How Close Is Apsley Marina to London?
Apsley Marina is around 30 minutes from London by train, making it an easy and realistic day trip without the need for a car. You can step off a busy London platform and be beside the Grand Union Canal shortly after, enjoying countryside calm that feels far removed from the city. At Canal Boat Day Hire, based at Apsley Marina in Hertfordshire, many guests travel from London specifically because the journey is so simple.
This makes Apsley ideal for anyone looking to escape the city for a day without committing to overnight travel.
Getting from London to Apsley
One of Apsley’s biggest advantages is how accessible it is. Regular trains run from central London to Apsley Station, and the marina is just a short walk away.
For most visitors, the journey involves:
A direct or one-change train from London
A journey time of roughly 30 minutes
A short walk from the station to the canal
There’s no need for taxis, long drives, or complicated connections — which makes the day feel relaxed from the outset.
Why Apsley Feels So Different From London
Despite its proximity, Apsley feels like a different world. The Grand Union Canal runs through a green corridor that softens noise, slows movement, and creates a sense of space rarely found in the city.
Visitors often comment on:
How quiet the towpath feels
The sudden presence of wildlife
The absence of traffic noise
The slower pace of everything around them
It’s this contrast — closeness to London paired with genuine calm — that makes Apsley such a popular choice.
What a Canal Boat Day Trip Looks Like
A canal boat day hire gives you up to 7 hours on the water, depending on the season and daylight. The experience is unhurried and flexible, designed around enjoyment rather than distance.
A typical London day trip might look like:
Morning train from London
Short walk to Apsley Marina
Full safety briefing and handover
Gentle cruising along the Grand Union Canal
Lunch onboard or along the route
Relaxed return in the late afternoon
There’s no pressure to rush back — the day flows naturally.
Routes, Locks and Scenery
From Apsley Marina, there are two routes available, heading north or south along the canal. The route is discussed with you before or on the day to suit your confidence, timing, and expectations.
Both routes include locks, and you’ll always be assisted through the first lock, ensuring you feel confident before continuing. The scenery quickly shifts from town edges to tree-lined stretches, open water, and peaceful towpaths.
Why It Works So Well as a Day Trip
Not all “day trips from London” are created equal. Many involve long travel times, queues, or rigid schedules. A canal boat day at Apsley avoids all of that.
It works because:
Travel time is short and predictable
The experience is calm and flexible
There’s no crowd pressure
You control the pace of the day
It’s ideal for couples, families, groups of friends, and even corporate days looking for something different.
Ideal for Visitors and Locals Alike
Because Apsley is so accessible, it suits both London visitors and locals in Hertfordshire equally well. It’s also a popular choice for those searching for Things to do near London that feel meaningful rather than rushed.
You can learn more about booking a day on the water here:
Hire Tilly for a day or evening trip
Explore all canal experiences here:
Canal Boat Day Hire
Conclusion
Apsley Marina’s closeness to London is one of its greatest strengths. In around half an hour, you can trade city streets for calm water, green scenery, and a slower pace of life. As a day trip, it offers genuine escape without the hassle of long-distance travel — making a canal boat day hire at Apsley an easy, refreshing, and surprisingly peaceful way to step outside the city for the day.