Question 1

Do you serve alcohol?

Accepted Answer

We expect to have an alcohol license before the end of September 2026. Please contact us to check the status of this

Question 2

Where do I find you?

Accepted Answer

Boat Street Cafe can be located next to Johnson's Chandlery. Simply park up in the main car park, walk back to the main marina entrance and look for the signpost (Walks & Wildlife Trail / Workshop & Cafe Boat). Follow the path behind the (now closed) Midland Chandlers, over the wooden bridge and you'll see the Boat Cafe on your left. It's a white 50ft by 12ft wide beam, so pretty hard to miss!Head to the BOAT CAFE market on the map below

Question 3

Can I bring my dog on the Boat Cafe?

Accepted Answer

Well behaved dogs on a lead are very welcome on our cafe however some customers may be nervous so please keep them under control and close at all times.

Question 4

Is there a toilet on board?

Accepted Answer

Toilets are directly opposite the cafe on the other side of the marina canal entrance. Simply follow the path over the bridge and U turn to the right. These are open till 17.30 daily.

Question 5

Where do I find you?

Accepted Answer

The Mercia Swan is very easy to locate and moors opposite the Bluebird Fine Art Gallery. Easily identified as the green wide beam with a cream roof. If she's out on a trip, then simply wait on the benches near the wooden gate with the Mercia Swan meeting point sign.Please see the map below and head to the BOAT TRIPS marker below.If for any reason you can't locate us, head to the Marina Office to the right of Hettie and Sid where they'll be more than happy to help or contact us

Question 6

Can I bring my dog on the trip boat?

Accepted Answer

Well behaved dogs on a lead are very welcome on our trips however some customers may be nervous so please keep them under control and close at all times.We do offer dog free boat trips however these are only added by request. Please contact us if you would like us to add a dog free session onto the website.

Question 7

How many guests can the Mercia Swan hold?

Accepted Answer

Our license (governed by the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code) permits a maximum of 12 passengers onboard the Mercia Swan excluding infants under 1 year old and our crew.

Question 8

Can I bring my own food and drink on board the Mercia Swan?

Accepted Answer

We do not permit outside food or drink on board as we have a licensed bar, soft/hot drinks, and snacks onboard. Food can be pre-ordered at least 30 minutes prior to your trip from our Boat Street Cafe Menu below. We pick the food up as we pass the cafe enroute out of the marina.For private charters you can also order buffets from our cafe at £15 per person. Please see below examples. We can cater for vegetarians, however due to risk of cross comtamination we are unable to cater for any other allergens.

Question 9

Can you accommodate wheelchairs?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately access onto both boats does involve some steps. Customers with restricted mobility can usually manage these steps with support. You're welcome to come and inspect either boat prior to booking for your own peace of mind.

Question 10

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Accepted Answer

The Mercia Swan:
On board the Mercia Swan, there is a toilet and hand washing facilities however we recommend using the Marina facilities prior to your trip where possible as the toilet system onboard is limited and basic.

The Boat Street Cafe:
Unfortunately there is no toilet facilities on board the Boat Street Cafe. The closest toilets are located next to Midland Chandlers directly opposite our Cafe Boat.

Question 11

Do you offer gift cards for boat trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Boat Street gift cards are valid for both the Mercia Swan and Boat Street Cafe. These are digital and can be emailed directly to you or scheduled to be delivered by email to the recipient. You can purchase gift cards via the link below.

Question 12

Do I have to pay for Infants (Under 1)?

Accepted Answer

According to the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code (which governs our maximum 12 passengers), Under 1's do not count towards the total 12 and therefore are FREE to bring along and do NOT require a ticket. Simply bring them along with you.

Question 13

What should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Not much at all. We don't require to see your booking confirmation as we have details of all guests on our check in system. We will simply confirm the lead booking name and number of guests prior to boarding.

Question 14

What happens if the weather turns?

Accepted Answer

The Skipper unfortunately gets wet! The Mercia Swan is mainly covered and we can close the doors in cold temperatures as well as turning on the warm air heating to keep you toasty.

In the exceptional circumstance of thick ice or extremely strong winds, then we may have to cancel your booking. In these circumstances we will offer a full refund or a rebooking at a later date for no additional charge.

Question 15

When should I arrive for my boat trip, and what if I'm late?

Accepted Answer

The advertised booking time is our departure time. Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to sailing for embarking and safety briefing. We are unable to delay trips for late arrivals as we have a tight schedule to adhere to and unfortunately are unable to offer refunds for missed trips.If you arrive late for your private charter, we may be able to delay the departure time however this will result in the length of your trip being reduced to ensure the boat is returned within the allocated time.

Question 16

What to do if I make a mistake when booking?

Accepted Answer

It is imperative you check your booking confirmation. If you do not receive an email then please get in touch so we can confirm your trip. If you book the wrong date or time please contact us immediately so that, subject to availability, we may be able to modify your booking.

Question 17

Can I cancel my trip?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are non-refundable, however we appreciate plans may change unexpectedly from time to time. In exceptional circumstances, please call us at least 24 hours before your sailing time and we may be able to issue a credit to book on a future trip. We continue to run trips through adverse weather unless it's unsafe to do so in which case, if we need to cancel a trip, we will offer a full refund or rebooking at a later date with no additional charges.

Question 18

What if I'm late or miss my trip?

Accepted Answer

No-Show and Failure to Arrive PolicyAll trips depart strictly on schedule. If you fail to arrive by the designated scheduled departure time, your booking will automatically be cancelled. No refunds, alternatives, rescheduling or credits can be offered.

Willington 45min Return

Stenson 1 hour 15 mins return

Private Charter

Dog Free Stenson 1 hour 15 mins return

Festive Halloween Trip

Frequently asked questions

Do you serve alcohol?

Where do I find you?

Can I bring my dog on the Boat Cafe?

Is there a toilet on board?

Where do I find you?

Can I bring my dog on the trip boat?

How many guests can the Mercia Swan hold?

Can I bring my own food and drink on board the Mercia Swan?

Can you accommodate wheelchairs?

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Do you offer gift cards for boat trips?

Do I have to pay for Infants (Under 1)?

What should I bring with me?

What happens if the weather turns?

When should I arrive for my boat trip, and what if I'm late?

What to do if I make a mistake when booking?

Can I cancel my trip?

What if I'm late or miss my trip?