Why a Boating Holiday?

The 2,000 + miles of navigable rivers and canals are the best kept holiday resource secret in England and Wales. Originally designed and constructed about 200 years ago as the motorways of the day for economical transportation of bulk goods they were a key component of the Industrial Revolution but were quickly made obsolete by the coming of railways and later road transport. Many fell into disrepair but miraculously survived and have now been restored to their former glory over the last fifty years for recreational use. They form green corridors linking historically important places and are available to us today to explore at a pace that is 200 years old. The other lucky beneficiaries of this restoration is the wildlife which naturally gravitates to this unspoilt environment. Can there be a better holiday proposition? We invite you to join us in exploring this unique environment.

Why Isabella Bespoke River Cruises?

Because our bespoke system allows you more freedom to choose and enjoy the holiday you want.

By having only one party of guests (maximum of 3 people) on board and no rigid cruising schedule we can allow you far more input into the route and pace of your cruise giving you a truly bespoke experience.

Having spent some time planning your cruise before booking, you are still free to change details during the holiday in response to weather conditions for instance or simply because you want to do something different. All we ask is that we arrive at our agreed destination in time for our next cruising commitment.

Why Isabella?

Because she is a fabulously spacious and comfortable boat.

Isabella was NOT designed as a dedicated hotel boat, she has only one double guest cabin and an occasional single bed in the saloon. No effort has been made to maximise the number of berths, instead we have ensured that there is sufficient room for guests to feel informally at home but with privacy when wanted.

Your accommodation will be the forward cabin with large double bed and more than adequate wardrobe space, adjoining this is the bathroom with full size bath, shower, hand basin and porcelain toilet which flushes into a remote large capacity holding tank. By locking one corridor door this effectively becomes an ensuite bathroom for morning showering/bathing and dressing.

There is a large saloon/dining room with multi-fuel burning stove for chilly nights and opening hatch doors for hot days, comfortable sofa, TV, music system and a library of books and DVDs.

The rear deck is large enough for viewing the world go by whilst we are underway, or on which to take meals on sunny days and warm evenings whilst moored.

The well deck at the front of Isabella is accessed directly from the forward cabin and is an idyllic spot to sit whilst travelling and watch the wildlife at its own level.

Isabella also has everything you would expect in a modern apartment, central heating, hot and cold water, fridge, freezer, washing machine, 240volt lighting and power points throughout.

There is free internet access with a printer via a dongle.