Canal Boat Hire Near London
Looking for canal boat hire in London or just outside? Canal Boat Day Hire operates from Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead, around 23 minutes by train from London Euston. It's one of the easiest ways to hire a canal boat from London for the day, without a long drive or an early start.
How close is it, really?
Apsley Marina is roughly 23 minutes by train from London Euston, with Apsley train station just a two-minute walk from where Tilly is moored. Free parking is also available on site if you're driving. It's close enough to fit comfortably into a single day trip, but far enough out to feel like a genuine escape from the city rather than an extension of it — quiet towpaths, open countryside, and none of the noise or pace of London itself.
Narrowboat hire from London, without the London crowds
Central London's canals are busy, with limited moorings and lots of boat traffic. Hiring a narrowboat just outside London gives you quiet water, open countryside and a full day at your own pace, while still being an easy train ride from the city. You can hire a canal boat for the day from London with no car needed: take the train to Apsley and Tilly is a two-minute walk away.
A different kind of day out from London
Most day trips from London mean queuing for an attraction, fighting crowds, or being tied to a fixed timetable. A canal boat day is different: once you're on board, the whole day is yours — no ticket queue, no rigid time slot, just you, your group, and a full day on the Grand Union Canal at whatever pace suits you.
Self-drive and skippered hire are both available, with no licence or previous boating 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.
Who it suits
Families looking for a genuinely different day out from London
First-timers who've never been on a narrowboat before
Couples after a relaxed day away from the city
Tourists wanting a genuinely British experience close to the capital
Businesses looking for an easy, low-travel alternative to the usual away day
Hen parties wanting something different from a night out in the city
Getting here from London
By train: Apsley station is roughly 23 minutes from London Euston, with the marina a two-minute walk from the platform.
By car: free parking is available on site at Apsley Marina.
No need to plan around London traffic or the Tube — once you're on the train or in the car, it's a straightforward journey out.
For more on exactly why this makes such an easy day trip, see our guide to how close Apsley Marina really is to London.
What's included
Every hire includes fuel, a flushing toilet, a gas hob and kettle, and all the crockery and cutlery you'd need for the day — everything is covered in the price shown on our hire prices page, with no hidden extras. A professional skipper can be added if you'd rather relax completely and let someone else handle the steering and locks.
A quieter side of England, close to the city
If you're after a genuinely different pace from London — slow travel, open countryside, and a real change of scenery — our blog covers this in more depth:
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is canal boat hire from London? Apsley Marina is around 23 minutes by train from London Euston, with the marina a two-minute walk from Apsley station.
Do I need a car to get to Apsley Marina from London? No — Apsley train station is a short walk from the marina, so the whole day trip can be done by train.
Is canal boat hire near London suitable for first-time boaters? Yes. No licence or previous experience is needed, and every hire includes a full safety briefing before you set off.
Can I hire a canal boat in London for the day? Most canal boat day hire is just outside the city. Apsley Marina is around 23 minutes from London Euston, so you can hire a self-drive canal boat as an easy day trip from London.
Is there narrowboat hire near London for beginners? Yes. No licence or experience is needed. Every hire starts with a full safety briefing, and we help you through the first lock.
Check availability and book your day from Apsley Marina, just outside London, with Canal Boat Day Hire.