The original idea for a modern canal business came from Clifford Jones & Gail Fowler when Away4awhile was launched in Warwick during the mid summer of 2002 after Cliff & Gail decided to leave the Bus Industry and start a Hotelboat business in 2001. Their Hotelboat Katie had been acquired from a national hire boat operator and was the best layout they could find for conversion, which was completed virtually by the Spring 2002.

The idea of specialising in short breaks with cruises to Stratford upon Avon and back proved in the first season that they had beginnings of a good product. Introducing Birmingham into their destinations in 2003 brought the idea of moving their base to a big city and providing more canal based options for their customers. The introduction of a canal cruising restaurant and offering Bed & Breakfast on Katie as Away2stay in the winter months were additional aspects they added to the business, which became known as The Awaygroup.

2006 was the year of consolidation following Gail’s departure and a change of ownership with Gillian Smith investing in the business. The restaurant boat was relaunched as Away2dine at The Mailbox in 2007 and the interior of Katie having a facelift. Popularity of Hotelboating where the boat has a liveaboard skipper and chef/housekeeper was growing and 3, 4 and 7 day holidays with a transfer back to the start point including car parking appealed to an emerging market for a wider age group.

2008 brought a diversification into adding a service facility to the Awaygroup, which is initially a boat, having the ability to provide fuel and toilet tank evacuation for the business, but will be opened to the public in 2009 as Away2service.

New brands for Away4awhile were planned for 2009 offering walking and cycling holidays in conjunction with Away4awhile provide a unique moving accommodation. These are now on hold as our attention has taken by the new trip boat operation which is now destined for 2010.