Canal Boat Rental Near London

Canal boat hire is a great way to explore the English countryside. With its winding waterways and picturesque villages, the Chilterns AONB is the ideal place to take a canal boat holiday.

Canal lock on the grand union surrounded by trees in summer

Plus, as you you can reach us in less than an hour from central London, our breaks are the perfect weekend getaway for those who want to escape the city for a couple of nights and enjoy a peaceful countryside retreat.

In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about our canal boat rental near London, such as:

  • Why canal boat rental is the best weekend trip from London
  • Our idyllic location in the Chilterns AONB and how to find us
  • How much is costs to rent a canal boat near London
  • What to expect on your canal holiday


Why canal boat rental is the best weekend trip from London

Luxury Canal boat approaching between tall green trees on the Grand Union canal

They say that being on a canal boat is the fastest way to slow down. So if your looking for a great short trip from London, where you enjoy a slower pace of life and admire the beauty of the english countryside, you are in the right place.

Canal boat rental offers a completely unique way to explore the local area and is the perfect car-free holiday. Our convenient location near London means you can easily reach us by train (from Euston station) in less than 1 hour.

Plus, our boats are equipped with lots of everyday essentials, so all you need is a backpack with some clothes, towels and a camera and you'll be ready to go.

Our weekend trips start at 2pm on Friday where you'll be given a full run through of how to drive the boat, and then you have until Monday morning to explore at your own pace. We also offer mid-week breaks from Monday to Friday and longer trips of up to 14 nights.

Looking for 2 night canal boat hire near London? We are always happy for customers to return the boat on Sunday afternoon/evening, meaning you can be back home in bed before the end of the weekend. 


Our location

The Chilterns AONB - The Ideal Destination for a Short Trip from London

The Chilterns is London's closest designated Area of Natural Beauty to the big city. With its rolling hills and rural landscapes, quaint country villages and grand manor houses, you'll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

When you choose canal boat rental, it's like stepping back in time as you navigate along the Tring Summit (one of the higest sections of the UK's famous Grand Union canal), lined with traditional narrowboats and surrounded by fields, wildlife and the odd canalside pub. It's the ultimate quintessentially English trip!

How To Get Here

By Train - Less than 1 hour from London

Trains run regularly from Euston station, and you'll arrive at Tring or Berkhamsted stations in as little 45 minutes. From either of the stations, it's just a quick 5 minute taxi ride to our marina location in Cow Roast.

By Car - Only 15 minutes from the M25

Exit the M25 at junction 20 and follow the A41 for 12 miles. Take the exit signposted Tring and Wiggington and then follow the A4251. As you enter Cow Roast, follow the brown signs to the marina.

Swans wimming on the Wendover Arm canal on a sunny day

How much does canal boat hire near London cost?

The cost of hiring a canal boat can vary depending on the season and the size of boat you hire. However, our straight forward, all-inclusive pricing makes booking with us simple. You'll be quoted a price when you book your holiday which will includes all diesel, gas, secure parking, bed linen, lots of onboard essentials and a full hands-on tutorial on how to drive a canal boat.

Our short breaks start from just £535 and we regularly offer discounts and last minute deals.

To stay up to date with on our cheapest canal boat holidays and latest news, sign up to our email newsletter today!

Man driving away on a small green luxury canal boat

What to Expect on Your Canal Boat Holiday

Renting a canal boat in the Chilterns AONB is a great way to slow down and enjoy the countryside.

You can spend your days cruising along the waterways, admiring the scenery, and stopping off at villages and towns along the way. With lots of local history to discover, and plenty of great pubs and restaurants along the route, you'll find just as much to do on land as there is on the water.

If you are looking for a more active experience, you can also go paddleboarding, fishing, cycling or hiking in the AONB.

Click here to find out more about all the things you can enjoy when you rent a canal boat in the Chilterns.

Return to the Blog>>

Want to find out more about our canal boat rental near London?

    Read about our canal boat holidays