Subsidised Groups
Crusader Community Boating provide cruises of up to 5 hours duration on Northamptonshire’s beautiful waterways for groups of people regardless of age physical or mental ability along with their carer. Our boats are fully accessible for people using wheelchairs or with additional mobility needs.
For the majority of our passengers, the ability to come on one of our specially equipped boats, along with their carers, provides them with social and leisure opportunities they might well otherwise be unable to access. We hope this contributes, in some small way, to their social welfare, countering feelings of isolation many often experience.
We’re able to offer passengers either a River Cruise or a Canal Cruise.
River Nene Cruises for up to 35 Passengers
Community Spirit is based at Northampton Marina. Trips commence and conclude at Town Lock in Becket’s Park, Northampton.
This boat is able to accommodate up to 35 passengers. Please see terms and conditions regarding maximum numbers of people using wheelchairs on board.
Potential for a pub stop at The Britannia, Bedford Road, Northampton. Max number for pub lunches is 32. Group leaders must contact the pub directly to reserve tables and provide pre-selected menu choices. No pub stops on Sundays.
PLEASE NOTE: Exit from the boat at The Britannia is not possible for people using wheelchairs.
Canal Cruises for up to 12 Passengers
Mountbatten operates on the Grand Union Canal. Trips commence and conclude at Gayton Junction wharf, Blisworth Arm.
The maximum number of passengers for this boat is 12.
Potential for a pub stop at The Wharf, Bugbrooke, which is accessible for people using wheelchairs from the boat. Group leaders must contact the pub directly to reserve tables and provide pre-selected menu choices. No pub stops on Sundays.
PLEASE READ THESE NOTES BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR BOOKING
Each passenger occupying a wheelchair onboard counts as two people. Each passenger with a dog counts as two people.
For a lunch stop, passengers have the option of either bringing a picnic with them to eat on the boat or we can stop off at the waterside pub shown above. If choosing this option, group organisers are responsible for contacting the pub to reserve places and we strongly recommend you do so in advance of the date of your cruise.
Travelling by Coach?
Please note: the departure point for our Canal Cruises is in a rural location with narrow roads and canal bridges. For this reason, any group planning on travelling in a large coach should ensure the driver is aware of the locality and the weight restrictions on bridges.
For our River Cruises, the riverside location is not accessible by coaches. Cars and minibuses carrying passengers with mobility issues are allowed to enter Becket's Park to drop off / pick up passengers but access by coaches is not possible. Able-bodied passengers travelling by coach should be dropped off in Auctioneers Way and access the riverside via Trenery Way (less than 5 minutes walk).
How Much Does it Cost?
The basic charge for a maximum 5 hour trip is £399.00 for Community Spirit and £240.00 for Mountbatten. Various discounts are available for eligible groups, see here. Full payment is required within 14 days of our offer email to secure your booking.
See our full Terms & Conditions Jan 2026).
Please ensure that group leaders retain a copy of the booking confirmation which includes the date and time of your trip, directions to the boat and, most importantly, how to contact us if you are unable to take up your trip.
Our cruising season for 2026 starts on 13th April and ends on 16th October. All cruises start at 10.00 hours and end at 15.00 hours. Changes to these times may only be made by prior arrangement. All booking requests are handled via this website.
Booking requests accepted from end of January.