It is oft said that the dreams of the perfect holiday can never be delivered, but I would like to share with you that this is not always the case.  With our 19 ton yacht in dock for temporary repairs down in the SW, and living as we do in the Cotswolds, we sought to have a week’s holiday nearby with a couple of old (we are all over 70!) friends, but with a difference. Many ideas were tossed around and the idea of a trip to Wales and a canal holiday mooted. Hey presto the internet delivered up what looked like the perfect offering, weather of course permitting. Over in Crickhowell, below the Brecon Beacons lay a smart new boathouse with a fleet of very 5 star canal barges (more like luxury yachts really!) attached to it.

We enquired by phone. The reaction was prompt, friendly, helpful and very efficient, with Nicky answering all our questions including, having quickly gathered the sense, some that we had not asked. A 4-night package was agreed on, running from Monday until Friday. In our case 19-23 August. We have done canals before, and also river hire, but there were pleasing differences at Beacon Park Boats (BPB) as you will discern.

Owned and run by its founder, the charismatic, charming, and very hands-on Alasdair Kirkpatrick, every aspect of the offering was well thought through, very generous and thorough. It was, uniquely with these sort of holidays, truly ‘all inclusive’, and then with many additional surprise extras coming our way! We hastened to pay by credit card and started packing. Actually, the inventory (found on the web site) was so exhaustive and comprehensive that we then needed to unpack some of our, clearly surplus, travellers’ luxuries! 

Our friends came up from Devon to stay on the Sunday, and the next morning after coffee and a walk, we then jogged through the wonderful Welsh scenery to Llangattock, arriving as bidden without difficulty at just before 1430. There the welcome was noteworthy. A pretty meadow with grazing mare and foal, a winding driveway passing mown lawns and then secure and convenient parking right by the trolley park. Help from Paul, and other charming members of the team, was immediately on hand to help unload the cars, and then to stow our still considerable luggage via a short trolley trip and a simple level step onto the stern deck of our boat DRAKE (renamed HMS as we are old sailors!) We were barely allowed to lift anything and to ensure that we were diverted from doing so, a tray of chilled and dewy champagne glasses materialised, and we toasted our forthcoming adventure. The ‘boss’ then gave us a verbal hand over which was accompanied by our watching a short and excellent briefing video.

The sun shone, our glasses were recharged, (and we were then lent both them and the tray when our own stock of fizz was spotted!) and it was time to go below and explore. If the arrival experience in Llangattock harbour (belonging to BPB) had been impressive, then the descent into the body of our small ship via a wide polished wooden staircase with banisters prompted ‘oohs, and aahs’ a plenty. Each cabin was ensuite with a bathroom that would shame many an upmarket hotel, complete with expensive shampoos, tissues, flowers, towels. etc, and the comfy wide double beds were made up with expensive linen and scatter cushions.

The galley and saloon were of the same standard. Polished woods and immaculate joinery everywhere and fresh flowers, chocolates, a pot of honey and even a cut-glass decanter of expensive rare Welsh whiskey and matching glasses left us short for adequate words.

The lighting was in three tiers, with reading spots, overhead, and concealed round roof LED, all controlled by many unobtrusive buttons. There was onboard WIFI, TV and DVD with comfy upholstered bench seating, a joinery prizewinning dining table and - was that really a stove with glass door and fuel, matches etc stowed beside it? HMS DRAKE is a generous 8.5ft in the beam and could afford to be spacious.

Our online Tesco order, delivered in late morning, had all been stowed, the kettle was full, the fridge freezer cold, and it was time to go. We were assisted with unmooring, although it was very simple, and with a turn of the key and the push of a button both engine and bow thruster were at standby. We gently eased our way out from between our two neighbouring boats, and then executed a 90 degree turn to starboard into the southerly leg of the beautiful Brecon and Monmouth canal, built with huge labour and great ingenuity in the mid 1800’s. We had selected South on the basis of there being no locks. The North option is equally as attractive.

Cruising slowly along, now with mugs of tea and homemade cake, at about 1705 we found an idyllic spot and moored to the bank with two simple spikes. The gas cob BBQ was carried to the tow path, collapsible chairs and a table were discovered and rigged, and a wonderful supper was had, preceded by a dry martini for the skipper, who rather likes them at 1800 prompt! Returning onboard by just stepping from grass to deck we went below for a game of UNO and some DVD entertainments before tasting the guest whisky as a night cap under the stars. Even tea lights had been provided as we relaxed on the wide ‘quarterdeck’ in our folding chairs. The peace of it all was amazing, the views spectacular and the weather kind. A good night’s sleep followed.

We cruised slowly South through the villages of Gilwern and Govilon as far as Llanfoist, sharing the ‘driving’ and experiencing adventure all the way including a very low bridge and some tight bends. During all this, we seemed to be mostly alone, meeting only a few other (always friendly) barges, and then on the Wednesday at midday, and at our half time point, we turned around and berthed facing North ready to welcome more old naval friends to a BBQ lunch, set up on the mown grass by the tow path with a fab view. We had navigated under 17 bridges without difficulty in our 60ft flagship and berthed alongside on five separate occasions at this point. 

With plenty of choice, we then slowly wound our way back towards Llangattock, stopping in a different set of always beautiful spots, and by now rather dreading such a perfect interval being over, as indeed it had to be on the Friday morning. We had BBQ’s each lunch time (using our gas cob), shopped, visited the Towpath Inn, had lovely walks under the spectacular tree canopy, and then had luxurious evening ‘cook type’ gourmet dinners down below with music, cards, DVDs, and yes even the stove - Pure bliss! We had watered daily from tow path taps, after using the superb showers extensively, and had become adept at berthing, which we did on ten separate occasions. The weather had been kind, but even in a brief period of light rain we enjoyed ourselves and were well protected and cozy. This was perhaps the best short notice weeks holiday that we could all remember having had in the UK in August.

Friday saw us being welcomed home by Alasdair, Paul and the team, offered complimentary coffee in the marina’s excellent little tramway café, and being assisted to unload and re-pack the cars. At 1000 it was most sadly time to say our farewells after a team photo and thence to go our separate ways, much the wiser about the beauties of this part of Wales, and very grateful for the wonderful experience provided by this utterly excellent company. There is even a barge called OWL with a hot tub in the bow and a four poster! Romantic? We shall do it again - so a big thank you to all the BPB team. 

Emma

We recently spent an unforgettable 7 nights on "Grouse," a canal boat from Beacon Park Boats, and once again, it exceeded all expectations. This is our fourth-year renting from Beacon Park Boats, and we keep returning because of the unmatched quality of the boats and the outstanding service from the staff.

"Grouse" had everything we needed for a comfortable and luxurious stay - two fridges, ample space, two well-appointed bathrooms, and even a log burning fire, which we didn't need as the June weather was glorious. The boats are luxuriously furnished with high-quality bedding, bow thrusters for easy manoeuvrability, and plenty of high-quality crockery and utensils. The bathrooms boast excellent water pressure and top-class facilities. There is even an optional and easy to use Star Link satellite dish which provides high speed WiFi access in the middle of the countryside.

The canal itself offers a relaxing and picturesque experience. From the Llangattock base, there are several itinerary choices: heading south provides a lock-free journey with stunning views and charming villages, while heading north involves easy-to-navigate locks, numerous pubs, and villages. There are always plenty of places to moor, whether outside a pub or in a secluded spot for peace and quiet.

The staff at Beacon Park Boats are consistently courteous, friendly, and eager to help. Their dedication to ensuring a perfect boating vacation is evident in every interaction. We highly recommend Beacon Park Boats for anyone seeking a luxurious boating vacation in the most beautiful of UK countryside.

Geoff (and Ken)

Beacon Park Boats provided us with an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment we made our booking to the moment we stepped off the lavishly decorated canal boat, every detail was meticulously handled.

Lisa's warm greeting set the tone for the entire weekend. Her genuine enthusiasm and professionalism made us feel instantly welcomed and at ease. Throughout our stay, every member of the team exhibited exceptional knowledge, ensuring that we had everything we needed and answering any questions we had with ease.

The services and facilities on board were truly second to none. From the cozy bedrooms to the well-equipped kitchen and luxurious amenities, every aspect of the boat was carefully considered to provide maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Our three-night stay was nothing short of exceptional. We were able to relax, unwind, and enjoy the stunning surroundings at our own pace.

We wholeheartedly endorse Beacon Park Boats and their team for their attention to every intimate detail. We enthusiastically recommend them to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience on the water.

Thank you for providing us with a truly fabulous time. We can't wait to return for another adventure!

Lewis

As lovers of Brecon and the surrounding area, we’re regular visitors to Beacon Park Boats. Whether we’re planning on travelling along the canal, or just staying somewhere and using it as a base for day trips in the car, we always choose Beacon Park Boats. The boats are all luxurious, with everything you could possibly want or need, the staff are amazing – so friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable when you need to find out about where to eat, places to visit or have questions about the wildlife and plants you don’t get to see when you’re not lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place. We’ve been visiting for a couple of years, and there’s no sign of us changing our holiday habits for the future.

Rob, Jo and Family

Their next trip will be the 9th visit!

We have been coming to this unique and beautiful canal for over twenty years. It is our favourite place.  In that time our many experiences at Beacon Park Boats have been consistently great. All the boats have impressive levels of comfort, reliability, and high-quality finishes. No detail is overlooked. These are special boats in a perfect location.

Many thanks to Alasdair and the entire team.

Maureen and Charlie

Their next trip will be the 15th visit!

We’ve returned to Beacon Park Boats every year since we ‘discovered’ them in 2010. All are imaginatively fitted out, with the highest standards of decoration, comfort and equipment. We can enjoy the luxuries of home (and more!) whilst admiring the ever-changing views and moods of the Brecon Beacons as we cruise along or while moored for a drink and a bite to eat. A couple of hours’ travelling might take us through farmland, villages, lush meadows and busy marinas, whilst majestic, ancient trees that would have known the canal in its working years line some parts, opening out to unveil extensive views of the mountains and deep valleys.

Though we’ve visited many times, the twists and turns of this unique canal can still have us wondering what’s around the next bend or beyond the next bridge. Sometimes an eagerly anticipated scene is revealed but at other times we’re left feeling as though it’s once again our first time on the Mon and Brec. No two holidays are ever the same!

Other boaters and towpath users are close enough to enjoy a brief chat before voices trail off into the distance and each is left guessing what the other has said! The staff at Beacon Park are welcoming, friendly and helpful, always going the extra mile to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The canal and Beacon Park Boats keep drawing us back like a ‘home from home’!

Steve and Maggie

Their next trip will be the 18th visit!

The service, reception and communication/instruction along with the quality and presentation of the Beacon Park Boats, you would be very fortunate to match elsewhere but highly unlikely to exceed.

Both my wife and I have had the enjoyment on a range of these beautiful boats on this wonderful canal for over 23 years, sometimes twice a year. Not being interconnected, the canal is not overcrowded and you can always find your mooring spot - we have our favourites. We mustn’t forget to mention the great pub and village cafes along the way.

On the rare occasion that you might need assistance, the response is consistently prompt and reliable. 

As we have ‘matured in our years’, the staff have shown consideration, adaptation and sensitivity to any additional needs. We’ve not yet needed to take up the offer of a helmsman but that is one little thing that will enable us to continue into our late 80s!

Over the years we have taken the opportunity to share this experience with family and friends, we’ve nurtured a love of the canal and they in turn, have become customers too.

Pets are always welcome and life jackets supplied too!

Keith and Hazel

Their next trip will be the 21st visit!

There's no single reason why we have returned to Beacon Park Boats 13 times. A week on one of their boats is a non-negotiable for us each year, but for SO many different reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, the team are truly incredible. Their attention to detail, warm welcome, support and guidance is second to none. Led by the incredible Alasdair, we have seen Beacon Park Boats grow from strength to strength.

The Beacon Park Boats are without a doubt the very finest on the canal, and the envy of other boaters and everyone we pass on the tow path. We have favourite boats among the fleet, but each one has it's own personality, and so trying different boats each time gives a whole new experience to the week. We are convinced that there is no finer waterway to enjoy than the Mon and Brec. The views are incredible, the bridges an enjoyable challenge, lock day is always a treat and the journey through the Ashford Tunnel is always fun. At the end of the day's travel, once moored up, there is nothing better than a walk into the Beacons themselves. A hike up to the Llangattock escarpment, a ramble up the Brinore tramroad from Talybont, or a longer walk up towards Pen Y Fan from Brecon are all firm favourites. Some years, the bikes are bought along and live on the front deck, which means the day can be started with a ride up The Tumble or over Llangynidr mountain. The week can so easily be tailored to suit the needs of the crew and no trip is ever the same! Of course, with so many pubs to be found along the canalside, there is a host of options for refreshments after a day of adventure. Seriously, we could not recommend a holiday on a Beacon Park Boat enough. Try once, and like us you'll be hooked.

Customer stories