Introduction

The Seth Ellis is licensed to carry up to 12 passengers. It was built by Soar Valley Steel Boats in 2005 and fitted out to a high standard by members of the Trust. With a galley for the serving of hot and cold drinks and central heating as well as large opening windows all around, she offers a great platform from which to enjoy over 30 miles of one of the most beautiful stretches of the canal in the country.

A large cruiser-style stern makes access on and off the boat easy. Access to the passenger cabin is down a short flight of steps.

From its base in Retford, depending on the direction of travel, you can take in broad and narrow locks as well as different countryside. Heading towards the River Trent at West Stockwith, there are broad locks, designed to accommodate 14' wide boats. The contours of the land are such that the locks are more widely spaced as the canal drops gently towards the river junction. Heading off in the opposite direction towards the current head of navigation at Kiveton, the canal in places climbs rapidly through narrow 7' wide locks. These culminate in the fantastic flight known locally as the Giant's Staircase as it climbs from Worksop through Shireoaks and the pretty little hamlet of Turnerwood to Kiveton.

You can pay for trips on the Seth Ellis online. Please make your booking before paying for a trip as we need to know the dates/times/numbers of people etc. We use Paypal to process our transactions. You can either use a Paypal account or a regular debit or credit card. When you book the trip, please make sure you select the correct trip length as it directly affects the cost of the trip.

Booking

To enquire about booking the Seth Ellis, please ring 07925 851569 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To pay for a confirmed boat trip on board the Seth Ellis, please use our on-line shop.

Charters and trips 2012

2012 promises to be a busy year for the Seth Ellis and crew with a range of special public trips as well as our ever popular charters available. Charters may be booked for any day of the week in any month of the year. Full prices for the 2012 season and special trip dates and times are shown below. Please note that all charters depart from the Hop Pole Public House, Welham Road, Retford DN22 0SA.

Details of charters from the Hop Pole to...
(N.B. These prices are for up to 12 passengers)

... Gate Inn, Grove Road and return :: 2 hours - £80

... Boat Inn at Hayton :: 2.5 hours - £100

... Embankment through Retford :: 2.5 hours - £100

... Gate Inn and West Retford Lock :: 3 hours - £120

... Clayworth including 30 min stop :: 4 hours - £160

... Turning point beyond Barnby Wharf :: 5 hours - £200

... Drakeholes, reverse into tunnel, including 20 min stop at Clayworth  :: 7 hours - £280

... Chequers Inn, Ranby, 20 min stop at Charlies Lock :: 6.5 hours - £260

... Chequers Inn, Ranby with a 1.5 hour stop at the pub plus 20 min stop at Charlies Lock  :: 8 hours - £320

... Drakeholes, reverse into tunnel, 20 min stop at Clayworth, 1 hour picnic stop :: 8 hours - £320

Special trips

May 7th - Retford Charter Day - 30 minute trips every 45 mins from 10am; Adult £4, Child £3.50

June 3rd/4th - Jubilee Weekend - Drakeholes - 2.5hr trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £10

June 30th/July 1st - Chesterfield Canal Festival - Staveley Town Basin - 1 hour trips; flat fare tba.

July 28th/29th - Hop Pole at Retford - 2.5hr trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £10

August 25th/26th/27th - Chequers Inn at Ranby - 2hr trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £8

September 8th/9th - Retford Heritage Weekend - 50 min trips on the hour from 10am; Adult £5, Child £4.50

September 22nd/23rd - Kiveton Park - 2.5hr trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £10