Guest Book

Absolutely loved our week on Gwen's drum. Husband's first experience, he loved it so much already for next year. Although we planned to go towards Liverpool, due to the Gargrave locks closure we got turned round just before and went back towards Leeds and got to Saltaire. Travelling through the Bingley 3 and 5 rise. Staff at Silsden were very helpful and friendly. Can't wait till next year.

I would like to say a big 'Thank you' to Silsden Boats. We had an amazing family holiday on Drummer Boy. The boat was comfortable, well equipped and clean. The main thing which made the holiday so good was the friendly and helpful attitude from the staff. I was rather nervous about driving a boat, but the staff were very patient and reassuring. Someone came with us a little way to make sure that were confident with the boat and the bridges, and we managed the holiday without any big mishaps!

Just had a fantastic week on johns drum the staff at silsden boats are very friendly and efficient the only criticism of the boat it could do with a mini carpet sweeper as we had difficulty keeping the carpet clean. Scenery on the Leeds Liverpool canal is beautiful but some of the locks are in need of repair and one or two of the electric bridges where out of order.

We collected our beautiful boat Barbara’s Drum 29th May for one week after a very manic two years. Within 24hrs the four of us were totally relaxed and even though it was our maiden voyage gaining confidence. The training and info was clear concise and anything we may have forgotten was covered in the manual (tip read your daily must do’s ). Barbara was well appointed with everything you needed included (even a good hairdryer) the level of cleanliness was excellent and accommodation spacious for up to three couples or a large group/family. As there was just the four of us it was fab and when friends visited us for the day we didn’t feel cramped. Everything was included in the price unlike some of the private hire boats who had to pay for fuel pump out etc. Also we felt Silsden boats were well maintained and were on call 27/7 we had to assist a private hire boat twice (the family on board including a five year old were informed when the engine overheated and seized up that this had happened before and given little help) so when they were reduced to tears we felt relieved that we had chosen a reputable company. The people on the canal were also very friendly and helpful and the canal trust staff and volunteers were excellent (if you feel like an extra thank you is required for these guys a can seems acceptable and especially for the five rise well deserved) Note you can join the canal trust from just £5 per month and this not only helps to protect and maintain the canal for boats but also the tow paths for walkers and very importantly the wonderful wildlife. We are now members as we feel that it’s a small price to pay. In our week without rushing we managed to reach the foul-ridge tunnel a feat of engineering and then back to five and three rise locks. Skipton was good on market day but the countryside en route was breathtaking. We will return and can definitely recommend Silsden boats. The only other tip is take a fishing net to grab the thankfully few bottles and cans that find there way into the water.

Just returned from a week on Ferns Drum, this was our first Canal holiday and we were anxious, but from the minute we arrived we were put at ease by both the Paul's, so much so we were taken to the first swing bridge, showing us how to navigate the boat, moor up and open & close the gates, having to walk back to the boat yard, we cannot thank them enough. The boat has everything you need, including central heating and a brilliant shower. A very slow paced way of life experiencing nature at it's best, recommend this amazing company for first class service, who care about their guests, quite unique these days. A huge thank you.