Who are LNBP
London Narrowboat Project (LNBP) was founded by a group of teachers in 1981. It is run entirely by volunteers and is a registered charity.

What are its aims
To provide inexpensive holidays and educational trips on the inland waterways, primarily but not exclusively, for children and young people of all backgrounds but with an emphasis on those from deprived urban areas, the partially disabled, and the disadvantaged. LNBP aims to help improve the lives of those from any section of the community who we feel would benefit from our activities.

How is it funded
We rely primarily on donations. Income from hirers is only a small part of our budget. Offers of funding, irrespective of size, can be made to Dave Otway, LNBP Fundraising Officer, 20 Tewkesbury Avenue, Forest Hill, London SE23 3DQ Tel 0208 699 7806

Is there any financial help available
We have a bursary scheme for cases of hardship. Contact us for details.

Who can hire our boats?....
Our boats are available to registered groups...such as schools, youth organisations, and uniformed and church-based societies...but certainly not limited to these.
We want our boats to be put to good use ..so we`d like to be of help..so please ASK.            HOME

Can we have a look at the boats
We can do better than that if you like....if you`ve not hired before.. we can arrange an introductory cruise. No charge is made, but a donation towards the cost is appreciated.  Remember, though, to arrange your visit through our Bookings Office before turning up.. Tel:01732 820 132

Will I find everything I need on board?
The kitchen is very well equipped ; there is a domestic sized fridge and a domestic sized cooker. Pillow cases are supplied, and hand towels for the toilet areas.
YOU MUST take your own food (or buy it en-route), toilet rolls, tea towels and domestic cleaning materials, and anything else that YOUR group may need. A hirers pack with details such as kit lists will be sent to the group leader before departure

What about food
Some groups bring all their basic food with them, and buy milk etc., as they go along. Others travel, say to Rugby by train, send the party on the bus to Braunston and buy the food from the supermarket and get it to Braunston via taxi. There is a little supermarket in Braunston, and a butcher, who will deliver food to canalside for you. There are of course villages and some canal shops on most routes, but of limited range.

What happens about the cooking?
The group leader will make arrangements for buying, preparing and cooking the meals so that everyone has a good spread of jobs. The leader may well wish to invite the skipper to join the group for all or some of the meals on board.

Can we all have a go steering and running the boat?
Certainly! Our skippers will try and encourage all on board to try steering the boat, and everyone will have to help moor up and get the boat through the locks.

Will my group be safe?
There are dangers, and everyone will need to listen carefully to all instructions. The group will be given individual buoyancy aids, and the Skipper will be in charge of the safety of the passengers and the boat whilst travelling. See the booking conditions. A safety sheet is included in the Group Leaders’ list pack.

Is there a TV?
No….Try life without one….you`ll probably have far too much else to do.......There is a radio and cd player.

Fishing?
The normal fishing licence arrangements apply for rods and so on. Most leaders feel that rods are a hazard they can do without! At least ensure no maggots please!

I am not sure about steering the boat, and have no experience of canals
We supply a Skipper –( who has a separate cabin, not out of your 12 places )– for all groups UNLESS there is at least one adult per boat hired without a LNBP Project Skipper who has a LNBP Self-steer Certificate or a CCBM or a higher qualification. We are happy to train and assess you in due course, perhaps after taking a full part in 2 or 3 cruises. The skippers are a mine of information...and of course they leave you free to concentrate on your group and its activities..without the added distraction of the safe running of the boat...which can be very reassuring .

What activities do I need to plan for?
Discuss your groups’ particular wants with the Skipper – some groups want to go swimming, or to a museum, and so on. Some school groups spend part of the day studying. There is a good deal to do, working the locks and …. just being on the canals! You can take board games or competitions for the evening, or arrange to stop where the group can go for a walk or play football. There is a small library onboard. An outline of the various duties required is in the leader pack – preliminary ‘teams’ can be chosen, and written lists prepared before departure.

Where can we get to in a weekend and Monday to Friday?
More energetic groups can reach Leamington and back in a weekend, or the Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne through the tunnels. A more leisurely trip would go to Stoke Bruerne and back in a week. You need to discuss all of this with your Skipper.
See routes

Can I get involved with the running of LNBP?
There are several ways to get involved, whether as a skipper, or as a general helper, or as a person with specific skills we need from time to time, or as someone who would like to donate money. In the first instance , write or e-mail and tell us about yourself and your skills, interests and experience. Alternatively, why not come and meet us in person at one of the canal events we attend each year.There`s more information Here.