Apsley Marina
Apsley Marina, on the Grand Union Canal in Hemel Hempstead, is home to Canal Boat Day Hire and our narrowboat, Tilly. Here's everything worth knowing about the marina itself — its history, its setting, and what's nearby if you're planning a visit.
Where the marina sits
Apsley Marina sits right on the Grand Union Canal, on Dickinson Quay in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. It's an easy, well-connected spot: free parking is available on site, and Apsley train station is roughly a two-minute walk away, with London Euston just around 23 minutes by train — genuinely one of the easiest canal settings to reach from the capital without a long drive.
A working marina with a working history
Apsley Marina occupies a site with real industrial history behind it. The land sits opposite the former Apsley Mill, a paper-making site with roots stretching back centuries, most notably under John Dickinson's ownership in the 1800s. After the mill's paper-making operations ended, the land was redeveloped, with British Waterways taking over ownership and management of the marina site in November 2002. Today it's a genuinely pleasant, contemporary marina — a picturesque mooring spot that blends that industrial past with a relaxed, modern setting on the water.
If you're interested in the fuller story, we've written more about it in The History of Apsley Marina and The Story of Frogmore Paper Mill, which covers the wider papermaking heritage of the area.
What's nearby
Apsley Marina is surrounded by genuinely good waterside options for before or after your hire:
Union Coffee & Dough — a large range of hot drinks and pastries
Ronav Café & Bistro — brunch, tapas, coffee and cocktails, canal-side
Darcy's Bar & Restaurant — a stylish venue for breakfast, lunch and more
Apsley Supermarket — handy for snacks, drinks and essentials
For a fuller look at local spots along the towpath, see Day Trips From the Towpath.
Canal Boat Day Hire at Apsley Marina
This is where Tilly is moored, and where every hire begins and ends. Self-drive and skippered canal boat hire is available, with no licence or previous experience needed — every hire includes a full safety briefing and boat handling demonstration, with support through the first lock so you feel confident before setting off properly.
It's a genuinely good fit for:
Families looking for a relaxed day out
First-timers who've never been on a narrowboat before
Couples after a quiet day together
Businesses looking for a genuine alternative to the usual away day
Hen parties wanting something different
Dog owners who'd like to bring their dog along
Full pricing is available on our hire prices page, and you can cruise out onto the wider Grand Union Canal from the marina itself.
Exploring the wider area
If you're planning your visit around a day out beyond the marina itself, our guide to Things to Do in Hertfordshire covers the wider area, including family days out, historic attractions, and more of what's on offer close to Apsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Apsley Marina? Dickinson Quay, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9WQ, on the Grand Union Canal. Free parking is available on site.
How do I get to Apsley Marina from London? Apsley train station is a two-minute walk from the marina, with a journey time of around 23 minutes from London Euston.
Is parking available at Apsley Marina? Yes, free parking is available on site for the duration of your hire.
Check availability and book your day at Apsley Marina with Canal Boat Day Hire.