Kids on the Canal with ‘Muddy Waters’
Oxfordshire families with young children can experience exclusive boat trips in Banbury with charming stories from the Great British Waterways on Saturday, September 4th, 2021. ‘Kids on the Canal’ is a new event with ‘Muddy Waters’ author Dan Clacher.
For those who missed it, Kids on the Canal will be repeated on Saturday 2nd October.
Boat Trip with stories
Visitors can climb aboard Tooley’s very own 39 ft purpose-built day boat the Dancing Duck to enjoy a 40-minute trip with the Muddy Waters author. Just two trips are available with room for twelve passengers, departing at 11:30 am and 13:00 pm.
Set on the Waterways of the UK and beyond, the award-winning children’s books feature Muddy (a narrowboat) and his friends, including Jolly Boatman, Hamish and Dizzy Spells, as they face challenges together and watch out for the fiendish pirate boat Ol’ One Eye.
The books will be available from Tooley’s shop at a special price of £2.99 each. Every child passenger will have the chance to meet the author, Dan Clacher. Thay will be able to discover the inspiration behind Muddy Waters, ask questions. They can also get their story book personally signed.
Fun, vibrant and colourful, these wonderful tales capture the imagination of children and adults alike through rich language and beautiful illustration.
Dan Clacher, author of the Muddy Waters children’s books, said: “All Muddy Waters fans know that Muddy himself was built at Tooley’s boatyard over two hundred years ago. This magical place has been the inspiration for boat builders and story tellers for centuries. Join me at Tooley’s and find out how this truly unique and special yard in the heart of Banbury inspired me to write the Muddy Waters children’s book series”.
John Madden, Chair of Tooley’s Boatyard Trust, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to Banbury. The pandemic has meant a shorter 2021 season, but this event will be a bit special, and we’re sure it will capture the imagination of children and adults alike. The regular Saturday boat trips have proved so popular that we hope to extend the season through to October.”
The Boatyard
Tooley’s Boatyard Trust is organising the exclusive ‘Kids on the Canal’ event. Situated canal-side in the heart of Banbury Town Centre. We are halfway between the new retail space Lock 29 and the actual lock no.29. Tooley’s is home to one of the oldest working dry docks on England’s inland waterways. It is listed as a nationally important, ancient monument by Historic England.
Following the summer boat tours, the Trust is working towards unveiling new visitor attractions in 2022. Revamped exhibitions and new events will create a fantastic customer experience. These will be full of rich local history and exciting activities, with something for visitors of all ages.
To reserve a seat on Kids on the Canal with Muddy Waters boat trips please visit our Boat Trips page.