Taking place on the 28 and 29 June this free weekend event will give families the opportunity to step on board the narrowboat Swift and get up close to one of the country's oldest working boats. You'll be able to see for yourself how people used to live in the cramped cabins at the back of the boat and learn what a tough and demanding job it was for the working boat men and their families.
On the Sunday there will also be a demonstration of canal folk art known as ‘Roses and Castles' which was used to decorate and brighten up the boats and the on-board living areas and is still a much loved and well recognised part of life afloat.
Enjoy some fresh air
Peter Mathews CMG, chair of the West Midlands waterways partnership for the Canal & River Trust, says: “Hatton Locks is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, enjoying the sunshine and watching the boats navigate the locks. Years ago it was have been normal to see boats like Swift being pulled through these locks by horses as they transported goods such as coal and cotton from London to the Midlands. Nowadays the canal is even busier than at the height of the industrial revolution with many people living and holidaying afloat.
“This weekend event will give you the chance to chat to our team of volunteers and learn all about the history of the waterways whilst enjoying some fresh air alongside the canal.”
The event is open from 10am – 4pm and will be at Hatton Locks, Canal Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 7JL. Car parking fees will apply.
