings you will see on your journey, as well as the wildlife, and other services our charity delivers.

Question 13

How many passengers can go on a day trip?

Accepted Answer

Serenade can hold 26 passengers.

Consideration is given to the number of wheelchair users in the group.  Larger wheelchairs can require two spaces or more. Our seating is flexible to accommodate the positioning of wheelchairs.  Please contact the office if you need further guidance on seating arrangements.

Question 14

Do I need to arrange the pub lunch for my group?

Accepted Answer

We offer a pub stop during the week, and have an agreement with the pubs we use as they offer our passengers a selected  'boaters menu'.

Please do not book direct with the pub as it leads to confusion and extra time added to the day.

All a designated group organiser needs to do is once they receive a copy of the menu, make a note of their groups meals and bring this with them on the day. One of our crew will call up the relevant pub in advance and make the order for you.  This ensures the meals are ready for when the boat moors up and no time is taken waiting for the meals.

The pubs ask that one designated person from the group takes responsibility for paying for the meals to make the process quicker and less confusing.

If a group plans to stop at a pub for lunch, the office requires at least four weeks' advance notice. A prompt 10:00am start is essential. While we will make every effort to accommodate a pub stop, we cannot guarantee wheelchair accessibility, as this depends entirely on river conditions, which may result in flooding even during summer.

If a pub booking becomes unavailable due to inclement weather, the trip will proceed as scheduled on the canal, as an alternative buffet lunch option is available. While we are happy to provide recommendations for suitable catering providers, it remains the responsibility of the trip organiser to supply appropriate food for their group.

Payment for meals and drinks is the responsibility of the group’s organiser and must be made directly to the pub. Any issues during the pub stop should be addressed with the pub’s management, as PLMT cannot be held responsible.

Question 15

Do we have to pay for our refreshments on our boat trips?

Accepted Answer

No, both hot and cold drinks as well as biscuits are part of the price of your trip. If you purchase any food or drink at a pub, you will pay them directly.

Question 16

Do carers need to pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

As a charity, we keep our trip costs to a minimum.  We charge £20 per person for our five-hour day trip but it actually costs more than £60 per person for our charity to run the trip.  We have to supplement the deficit with grants and fundraising initiatives in order to ensure we can keep our boats running, meet current health and safety guidelines and are able to provide complimentary refreshments on board.

Question 17

How do I volunteer for your Trust?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our volunteer page to apply.

Question 18

Do I need to complete a risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

Risk assessments are not a mandatory requirement by the Marine Coastguard Agency, however, if you need to undertake one for your organisation this is possible. In addition, if you wish to visit the base please contact us to arrange a visit.

Risk assessment forms may be found below:
Serenade/Symphony Day trip risk assessment

Question 19

Can I take my dog on board?

Accepted Answer

We welcome guide and assistance dogs at the Trust.

In other circumstances, please ask contact our office to discuss and we will try and accommodate you.

Question 20

Can I smoke/vape on your day trips?

Accepted Answer

Smoking/vaping is not permitted in our canal boats. At our base we have designated smoking areas.

Question 21

Can I take alcohol on board?

Accepted Answer

We limit all alcohol consumption on our day trips and holidays. Please contact office if you have any queries regarding this.

Question 22

Is your charity insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our charity has public liability cover. Passengers must, however, be responsible for their own personal possessions and medical requisites.  Whilst not medically responsible, the Trust does reserve the right to get emergency medical assistance if the Skipper deems it necessary. An extensive First Aid case and defibrillator is carried on our canal boats.

Question 23

Can I buy a souvenir of my trip?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!

Purchase from our office during your visit.
Our online shop is coming soon.

Question 24

How many passengers are allowed to sit, in the open, at the front of the boat during a trip?

Accepted Answer

For safety and comfort we allow up to 6 passengers to sit on the front of the boats. Please do follow the instructions of the crew at all times when sat on the front of the boat, especially when approaching bridges and when the boat is being moored etc.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions