“Stort class had a wonderful CanalAbility experience. The students enjoyed a great day out on the River Stort with their friends. Students got to experience steering the boat and moving through the locks.”
Stort class had a wonderful CanalAbility experience. The students enjoyed a great day out on the River Stort with their friends. Students got to experience steering the boat and moving through the locks.”

Harlow Fields: Special Needs School & College

The crew asked what other days had we had as a family this year. We realised that, aside from our week family holiday, we hadn’t had a day out all year because nowhere has the accessibility requirement.

Chaplin family

I was made very welcome by all the staff & volunteers I met today, looking forward to my next visit.

Gary Archbold

Great crew! Lovely day….would recommend!

Adele Johnson

Very friendly and caring staff, They were really good with our guys with a learning disability, very helpful.

Chelmsford Mencap
“I work for Accuro care services and run day trips and social activities for children, young people and adults who have a disability. We have used CanalAbility for many years, and every time we visit we have a wonderful day.
The groups we take to CanalAbility have high support needs including Autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, down syndrome. Many need support with personal care, feeding and mobility or have complex behavioural or medical considerations.
Each visit strengthens the group’s confidence, people get to do something they’ve never done before. The reason we choose to come back again and again to CanalAbility is because it is truly inclusive and accessible. CanalAbility creates opportunities that people who have a disability may not get access to. For me, the volunteer crew are the highlight because they go above and beyond to make us welcome, make us laugh, and make the day tailored to our specific needs.”


Accuro (Care Services)

A huge thank you to the 6 volunteers that supported the 2 boats out today with The Upsidedown Sports Club. We all had a brilliant day, and the volunteers were brilliant and understanding even after setting off so late. My son Jack had such a fantastic day and really bonded with the men, being treated like one of the lads.

Cathy Ledsham
CanalAbility specially adapted canal boat on the River Stort

We had a fantastic weekend recently. With my parents (Dad 90 and Mum 86) it was magical and they loved it so much. We were able to take Mum’s fold up mobility scooter on board. Weather was great and we had time as a family to chill and chat in the evenings without the distraction of a TV. It’s an amazing charity and great volunteers.”

Papworth family

Hi just to say we spent a fabulous Father’s Day with these guys the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, the facilities are great. These guys are doing a grand job and I recommend this to anyone who through a disability wouldn’t normally be able to have a trip on the canal. Splendid work people we are much appreciative and we will be back!

Nigel Atkins

The crew were stars, amazing, cannot thank them enough. Nicest group ever. Thank you.

Upwards with Downs

Upwards with Downs

We have had many trips and we always have a great time and are well looked after by the crew!

Deborah Kane

What a great day!! Thank you to the 3 members of staff we had today… Even under pressure they made our day! Would recommend to all x

Bev West
Logo for The Zone in Chelmsford

“We all had a fantastic time and cannot wait for more outings this year on the canal.”

The Zone – A life skills development centre for young adults with learning disabilities or complex needs.

The Zone, Chelmsford
Children's Integrated Playschemes (CHIPS) logo

“The trip was fantastic. Crew were amazing and encouraging to all the children. Will definitely come back. Highly recommend, totally enjoyable for all.”

CHIPS Play and groups for children with additional needs

Children’s Integrated Playschemes (CHIPS)

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ACCESSIBILITY

If you have mobility difficulties, or are a wheelchair user, you'll love our boats!

Each boat has a ramps & lifts to enable access via wheelchair and for people with impaired mobility, disabled toilet facilities and other adaptive technology to allow everyone to take an active part in its operation.

See the individual boats for details of their accessibility features.