Our mission is to provide a unique, memorable and affordable holiday experience on the Lancaster Canal for families and groups with medically diagnosed disability or long term conditions.

Margaret Kane was a nurse who lived in Blackpool, and when she died, left her house to the charity in her will. From the sale of the house we commissioned a purpose built boat, mainly to cater for disabled wheelchair users who wouldn't normally be able to access a traditionally built canal boat, and in 2007 "Margaret Kane" was launched 

To see if you qualify for some assistance funding a mini break, please follow the link to Trewan Sands Childrens Trust below and look for the application form on their site: 

www.tsctrust.org/ 

Equipped for self-catering up to 8 people includes: 

Dinner plates, side plates, bowls, mugs,

knives, forks, spoons, tea-spoons (plastic alternatives are also available on request).

Bread knife, corkscrew, bottle opener, can opener.

Saucepans, frying pan, oven trays, colander, kettle.

Drinking glasses and plastic beakers.

The Galley is fully equipped with gas oven, grill and  4 ring hob, microwave and fridge (no freezer box)

We provide: Bedding, tea towels, dishcloths, oven gloves, washing up liquid, tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and vinegar. Toilet rolls and basic cleaning materials

We DO NOT provide Towels or Toiletries 

To the rear we have a bedroom with single adjustable ”profile bed” with lift and tilt capability. 

There is a separate bunk room with 4 full size single bunk beds. 

In the lounge the seating converts to a double bed. A separate bench seat can also be used as a single bed. 

Bedding IS provided 

The Galley is fully equipped with gas oven, grill and  4 ring hob, microwave and fridge (no freezer box)

We can stop at a number of different food outlets, although in certain areas these can be limited.

There are a number of pubs close to the canal, sometimes alongside the tow path or just a short walk away, where hot and cold meals and drinks can be purchased. The boat will typically be moored overnight in close proximity to one of these places.

The boat has a TV / DVD on board though sometimes TV signal can be quite poor. There is a small selection of DVD’s and a few games.

Unfortunately we can not predict the weather conditions, even in summer so we recommend bringing clothes for warm and cold weather as well as wet weather. We also recommend sturdy shoes / trainers for walking along the canal tow path. We very much advise AGAINST flip flops

“Margaret Kane” is moored in a secure marina located at Barton Grange Garden Centre & Marina, Garstang Rd,(A6), Brock, Preston, PR3 0BT in close proximity to the seaside attractions of Blackpool and the more tranquil 

Lake District National Park.

WHAT3WORDS:    Dive. Commuting. Flamed

Sat Nav: PR3 0RB

www.bartongrange.co.uk/home-page/departments/marina-lancaster-canal/ 

Tavy Cleave is our second boat, which is available for day trips. Tavy is a wooden canal cruiser built in 1964 by Holt Abott in Stourport and is listed in the National Register of Historic Vessels of UK.

Tavy was donated to MAGS Charitable Trust and our volunteers have spent many hours restoring her back to her original condition.

She is 1 of only 3 Holt Abbots boats known to still exist, and is very distinctive in appearance with the high front end and sweeping curves to the rear.

Tavy provides a very different canal experience. You do need to be of good mobility in order to board safely, as the distinctive rear deck provides no easy access point.

She is a charming boat, though does not boast the same luxuries as Margaret Kane offers. There is bench seating inside, a removable dining table, and has a mini kitchen with a 2-burner gas hob and a sink.

There is a “bathroom” with sink and emergency toilet, and a separate cabin at the front.

Tavy is only be available for day trips, We can cater for up to 6 people on board, and will be accompanied by a skipper. Sorry but Tavy is not available for self-drive hire.