Paddlefest at National Waterways Museum

8th July 2011

Categories: Modern History News

 The public will get the chance to have a unique experience on Saturday July 23 when Paddlefest comes to the National Waterways Museum.

The day sees canoeing, kayaking and bell boating sessions suitable for all ages. The sessions will take place in the morning and afternoon and visitors will get several hours tuition from some of the region’s top coaches.

The event is organised by Let’s Go Adventure as part of the regular programme of events at the National Waterways Museum – the company is based at the museum and organises adventure activities for companies, schools, and youth-led organisations.

A recent school visit said of a paddlesports day at the National Waterways Museum: “The activities were a brilliant mix of paddlesports, each stretching boundaries and learning in different ways. It was fantastic to see bell-boats being using locks and having races in the basin. The instructors for this activity made sure that fun was the order of the day with plenty of high spirited pirate chants bringing children and adults out of their shells and getting smiles on their faces.”

Museum Events Manager Oliver Briscoe said: “Let's Go have put on some great events here for school groups so we’re really excited to see them getting the public involved. Paddlefest will be a wonderful opportunity for families to have a great day out, learn new skills and gain confidence around the water in the safe and historic surroundings of the museum.”

Tickets for Paddlefest are £15 and must be booked in advance. The morning session will start at 10am and the afternoon at 2pm. All equipment and full training is provided and visitors will have a chance to experience canoeing, kayaking and bell-boats – twin hulled canoe with a crew of up to 24.

To book your tickets, and to find out more information, please email info@letsgoadventure.org.uk or call the 24hr booking line on 0758 1228850.

The National Waterways Museum will be open as normal during the event. It is home to the national collection of historic working boats, some of which visitors can board to explore and find out how the working boat people used to live.  The Museum also has a trip boat, hands-on exhibits, films, touch-screen displays, stables, a blacksmith, docks, pump houses, workers cottages and gardens, an archive, a soft play area, Museum shop and cafe.