GREENHAM LOCK COTTAGE, AMPERE ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, RG14 5SN, ENGLAND

This year we will again be cruising the waterways of Southern England, from Kent in the east to Bristol in the west and into the Midlands as far as Stourport and Bidford-on-Avon.

We offer exciting tidal cruises on the Estuary of the river Severn up to Sharpness and the Thames Estuary to access the river Medway. Also on the Thames we offer classic cruises including the historic castles, plus we venture up to the very head of navigation at Lechlade in Gloucestershire on the delightfully quiet and rural Upper Thames.

Our link connecting the waterways of the east and west is the Kennet and Avon canal, which we will cross twice. The Kennet and Avon is ideal for those who like to help work the locks, particularly the cruises that include the massive Caen Hill flight.

By popular demand we have increased the number of barging cruises up and down the tideway through London, this is included on both 4 and 7 night cruises.

The river Medway is fast becoming one of our favourites since we discovered it by boat for the first time in 2006. We have never seen as many Kingfishers and Woodpeckers as we do on the Medway, the river is a real hidden gem.

We have introduced a number of 4 night barging cruises this year to tempt newcomers who have limited holiday time, or are not quite sure if barge cruising is for them. We are confident that once tasted, you will join us again for our more comprehensive seven night cruise options. Also, remember that you can link both 4 and 7 night cruises together.

Aboard Gallinago there is a feeling of space both inside and out. You can walk around the decks in safety, so while on board you are not restricted to sitting in one area, you have the choice of and can move between the wheelhouse, the front deck and even sunbathing on the main cabin roof!

If you really just want to curl up with a book there is our comfy sofa in the spacious lounge and dining area. We have not completely separated this from the Galley, so you can watch (or join in) with us doing the cooking – you may even help with the washing up!

We are very informal and sociable, have a love of the waterways, good food and wine and want to share this with like minded people. We will welcome you to Gallinago as friends who have come to stay, and hope you will feel it is truly a home away from home. We are first and foremost a boating holiday – not an Hotel and would like you to join in with all the aspects of a barging holiday, from learning to steer the boat, to visiting beautiful villages en-route.

We provide a full schedule of cruises and a short description of each cruise. It is important you read these, as each cruise is very different, none are better or worse than the other, just different. If you need advice on which will suit you, just ask.

Once you have booked a barging cruise, with the confirmation of your booking we will send you detailed instructions of how to find your barging cruise start and end locations. Nearly all our passengers arrive and depart by train or coach travel, therefore participating in our efforts to encourage sustainable tourism by using public transport. The arrival / departure points are particularly planned to fit in with major rail and coach stations. There may be car parking available at certain locations, only if requested when you book the cruise.

Alternatively, we are happy to obtain a quote for taxi transport direct to / from the cruise to assist overseas guests from / to their hotel or airport.

Please contact Emma for further details on any aspect of your travel arrangements.

We invite you now to read more about the cruises we will be making; the most difficult decision now is which cruise to choose!