Foxtail

Had a great week on the Foxtail, the boat ran fine. Good handover procedure. We had ample information from the website. It was nice to be back on a boat again.

What a fantastic weekend away! I’ve wanted to do this for years and was nervous the trip wouldn’t live up to my hopes…but wow! Our boat surpassed our expectations for cleanliness and storage and was equipped with everything we needed, including washing up liquid and sponge. We arrived early and took the opportunity to watch other boats navigating the nearby locks which served us in good stead for our weekend as novices. We had a great handover and a few hints and tips for places to stop, distances to cover etc. We travelled with our two “tween” girls who found the whole experience great fun, especially opening/closing locks/swing bridges and navigating generally. I'd definitely do this again, such a memorable trip 😊👌🏻!

Thanks very much for everything last week, we were very happy with everything on board - the facilities were great and very modern, the shower was hot, the gas cooker worked well, the bed was comfortable, and it was a complete joy to chug along the Kennet & Avon Canal with confidence, the boat was easy to manoeuvre and the locks were fun ! Thanks to Foxhangers for making the experience so easy!

This was a truly fantastic family vacation for us. We travelled from Alaska and this is the first time ever with a narrow boat. Everyone wants to do it again! The boat was perfect for our needs and the kids loved the locks and swing bridge. We hope to be back!

We have used many canal hire boat companies across the country. For us, we found the standard of narrow boat, fixtures and fittings all very pleasing and totally suitable for an enjoyable canal holiday. The booking process was easy, efficient and friendly. The boat handbook and canal guide were all well maintained and up to date. We were especially grateful for the understanding shown when we had a calamity directly before our holiday. The staff were exceptional with dealing with the issue. The whole business appears well run, safe and effective. We intend to rebook.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week aboard Foxtail. She is a lovely little narrowboat, ideal for a couple. The layout was very practical with everything you could need. In terms of equipment, all was provided. The induction/hand-over was friendly and professional, with any questions answered. We were lucky with the weather too, which was a surprise for late September-early October. Would recommend Foxhangers. Kind regards,

Hi We just wanted to say a massive thankyou to everyone at Foxhangers. We phoned on the off chance of a shorter than 4 night midweek break for that day (to help make up for a let down on our 20th anniversary). This was achieved and less than 5 hours after the call we were packed and sailing towards Bath and back over 3 nights. We have had a number of boats and this was by far the most up together and a real pleasure to have 4 of us on. All aspects worked really well, handover, and hand back. So thank you all for a lovely opportunity, it really helped to make our 20th anniversary a day to remember along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Many thanks to all of you, a really top class company. Many thanks from the Cadmores

Foxhangers were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Pre-holiday correspondence and information was supplied in good time, with ample opportunity to resolve any outstanding issues. We arrived slightly early, (as I’m sure many do), but the boat was ready for us to board. The boat was clean and well presented, with just a few minor decorative issues – redundant switches, panel repairs etc. However, we felt that these added to the ‘canal boat’ ambience, we would not have wanted perfect. Bottled water was provided as the onboard fresh water tank had been ‘winterised’ and therefore had a slight taste, which would disappear with time. We were met by Kevin, who gave us time to embark bags and park the car before starting the handover. The handover was comprehensive and professional; Kevin has a pleasant, easy going manner which made us feel comfortable from the outset. He provided a walk through of the boat and a practical demonstration of lock operation, with plenty of useful tips. He was kind enough to acknowledge our prior boat handling experience and send us on our way – we went west! Our first evening meal was at the Barge Inn. It was ok, but we got the impression that they don’t try too hard as they have a premium location, and punters will come to them regardless. It was made worse because they had no ice, and all beer coolers had failed! Perhaps the Brewery Inn would have been a better bet… By the time we had reached our ‘half time’ point, (2 days), we had got as far as Dundas aqueduct, a lovely spot for lunch, turn round and head back. Our last evening meal was at the Three Magpies so that we could have the boat returned in good time the next morning. The berthing/return process was again very easy, Kevin met us and was keen to know how we had enjoyed the week, and wished us a safe onward journey. I can thoroughly recommend Foxhangers, and would definitely use again if we go back to the area.

We appreciated the initial input from Patrick, which was professional and clear. He gave us an update to refresh our skills but took into account the boating experience we did have. The information he gave out turned out to be useful all week. A good start! Foxtail is a charming boat, well fitted out, comfortable with good central heating, a neat little table, tv with DVD player, and a nice hot shower. The boat is good to steer, and its controls are straightforward. We went down to Bradford on Avon and had a lovely day there. We had a walk every day from our mooring places. The Wiltshire countryside is beautiful, and we enjoyed the wildlife - we saw whitethroats, meadow pipits, a mistle thrush. Thank you to all at Foxhangers for the good communication, warm welcome, and solid and reliable boat. We had a super holiday!

An enjoyable first time experience on the waterways, everybody very friendly & helpful. Coasting along relaxing. Manoeuvring quickly mastered.

We had a family holiday, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, the boat was well appointed with everything we needed, information provided about where to eat etc made things easy and was correct, all the places recommended that we used we would also recommend. I would recommend using Foxhangers to anyone wanting a narrow boat holiday and would return for any future breaks.

Excellent week. Friendly welcome and an efficient hand over of the boat. The boat met all our requirements, Thank you.

What a great weekend. The weather it must be said was amazing. The canal and surrounding countryside was spellbinding. We have lived on the Eastern edge of Wiltshire for 50years. Never ventured West, oh what we have missed. The boat was brilliant, beautifully maintained and the handover advice from Andy was superb. Great fun, perhaps a little daunting attempting a lock for the first time, but so worth the experience. The pace of life at canal level and the wind down value of a weekend away like this is priceless. Bradford on Avon a hidden jewel to which we will return, the cheery waves and smiles from those walking or cycling or on passing boats made it a holiday to remember and cherish. Thanks for your help and we look forward to seeing you again.

It was our first time on a Barge, and we thoroughly enjoyed our week. It was hard work with just the two of us having to negotiate the locks and steering the barge through strong winds, but we did it! Everyone was very helpful at Foxhangers with full instructions before we set off and the knowledge that someone would be on hand to help if we needed them. Being able to slowly make our way up the canal at a very gentle pace was relaxing in the knowledge that we were in no rush to get very far and to just enjoy being on holiday. We would do it again but next time maybe a bigger barge with some friends who can help.

We are a retired couple in our 70’s and very much enjoyed a welcomed week away in the midst of the COVID uncertainty on board Foxtail. Our plan was to go to Bath (and back) in the week and we achieved our goal. Foxtail was the ideal size for the 2 of us (and our 7 month old Sheltie) and provided us with every provision, facility and comfort we needed for a worry free relaxing week. Good layout on the boat, particularly the kitchen. Foxhangers were helpful and efficient throughout. Thank you.

Again we were impressed with their friendliness and efficiency. The boat was well prepared including extra Covid provisions and arrangements. Compared to other hire boats we saw on the ‘cut’, and in conversations we had with other hirers Foxhangers is definitely a cut above. Despite awful weather at times we enjoyed our second booking with Foxhangers.

Testimonial Really enjoyed our first experience- not without its challenges but found everyone very helpful. Very impressed with how smoothly we were handed the boat and given information. No criticisms and would definitely do it again next year.

The service when we arrived and when we departed was slick and well organised. The Staff we met were very friendly and helpful. The narrow boat (Foxtail) was sparkling clean, well laid out and well equipped. Perfect for 2 people, OK for 4/5 if you do not mind making up beds at night. Information provided in advance was very useful in planning holiday, just a shame someone got their boat stuck in Lock 12 so we could not get as far as we intended. But on the up side it gave us more time to explore places we would otherwise of just passed through and my crew (wife) was quite happy to have less locks and swing bridges to manage per day. Would certainly consider using Foxhangers if we are in that part of the country again

3 grown up teenagers (19 and 20 years old) and their dad for a week on a canal boat ( never known the existing of it as we don't know this in Holland), how would that be? I can tell you, we loved it! What an experience! The boat itself was fantastic, everything works. And the trip became better and better as the locks and swing bridges were professional taken by the young crew. What a quality time we've had all 4 of us. And what a great country England is, the nice Bradford on Avon, Bathampton and Bath were very interesting. Next time we come with even more people, of course we need a bigger boat by then but that should be no problem, after a few days boating we consider ourselves as experienced boaters, it was that easy. Thank you Foxhangers for a great holiday.

This was a weekend break planned to celebrate significant birthdays and anniversaries across three generations but was held on tenterhooks by Covid-19 and the cautious lifting of lockdown measures. Foxhangers couldn’t have been more helpful through all the uncertainty, offering us four quality boats so that all four families could enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime get-together as we emerged out of lockdown. The knowledgeable staff, the training and handover all gave us the confidence to make the most of our time which we did, leaving us with unforgettable memories and the pleasure of being able to recommend such a generous, efficient and considerate company.

We have had a wonderful few days on the canal, the boat hand over was excellent, Richard explained everything very well before we set off, the boat was very comfortable and easy to use. Our experience right from booking until handing back the canal boat has been very professional.

Once again Foxhangers have come up trumps. Just returned from 4nights on Foxtail with two friends who had never tried Canal holidays before and were very impressed with both the organisation and standard of boat and facilities. They were particularly impressed with the hand over and instructions advice given.

We had an amazing first canal boat holiday on Foxtail, which was just right for us. She was well equipped and comfortable and was a good length at 50ft –not too long to steer but long enough to fit everything in. After an initial short panic at steering a boat that was nearly three times as long as our Drascombe, it soon became second nature and thoroughly enjoyable. The community spirit on the canal was lovely and there was always someone to help if you needed it. There were places to explore en route and the sunrises and sunsets and misty mornings were a joy, as was the wildlife, with kingfishers, swans, ducks, moorhens and much more. We are now planning to go on another canal boat holiday next year, and looking at other operators’ sites I realise how good the information provided about the boats etc by Foxhangers on their site is. We did not want to leave our boat at the end and could happily have stayed on her for extra weeks!

What a great holiday! A warm welcome from the team, tuition from Duncan was very good,1hr1/2 later were on our way. Our boat was nice and clean and very well kitted out, everything was there including waterproofs! Luckily our week was the hottest in June, so no need for the waterproofs! It takes a couple of hours to get the feel of the boat, just remember slower is better, there’s no rush you’re on holiday, and try to pair up on the locks, it makes it a lot easier, and you can pick up tips from more experienced boaters. We made it to Bath and back, our last night at the 3 Magpies, excellent food and only about half hour from foxhangers, Overall a great holiday at a slow pace.

Another holiday with Foxhangers and again excellent attention paid by all staff. This time a smaller craft Foxtail lovely boat well maintained and prepared. I cannot fault Foxhangers for their attention, service and quality of craft. Highly recommended.

We had a wonderful relaxing break aboard Foxtail. We found it comfortable, clean, well laid-out and maintained to a high standard. Staff were very welcoming and helpful. We will definitely do it again.

Had a great week, Staff were friendly & helpful would definitely go back

Just a quick e-mail to thank you and all your staff for a lovely holiday on Foxtail. Rachel and I found the whole team at Foxhangers extremely professional and very helpful, especially with the flowers! (Which were arranged to be onboard as a surprise for Mrs Keith).The whole experience was very enjoyable and  we would not hesitate to recommend you. Many thanks again,

We had an excellent time with the Foxhangers narrow boats on the Kennet and Avon. This is an exceptional canal (we have cruised many), with lots of moorings and terrific pubs. We were lucky with the weather which helped.  The boat was in excellent condition. Lovely people at the canal yard and bottle of wine was a nice touch.

We spent a weekend on Foxtail in March 2014 and had a lovely/relaxing time. We had two small children with us who really enjoyed the experience, helping with the locks and swing bridges. The handover was thorough, the staff were friendly/helpful and the lock demonstration useful. The boat was clean and well equipped and we had everything we needed. The wine and chocolates were a lovely touch, albeit they didn’t last long! We would highly recommend Foxhangers and will definitely be going again.

I found the staff at Foxhangers to be very polite, welcoming and of great assistance all the way from booking my boat hire to collection return etc. The information provided was very helpful. I would recommend Foxhangers and will be booking a week’s holiday with them again in 2015. An overall, very satisfied customer

Wow - Incredible break yet again from all the staff at Foxhangers, not going to name individually but they know who they are. Also the gang behind the scenes, getting boats refuelled, cleaned and ready to go again in a tight timeframe. We had a great time making our way down to Bath, a great City, which we all enjoy visiting this time by water. Thanks again everyone at Foxhangers, keep up the great work you do

This was the first time we ever tried a narrowboat holiday and our experience means we will definitely be doing it again! Foxhangers were excellent in every respect - friendly, very helpful and the boat, Foxtail, was extremely well equipped with everything on board that you could need. The whole experience was great from start to finish.

The staff at Foxhangers are friendly and helpful, we couldn’t have asked for better customer service. The boats were clean, tidy and well presented with everything you could need on board and more. The hand over of the boats to us at the start of our holiday left everyone in our party feeling confident that they could operate locks, bridges and the boats well. Added to that the fact that Foxhangers is located on a truly beautiful stretch of canal we had a really relaxing, interesting and comfortable family holiday which we hope to repeat some day!

Four of us spent a week on one of Foxhangers barges. We were all totally satisfied with the experience. We found the staff at the beginning of the holiday helpful and accommodating. We loved the small touches of a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates waiting for us a lovely touch. The barge itself was very much to our satisfaction. Plenty of room for us all. The barge was lovely and clean and well appointed. All in all it made for a very pleasant vacation. We will all recommend Foxhangers to other people. 

"Foxtail" was perfect for the two of us. Homely, with everything we needed, but small enough to be easily handleable by a couple travelling alone.

Great weekend break, good handover, quality boat and even the teenagers had fun!

I thank you for a wonderful trip and vacation on the canal. You and your team, boats and canal are amazing. We look forward to coming back to the canal and perhaps taking on Caen Hill!

We had Foxtail, anyway 5berth and a really tidy boat that handled really well. Very well equipped, superb tele and radio reception and comfortable beds and bedding. Generally very well laid out making the best use of space and obviously not skimping on any of the gear. The training was very professional and relaxed which inspired confidence. We had a great time. Thank you Foxhangers!

Dear Sirs. Thanks for Damage Deposit cheque. Excellent few days which we all enjoyed. We thought the Foxhanger staff were all very friendly, professional and competent and the boat in first class order. We would certainly do it again and by the way, would we get a discount for a return visit? Thanks again.

Just a quick note to say how much we all really enjoyed our Easter weekend on Foxtail! The boat was really well kitted out and very spacious for 4 and had everything we needed for a great trip. I think the glorious weather helped, but we had a fantastic time and would certainly recommend you to anybody who asked - I've already sent your web-link to a friend who also "has always wanted to try a narrowboat and never quite got round to it". Many thanks once again.

Super service, thanks you all were great to work with and run a darn good service. The boat was very fine and made us feel proud as we passed the other guys.

We were pleased with the boat - lots of nooks and crannies for storing. The boat was easy to handle, a very pleasant holiday.

Can’t fault anything, you must take great pride in your boats and it shows.

Fantastic, well equipped boats, friendly and helpful staff, beautiful surroundings, attention to detail, nothing was too much trouble, we had a fabulous week on Foxtail!

Once again enjoyed a wonderful 4 days on Foxhangers Foxtail. Our friends who came with us had never experienced a canal holiday and were full of praise both for Foxhangers and the Canal Trust for making it a unforgettable experience. We visited 3 pub/restaurants. The Somerset Arms at Semmington, the George at Bathampton and the Three Magpies at Seend and highly recommend them all. Thank you Foxhangers for all the help and advice and we look forward to returning in the future.