|
We welome you to glide along at a slow and leisurely pace whilst
enjoying the wealth of wildlife and scenery to be experienced on
the canal, away from the bustle of busy roads.
John Varley |
Seth Ellis (David Morris)
|
Ideal for parties / groups, such as a celebratory occasion, club
outing, community groups, business away days, School educational
visits or just family and friends enjoying a relaxing time out together.
We operate two purpose built passenger day trip boats at two locations
on the Chesterfield Canal.
The John Varley narrowboat was launched by the Mayor of
Chesterfield in May 1992, and sponsored by Chesterfield Borough
Council, facilities at present include wheelchair lift and toilet.
Since it was launched it has provided hundreds of people of all
ages with a pleasurable introduction to this recently restored section
of canal.
The Seth Ellis narrowboat was built in 2005 by Soar Valley
Steel Boats of Chesterfield and fitted out to a high standard by
volunteers of the Trust.
Facilities include large opening windows, rear, front and side doors
to maximise fresh air, heater if cold, toilet, galley to provide
hot and cold drinks at moderate cost, and a chiller.
It was supported by generous financial assistance from Bassetlaw
District Council and The Nottinghamshire County Council Charitable
Grants Trust.
The Seth Ellis now also
has its own web site
|
John Varley
|
Seth Ellis
|
Charter trips
With the canal breach at Tinkersick now
repaired the John Varley is resuming its Charter Trips. Please
contact Paul on the number below for details.
Both boats are licensed for a maximum of 12 passengers which cannot
be exceeded, except for babies under 12 months.
The charter rate for both boats is £30.00 per hour for the boat
and crew. Trip length minimum 2 hours to a maximum of 8 hours.
To book your charter on the Seth Ellis please 'phone Pete/ Vicki
on 01246 280660. Enquiries/bookings for John Varley charters please
'phone Paul on 0114 287 2594.
Please note John Varley operates from your choice of Tapton
Lock Visitor Centre, Lockoford Lane Chesterfield or The Mill
Public House, Station Road, Brimington.
The Seth Ellis departs from Bay Tree cafe / bar, Carolgate,
Retford.
On both boats you are welcome to bring your own picnic on board,
or a stop can be arranged at a canalside pub.
You will be asked for a 20% deposit to confirm your booking, the
balance due a week before your trip. Please make cheques payable
to Chesterfield Canal Trust, and send to:
Seth Ellis:
Vicki Croot,
9 Riverdale Park,
Staveley,
Chesterfield, S43 3UQ. |
|
John Varley:
Paul Unwin.
Tel. 0114 287 2594.
|
|
|
|
| Seth
Ellis in action on May5, 2008 under blue skies for a very successful
Retford Charter Day. The crew took dozens of passengers from
The Wharf at the end of Carolgate outside the Bay Tree up to
Leverton Road bridge and back. (David Morris) |
Public trips
With the return of water to the canal
following the breach repair the John Varley is resuming its public
cruises.
John Varley Public Trips
 These
run on Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoons and depart from
Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield, telephone
01246 551035.
45 minute trips depart 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Please phone to
check availability, or just turn up and cruise. Fare £3.50 adults,
£3.00 children.
90 minute trips every other Sunday at 11am. Booking essential.
Fare £5.00 adults, £4.50 children.
Seth Ellis Public Trips
 Approx
30-minute public trips will run from the Bay Tree Cafe / Bar commencing
Saturday March 29th, most Saturdays. £2.50 adults, £2.00 children.
Special Public Trips:
Booking essential, phone Pete / Vicki on 01246 280660.
Approx 1 hour, adults £4.50, children £4.00 Mothers' Day, March
2nd Easter Sunday March 23rd, Easter Monday, March 24th. Easter
Eggs for children. Fathers' Day, June 15th. Trips will run at 10.30am,
12.00, 1.30pm, 3.00pm and 4.30pm.
Please find a list of the
various charter trips that we can do, here
(PDF file)
Santa Specials
 Both
boats operate Santa Specials for 4 weekends prior to Christmas.
2008 from Saturday November 29th to Sunday 21st December.
Enjoy a 30 minute ride, and meet Santa in his decorated boat where
each child will receive a present. Adults are treated to a seasonal
drink and mince pie. Fare £5.00 adults, £5.00 children.
Booking is essential for these trips.
John Varley runs from Tapton
Lock Visitor Centre, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield. To book telephone
01246 551035.
Seth Ellis runs from the Bay Tree Cafe / Bar, The Wharf,
Carolgate, Retford. Free parking from the Bay Tree Cafe / Bar, up
to 3 hours Monday to Saturday, free parking all day sunday and Bank
Holidays. . To book telephone Pete / Vicki on 01246 280660.
All proceeds from both boats go towards the Restoration of
the Chesterfield Canal and they are manned entirely by volunteers.
Local dignitaries look on as Santa
aboard the Seth Ellis enters Town Lock
in Retford (David Morris)
|
Santa with helpers Judith and Colette
aboard the Seth Ellis in Retford Town
Lock (David Morris)
|
|
John Varley
|
John Varley
|
|
