Is Canal Boat Day Hire Worth the Cost?
Yes — for many people, canal boat day hire offers exceptional value because it combines relaxation, adventure, scenery and quality time together in one experience. Instead of paying per person for an attraction, you hire the entire boat and share the experience with friends or family. At Canal Boat Day Hire in Apsley Marina, Hertfordshire, guests often discover that the cost per person becomes surprisingly affordable when shared between a group.
When you consider the length of the experience and everything included, canal boating becomes one of the most memorable days out near London.
A Full Day Experience Rather Than a Short Activity
Many activities last an hour or two before they are finished. A canal boat day hire typically lasts around seven hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the journey.
During the day you can:
Cruise along the Grand Union Canal
Take turns steering the boat
Pass through historic canal locks
Stop for food, drinks or a break
Enjoy quiet countryside scenery
The experience feels more like a small adventure than a short activity.
Cost Per Person Can Be Surprisingly Low
One of the reasons canal boat hire often feels good value is that the boat is hired as a group experience rather than individual tickets.
For example, when the cost is shared between friends or family, the price per person becomes much more comparable to other leisure activities.
This means you’re not just paying for entry to an attraction — you’re sharing a private space and experience for the day.
You can view the current hire prices here.
What’s Included in the Hire
A canal boat day hire includes far more than just the boat itself.
Onboard you’ll find:
Cutlery, plates, bowls, glasses and mugs
A kettle and 4-ring gas hob
A flushing toilet
USB charging sockets
Life jackets are available for adults and children if required, and fuel is included in the hire price, meaning there are no hidden running costs.
If you’re curious about the boat itself, you can learn more about Tilly.
A Private Experience on the Water
Many attractions involve queues, crowds and strict schedules. A canal boat day hire is very different.
Your group has the boat to yourselves, meaning you can:
Set your own pace
Decide when to stop
Enjoy the scenery without crowds
Spend uninterrupted time together
That level of freedom is something many traditional attractions simply cannot offer.
A Unique Alternative to Typical Days Out
When people search for Things to do near London or Things to do in Hertfordshire, they often find the same types of attractions repeated again and again.
A canal boat day hire offers something completely different:
A slower pace
Nature and wildlife
Hands-on involvement
A memorable shared experience
For many guests, it becomes one of the highlights of their year.
The Value of Shared Experiences
Perhaps the biggest value of canal boating isn’t financial — it’s emotional. Time spent together without distractions often becomes the most memorable part of the day.
Guests regularly mention:
Conversations that wouldn’t normally happen
Watching wildlife together
Laughing through the first lock
Sharing the experience of steering the boat
Those moments are difficult to replicate in more traditional attractions.
Booking Your Canal Experience
If you’re curious to experience the canals for yourself, you can check availability and book your canal boat day hire here.
You can also explore the full experience on the Canal Boat Day Hire homepage.
Conclusion
When you consider the length of the experience, the private setting, and everything included, canal boat day hire offers excellent value for a day out. Instead of rushing between crowded attractions, you spend the day moving slowly through peaceful scenery with the people who matter most. For many visitors, that combination of relaxation, adventure and connection makes canal boating far more than worth the cost.