Accessible Narrowboat

The Wizard is a specially adapted 40 foot long narrow boat, complete with ramps, a lift and central heating (if the day is chilly) so that up to twelve people can enjoy a day afloat on the beautiful Bridgewater Canal.

She was commissioned and built by St James Church, Westbrook, Warrington in 1987 using funding from various sources including the councils Wizard lottery’ (hence the name), Children in Need, Granada telethon, British Waterways, Cheshire County Council and numerous other local businesses and charities.

Wizard is available to families and groups in the Warrington area, the only criteria being that a family or group must have a person who is disabled with them on the trip. Other families and groups who have a disabled person with them outside of the catchments area are most welcome to use the wizard but we do ask for a higher donation. With effect from 1st January 2008 a minimum donation of £25 will come into effect for Warrington groups booking the Wizard Narrow Boat, and a donation of £45 will be asked from groups outside of Warrington.

Each booking will be required to give a donation deposit of £10.00 per trip which will not be refundable, the balance being paid 14 days prior to trip.

The Wizard holds up to 10 people. This number is reduced by two for each wheelchair user. Due to health and safety regulation each disabled person must be accompanied by a carer or someone able to assist in the case of an emergency.

Please note: There is a maximum of 3 wheelchairs users allowed on each trip and there is a maximum user weight of 25 stone to get onto the boat.

The Wizard is based on the picturesque Bridgewater Canal at London Bridge. From there you can take a choice of three different types of trip along the canal.

TRIP 1
Stockton Heath to Lymm, a picturesque village with something for everyone and the famous Lymm Dam. Trip time Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

TRIP 2
Stockton Heath to Outrington stopping off for a pre– booked lunch at the Barn Owl public house. (menu available inside the Wizard). Trip time Approximately 2 hours.

Other trips available – please contact us for further details.

If you wish to book a trip, or organise one for a family group you are involved with then please contact Clive on 01925 240064 or email wizard@disabilitypartnership.org.uk .