The Association has been providing this unique service for over 25 years and is based in Islington at City Road Basin

The Association has been providing this unique service for over 25 years and is based in Islington at City Road Basin, accessible and local to both North London and the City. We have introduced some 30,000 passengers to the canals and other waterways of London, and further afield. Users have been of all ages, from young children to elderly people and from many ethnic backgrounds.

“Of particular value were the residential trips providing a solid and tangible ‘real’ experience for the pupils - essential for children with learning difficulties. Equally important was the opportunity to develop strong relationships with the pupils through the need to work together towards a common goal - running the boat!”

[Leader of user group]

Angel II is operated by the Islington Narrow Boat Association. Launched in 1999, Angel II is designed for use by community groups for residential and day trips.

An experienced skipper is in charge of the boat and provides hands-on experience for all the passengers. Everyone who wants to will have the opportunity to steer the boat and operate the locks.

The skipper and his assistant can tell you about the canal and river environment. Working a canal boat is very good for team-building, can teach a lot about responsibility for our environment but is also a lot of HANDS-ON FUN!

Groups of up to 12 people can book for the day or part of the day and residential bookings can be made for an overnight stay, a weekend, a few days or a week. If you want a longer hire or need extra boats for a larger group, talk to the booking officer.

Residential trips for a long weekend could go up the River Lee as far as Broxbourne or in the opposite direction as far as Denham Country Park. On a six day cruise it is possible to reach Bishop’s Stortford or even the Aylesbury Arm; ask the booking officer for our summer holiday itinerary for trips further afield.

Day trips are popular - from the City Road Basin,,Islington to Little Venice for example, travelling through a tunnel 960 yards long on a canal completed in 1820. Stop off for lunch, drinks and exploration returning to the boat for the return journey later in the day.

Charges for Community groups are a fraction of that charged for a commercially run trip. We can provide age-appropriate education and experience for children, youth clubs & groups, elderly and disabled people and a wide variety of special needs groups from all backgrounds, ranging from the simple, enjoyable experience of a trip on the boat through to residential educational trips.

The boat is also suitable as a venue for management training, team building, helmsmanship courses or for the certificate in Community Boat Management. The skipper, with over 35 years experience and numerous training and instructor qualifications, is able to instruct those wishing to gain a recognised qualification for themselves, or just help those who want to handle a canal or narrow-boat.

For more information contact the booking officer:-

Phone: 020 7490 5125

Mobile: 07970 175 488

Email: info@inba.org.uk