Welcome from Chas. Hardern for Affordable Narrowboat Hire.

We started our narrowboat hire base over 25 years ago having cruised almost all of the canal system ourselves. Its still a small family concern whose aim is to give you a relaxing enjoyable narrowboat hire holiday.

We are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooked by the staggering, ancient ruin of Beeston Castle, and the more recent Peckforton Castle (both open to the public).

Our boatyard at Beeston Castle Wharf was built in 1775, at the same time as the old 'Chester Canal' as it was then known. This was quite an important wharf before the days of the adjoining railway, and served the farms and villages over a wide area, handling grain, coal, roadstone and milk products. This was the terminus of the canal for some years while the builders struggled to continue through the running sand of the area, which resulted in the building of the unique Cast Iron Lock only 100 metres away. Our workshop still has the original stable floor for the boat horses, and the grain warehouse contains the glory hole - our shop which sells a vast range of maps, books, clothing, boating goods and especially items to entertain children whilst afloat  on any narrowboat hire holiday.

We give careful instruction and demonstration to narrowboat hirers before they take the narrowboat over and also send a collection of notes on the mechanics of the particular narrowboat and on canal matters in general to each hirer a few weeks before their narrowboat hire holiday.

How to find us.

From the North:
Travel to Junction 20 on M6. On M56 travel 3 miles towards Chester. Take A49 south towards Whitchurch. At Tarporley, traffic lights (Red Fox pub) turn right towards Whitchurch (A49). Chas Harden Boats is ¾ mile on right hand side.

From the South:
M6 to Junction 16 (Stoke on Trent North). Take A500 to Nantwich. A51 towards Chester. At Tarporley, traffic lights (Red Fox pub) turn left (A49) towards Whitchurch.
Chas Harden Boats is ¾ mile on right hand side.

Alternatively: If approaching from Whitchurch
(A41 / A49) we are 13 miles from Whitchurch. After signs for Bunbury look out for Beeston Castle Hotel and adjacent railway bridge.
Our Boatyard is only 100 metres beyond, left hand side.

General information.

	Telephone Enquiries: We are pleased to answer these, but please bear with us if the telephone is not continuously manned, especially in the off season. When a booking is provisionally made by telephone, we can hold it for four days pending the arrival of the booking form and deposit, but we must stress that no booking can be considered firm until these are in our hands.
	Pets: Any usual household pets will be welcome to come with you at no additional charge. Please advise us of their number on the booking form. Pets are NOT ALLOWED on the seats and blankets. Please bring your own pet bedding and bowls. Pets must not be left unattended in the boat.
	Life Jackets: are available on loan at no additional charge (please indicate on the booking form your requirements)
	Bedding: Mattresses, which are seats by day are on each bed. We supply a pillow in case per person, and a selection of blankets. For an extra charge (please see booking form) we can also supply sheets for double beds and sleeping bags with liners for single beds.
	Fresh water: We start you off with a full tank, and you will find on board a hosepipe so that you can refill at the numerous taps provided by British Waterways on most canals.
	Calor Gas: is included in the hire charge, and we start you with a good supply. Should you by some chance need to buy more, we will refund the cost on production of the receipt.
	Diesel fuel: We start you with a full tank, enough for over 3 weeks cruising. We refill on your return and the cost is deducted from the fuel/damage deposit of £100 (see conditions of hire)
	Breakdowns or difficulties: Telephone 01829 732595, stating your exact position on the canal with the nearest lock or bridge number - and a description of the trouble. We will help as fast as possible.