Boat Hire Near Me
A group of friends enjoying the summer sun on the back of Tilly the Canal Boat in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead
When you search for "boat hire near me", you're probably looking for more than just a boat. You want an enjoyable experience that's easy to reach, simple to organise and highly recommended by people who have already done it. At Canal Boat Day Hire in Apsley Marina, Hertfordshire, you'll find exactly that. Located on the beautiful Grand Union Canal, we're just 23 minutes by train from London Euston, with Apsley Station only a two-minute walk from the marina.
Whether you're planning a family day out, a romantic escape, a celebration with friends or simply want to try narrowboating for the first time, we're perfectly placed to offer one of the most unique Things to do in Hertfordshire and Things to do near London.
Why Choose Canal Boat Day Hire?
Finding the right boat hire isn't just about location. It's about knowing you'll receive a great experience from start to finish.
When you book with us you'll benefit from:
A beautiful 30-foot semi-traditional narrowboat called Tilly
A full safety briefing before you leave
No licence or previous boating experience required
Help with your first canal lock
Support throughout the day if you need advice or recommendations
A peaceful cruise along one of Britain's most historic waterways
We won't leave you until you're completely comfortable with the boat.
Trusted by Hundreds of Happy Customers
Choosing a day out is much easier when you know other people have loved the experience.
We're proud to have:
Over 70 five-star Google reviews
Over 60 five-star TripAdvisor reviews
Over 15 five-star Trustpilot reviews
Those reviews come from families, couples, groups of friends, international visitors and first-time boaters who have all experienced a day on the Grand Union Canal.
Many guests tell us they were nervous before arriving but quickly realised just how easy and enjoyable canal boating can be.
Easy to Reach From London
One of the biggest advantages of boating from Apsley is its fantastic location.
Many visitors are surprised to discover just how close we are to London.
You can:
Leave London Euston by train.
Arrive at Apsley in around 23 minutes.
Walk approximately two minutes from the station to the marina.
Step aboard and begin your adventure.
You don't need to spend hours driving into the countryside to enjoy a peaceful escape.
Perfect for Every Occasion
A canal boat day hire is incredibly versatile.
It's ideal for:
Family days out
Birthday celebrations
Anniversaries
Romantic escapes
Team building events
Visitors from overseas
Relaxing days with friends
Planning a special occasion?
Take a look at our:
Perfect for First-Time Boaters
Around nine out of every ten of our customers have either never driven a narrowboat before or haven't done so for many years.
That's why we make the experience as straightforward as possible.
You'll receive:
A full boat handling demonstration
Safety guidance
Lock tuition
Canal etiquette advice
Plenty of opportunity to ask questions
You can even prepare in advance using the information we send in your confirmation email.
If you're new to boating, visit our First Time Canal Boat Hire page for everything you need to know.
What's Included?
Your hire includes almost everything you need for the day.
Onboard you'll find:
Plates, bowls, glasses and mugs
Cutlery
Four-ring gas hob
Kettle
Flushing toilet
USB charging sockets
Fuel is included in the hire price, with no hidden charges.
To see our latest prices, visit our Hire Prices page.
Book Early to Avoid Disappointment
One thing we've learned over the years is that the most popular dates don't stay available for long.
School holidays, bank holidays, weekends and sunny summer dates are often among the first to be booked.
In fact, many customers are already securing dates well in advance for next year to make sure they don't miss out.
If you already have a birthday, anniversary, family gathering or special occasion in mind, it's worth booking early to secure the date you really want. If your plans change later, we're always happy to discuss alternative dates where availability allows.
Waiting until the spring or summer may mean your preferred date has already gone.
Why Guests Return Again and Again
Many of our guests return because canal boating offers something increasingly rare.
It gives you the chance to:
Slow down.
Spend quality time together.
Disconnect from busy everyday life.
Experience nature.
Learn a new skill.
Create lasting memories.
Every trip along the Grand Union Canal feels slightly different depending on the season, the wildlife and the people you share it with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boating licence?
No. You don't need a licence or any previous boating experience. We'll provide a full safety briefing and practical tuition before you leave the marina.
How quickly do bookings fill up?
Popular weekends, school holidays and summer dates often book well in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible if you have a specific date in mind.
Can I book for next year?
Yes. Many guests choose to book months in advance, especially for birthdays, anniversaries and family celebrations, helping them secure their preferred date.
Conclusion
If you've been searching online for "boat hire near me", you'll find that Canal Boat Day Hire offers much more than simply hiring a boat. From our convenient location just outside London and outstanding customer reviews to our beginner-friendly approach and peaceful surroundings, we aim to provide an experience you'll remember for years to come. Whether you're planning a relaxing day with family, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something different, we'd love to welcome you aboard Tilly for your own adventure on the Grand Union Canal.
To get started, visit the Canal Boat Day Hire homepage or check availability on our Book Now page.