Georgie’s Canal Cruises
Find answers to common questions about our restaurant boat cruises in Penkridge on board Georgie Kate, and our self drive day boat hire in Staffordshire on board Elsie Elizabeth.
Restaurant Boat FAQs
Georgie Kate
How long is the cruise?
All of our restaurant boat cruises are 2 hours long.
Where do your restaurant boat cruises depart from?
Our restaurant boat cruises depart from:
Georgie’s Canal Cruises
Park Gate Lock
Teddesley Road
Penkridge
Staffordshire
ST19 5RH
You can also find us on Google Maps by searching Georgie’s Canal Cruises.
What canal are you based on?
Georgie Kate is based on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, also known as the Staffs and Worcester Canal.
Is there parking available?
Yes, we have limited parking available on site at Teddesley.
As parking is limited, we recommend car sharing where possible.
There is also an overflow layby just off Teddesley Road below the bridge. Please note this layby is owned by Highways, not Georgie’s Canal Cruises.
Vehicles and belongings are left at the owner’s risk. Georgie’s Canal Cruises cannot accept responsibility for vehicles or belongings unless loss or damage is caused by our negligence.
Is disabled parking available?
We do not currently have designated disabled parking bays.
However, you are welcome to request parking closer to the boat on the day, and our team will do their best to help where possible.
Can we bring dogs on board Georgie Kate?
We absolutely love our furry friends, but unfortunately dogs are not permitted on board our restaurant boat.
Assistance dogs may be considered where safe and suitable. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your requirements.
How many passengers can Georgie Kate accommodate?
Georgie Kate can accommodate up to 28 passengers.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, Georgie Kate has an onboard toilet with a hand washing facility and handrails.
There is also a toilet in the building which may be used before departure and after the cruise.
Are children allowed on board?
Yes, children are welcome on most of our cruises.
Where available, we offer a children’s option and children’s price for selected cruises. Please check the details of the specific cruise before booking.
Do you have baby changing facilities?
We do not currently have a fixed baby changing unit on board.
However, the onboard toilet is large enough to change a small child if needed. We hope to improve this in the future.
Can we bring a car seat on board?
We may be able to accommodate a car seat in some circumstances, usually where your party number allows us to exchange a standard seat.
Please contact us before booking if you need to bring a car seat.
Can we bring a pushchair on board?
Unfortunately, pushchairs cannot be brought on board.
Georgie Kate has limited aisle and storage space, so we cannot safely accommodate pushchairs during the cruise.
How do we confirm a booking?
Bookings can be made and confirmed through our website booking calendar.
Your booking is confirmed once payment has been received, unless we have agreed different payment terms in writing.
Can we pay by card on board?
Yes, you can pay by cash or card while on board.
Please note that card payments may depend on mobile signal and payment terminal connection.
Do you have a licence to serve alcohol?
Yes, we have an onboard bar serving a selection of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
No. Due to our licence, guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol or drinks on board.
Drinks can be purchased from our onboard bar.
Do you offer gluten free options?
Yes, we can accommodate gluten free requirements where possible.
As all food is prepared in advance before departure, you must tell us when confirming your booking.
Do you cater for vegan or dairy free diets?
Yes, we can accommodate vegan and dairy free requirements where possible.
Please tell us when confirming your booking, as all food is prepared in advance.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian guests.
Please let us know when confirming your booking so we can prepare your food correctly.
Do you cater for allergies?
Please tell us about any allergies or intolerances when booking.
We will take reasonable care with dietary and allergen information, but we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment because food is prepared in areas where allergens may be present.
How often do you run restaurant boat cruises?
We run cruises throughout the year.
Between April and September, cruises usually run from Wednesday to Sunday.
Between October and March, cruises usually run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Please check our booking calendar for the latest availability.
Do you run cruises in all weather?
We always try to run our cruises wherever it is safe to do so.
Your safety is our priority. Cruises may be cancelled or postponed if weather or canal conditions make cruising unsafe, such as strong winds that affect control of the vessel or ice that prevents Georgie Kate from travelling safely.
What happens if my cruise is cancelled?
We always try to avoid cancelling cruises.
If we do need to cancel your cruise, we will try to contact you by phone and offer either a full refund or the opportunity to transfer your booking to another available date.
What happens if I am ill, have Covid, or cannot attend my booking?
Your booking is confirmed with full payment per person.
We understand that illness can happen unexpectedly. If you need to cancel and your cancellation is made at least 14 days before your scheduled cruise, we may allow you to transfer to an alternative date, subject to availability.
An administration charge of £10.00 will apply to transfer the booking.
We will always try to help where we can.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, gift vouchers can be purchased through our website.
You can arrange to collect your voucher or have it posted.
All gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Self Drive Day Boat FAQs
Elsie Elizabeth
Where is the self drive day boat located?
Our self drive day boat, Elsie Elizabeth, is no longer located at Georgie’s Canal Cruises in Penkridge.
She is now located at:
Gailey Wharf
Watling Street
Gailey
Staffordshire
ST19 5PR
What canal is Elsie Elizabeth based on?
Elsie Elizabeth is based on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, also known as the Staffs and Worcester Canal.
How many people can come on board?
Elsie Elizabeth can carry up to 8 people only.
For safety reasons, we cannot allow more than 8 people on board under any circumstances.
This is not based on weight and cannot be negotiated before or on the day of hire.
Do we need canal boat experience?
No, you do not need previous canal boat experience.
We provide tuition during handover so you feel confident before setting off.
Do we go through locks?
From Gailey, you have the option of our recommended lock free route.
We usually recommend the lock free route unless you have previous canal boat experience.
If you choose the lock route, an additional charge of £35.00 applies to cover the extra tuition and support needed on arrival.
Are there pubs on the route?
Yes, there are pubs along both route options.
On the lock free route, you can reach The Anchor at Coven, approximately 2 hours after departure.
On the lock route, you can reach The Cross Keys or The Boat Inn at Penkridge, usually around 2 to 2.5 hours away depending on lock traffic.
How far can we travel during the day?
On the lock free route, you can travel to Autherley Junction and return.
On the lock route, you can travel as far as The Boat Inn at Penkridge and return.
Can we bring dogs on Elsie Elizabeth?
Yes, dogs are welcome on Elsie Elizabeth.
An additional charge of £15.00 per dog applies.
How long can we hire the day boat for?
We ask you to arrive between 8:30am and 9:00am for handover.
During peak season, hire runs until 4:30pm.
During off peak season, hire runs until 4:00pm due to the loss of daylight.
Do you provide life jackets?
Yes, life jackets are available for use while on board.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, Elsie Elizabeth has a toilet and hand basin on board.
Is there a fridge on board?
Yes, there is a small fridge on board.
What is included on board?
We provide:
Can we buy gift vouchers for self drive day boat hire?
Yes, gift vouchers for self drive day boat hire can be purchased through our website.
You can arrange to collect your voucher or have it posted.
All gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Is the self drive day boat available all year round?
Elsie Elizabeth is available for most of the year.
Please check the booking calendar for up to date availability.
What happens if I need to cancel my day boat hire?
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions and Booking Policy for details about cancellations, transfers and administration charges.