Bookings open next month for Christmas Wilts & Berks Canal boat trips

By Barrie Hudson - 15 September 2023

CharityAttractionsFamily

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has announced this year's series of Christmas trips aboard its vessel Dragonfly.

The trips will run from the trust's landing stage Waitrose every weekend inDecember plus Wednesday 20, Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Saturday 23. 

Trust spokesperson Chris Barry said: "If there is demand, we will aim to run on the Monday and/or Tuesday before Christmas as well.  What happens is that Santa gets on the boat (decorated, of course) with a big sack and gives each child an age and gender-appropriate present specially for them.

"If the child has been before, Santa might say something like, 'My, you’ve grown since last time!' The kids take it in their stride of course, but the parents and grandparents love it!

"The trips will run at 10.30am, 11.15am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.15pm and 3pm.  They last about half an hour and Santa is with the children most of that time; there’s usually time to shout for Santa and sing some songs.

"We have kept prices the same as last year - £6 for adults, £12 for children – more for them, as they get a present!"

Bookings open from Monday 2 October 2. To book, people can email [email protected] or call 07401 220076. 

Mr Barry added: "Texts to this number are not monitored, so please don’t text! Bookings must be made at least five days in advance and preferably much earlier, as we need to wrap all the presents and get them to the right place at the right time.  

"We accept parties of no more than 12 people; booking is confirmed only on receipt of payment.  Dragonfly is wheelchair-friendly, though there is only room for one at a time.

"In previous years we have found that demand increases as Christmas gets nearer, so try and book as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment."  

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ