Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a member to use Somerset Boat Centre?: No, we are not a members club, we are open to the public.
Can we use the centre if we are not hiring anything?: Yes, we welcome all to our bar area and garden.
Are dogs allowed in the bar?: Yes well-behaved dogs are welcome in our bar and garden, but they must stay under control and on a lead at all times.
Is it ok to bring our own food and drink into the garden?: No unfortunately not, we sell hot, cold and alcoholic drinks in our bar and have a range of snacks available.
Do you have a coffee shop?: We have a kitchen onsite which serves light bites and snacks, it is open 10.30-4pm daily, SBC is a bar with a coffee machine (which makes cappuccino’s, latte’s, flat white, mocha’s, hot chocolate, chocolate) tea including fruit and green tea.
Do you do sell food in the bar?: We sell bar snacks-crisps, nuts, chocolate bars, we also have regular pop up caterers onsite, please check our calendar page for current plans and our social media pages for up-to-date changes.
Do you have undercover areas outside?: Yes, there is plenty of undercover areas including a retractable canopy for shelter from rain and shade from the sun.
What are your opening times?: Please check our website and social media pages for up-to-date times.
Do you do vouchers?: Yes, please see our gift voucher page on this website.

Narrowboat FAQ’s

Can we hire and drive the narrowboat ourselves?: We have two options for narrowboat hire which are: ‘Somersun’ which is hired with one of our lovely skippers who are all qualified, discreet, sociable and will let you have a go at steering, using the locks and swing bridge- each trip can be as interactive as you wish! We also have our self-drive narrowboat, Somerdays which you skipper yourselves after an introduction and tuition from ourselves.
How many passengers can go on the narrowboat?: Somersun 12 passengers plus crew. Somerdays narrowboat 8 passengers
Does the narrowboat go out in the dark?: Somersun will always leave in the light but depending on the time year we may return when dimpsy! Somerdays will not be out in the dark
Can we hire the narrowboat exclusively?: Yes, with our skipper om Somersun, please see our hire page, we can accommodate up to 12 passengers on the boat, there are many extras to add to your booking to make it extra special (cream teas/fish and chips/decorations/music/packages). Somerdays our self-drive narrow would be exclusively for your guests.

Lesson FAQ’s

Can I book paddleboard lessons?: Yes. Please see our lessons page. Lessons are available on an individual or group basis with our instructors.
What happens if we are late to a lesson?: Unfortunately, we can’t issue refunds for late arrivals or no shows as we have allocated the resources to your booking.

Boat Hire FAQ’s

Do I have to go with my child?: Yes, if your child is aged 14 years or under, they must be accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 18yrs, this can be either on the water with them or along the towpath, they must be within sight at all times for their safety.
What if I am late to pick up my hire stuff?: All equipment must be returned in line with the original booking, however, if we can be flexible, we will be, but this will be at our discretion depending on other customer’s needs. Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds as the assets have been reserved for you.
Will I be charged If I return hire boats late?: Yes
Can we still go out in the rain?: Yes of course, bring a change of clothes so that you can change at the centre.
Do we need wetsuits?: It is up to you, if you choose to wear one you will need to bring your own as we do not keep any wetsuits onsite. Be mindful of overheating, you don’t need to enter the water to go paddling, you’re better off with lose fitting leisure wear.
Do we need life jackets?: We provide all safety equipment, buoyancy aids are compulsory whilst under instruction on a training course and for 12 year-olds and under.
Can dogs go on the boats?: Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you on our kayaks, canoes and on paddle boards, dogs are also welcome on privately skippered narrowboat trips but not general public ones. We have dog buoyancy aids too.
What happens if I fall in with my phone and keys?: Unfortunately this will be at your own risk, we do not take any responsibility for personal belongings.
Do you have waterproof bags that I/we can use?: Yes we do, there is no guarantee that the bags will keep any belongings dry-they are used at your risk.
Can we use the equipment in the dark?: No, all equipment needs to be returned before sunset at the allocated return time.
I forgot what time my booking was and have missed my slot, can I rebook or get a refund?: No sorry, as with our cancellation/refund policy.
Will anyone help me get into the water with the equipment?: Yes we have staff that will guide you and give you basic instructions for all of our equipment.
Can the venue be hired for a party?: Yes it can, please see our venue hire page on the website.
Can we hire the venue exclusively?: In general no but we can section off an area of the garden for your guests, there may be a chance of exclusive hire when we are closed, please speak to Sam or email her sam@somersetboatcentre.co.uk.
Can we hire the venue and incorporate paddlesport activities?: You certainly can, please see our hire info page.
Can you accommodate corporate events?: Yes, please see our hire info page and email sam@somersetboatcntre.co.uk.
Do you cater for your events?: Somerset Boat Centre do not provide catering but we have our onsite kitchen which can offer great bespoke catering options (sample menu’s on our events page) we also have access to many pop-up caterers that we use on a regular basis during the evenings.
Do you cater for hen/stag parties?: Yes we do, please see our narrowboat booking page or our events page on our website for what on or email sam@somersetboatcntre.co.uk to organise your bespoke event.