Enjoy a crisp, bright winter day on the canal with our special Festive Experience—a perfect blend of fun, adventure, and tranquillity.
Step aboard and relax as your canal boat glides at a leisurely pace along the beautiful Grand Union Canal. Spend quality time with your group while soaking up the peaceful surroundings and calming atmosphere. The boat will be beautifully decorated in festive style, with mince pies and mulled wine included to make your trip even more special.
Winter days on the canal can be just as magical as summer ones. On colder days, our centrally heated cabins provide a warm and cosy retreat, complete with snug tartan throws and cushions. These can also be used outside on the seating area when the sun is shining. During the winter season, guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows, alongside our usual selection of beverages.
Onboard Experience
Whether you prefer to relax or get involved, the choice is yours. Inside the cosy cabin, you’ll find a selection of music CDs, games, and colouring activities suitable for all ages.
For a more hands-on experience, you can try steering the boat or helping to work the locks. Our friendly volunteer skipper and crew will guide you safely and are always happy to let you get involved as much—or as little—as you like. They are dedicated volunteers whose reward is simply helping you enjoy your day.
Timings
9:45am - Arrive to board
10:00am - Boat leaves Nash Mills base
2:00pm Boat returns to Nash Mills base
Location Details
All trips start and finish at the Nash Mills base, located on the Grand Union Canal near Hemel Hempstead.
The base is at Nash Mills Wharf, just off Red Lion Lane between Apsley and Kings Langley, where the railway crosses the A4251.
Ample free parking is available on site.
Price
CSSC Member: £7.50
Non-Member: £10.00 + £6 non-member event fee
Child Discounted (under 18, limited to 2): £7.50
Child Additional (under 18): £10.00
Buying a non member ticket?
An event fee is applied to each non-member ticket. Why not make use of the linked membership scheme and earn yourself £10 by joining them up to CSSC, they will save the non-member event fee, and purchase the ticket at the discounted members rate. Invite your non-member guests to join CSSC here.
Please note that non-member event fee is non-refundable.
Notes and Restrictions
Each CSSC Member may purchase one CSSC Member priced ticket per unique CSSC membership number, plus one non-member priced ticket for guests.
Maximum of two child tickets may be purchased at the discounted price, additional may be purchased at full price.
The closing date for applications is when the spaces on the boat sell out.
Food Options
At an additional cost, fish and chips can be ordered and delivered directly to the boat
If you wish to order food, please bring cash.
Prices (correct as of May 2026):
Small cod & half chips: £9.90
Chips (standard): £3.00
Chips (large): £4.00
Cod (small): £8.40
Cod (large): £9.50
Chicken: £4.60
Sausage: £2.80
Battered sausage: £2.90
Steak & kidney pie: £4.20
Beef & onion pie: £4.20
Chicken & mushroom pie: £4.20
Quarter pounder: £4.50
Veggie burger: £4.50
Saveloy: £2.80