Family Days Out
Looking for a family day out that’s relaxing, unique, and completely different from the usual busy attractions? A canal boat day hire on the Grand Union Canal offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together, and enjoy the countryside from the water.
At Canal Boat Day Hire, families can enjoy a self-drive narrowboat experience aboard Tilly, our easy-to-handle 30ft canal boat based at Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead. Whether you’re planning a school holiday activity, birthday celebration, weekend adventure, or simply looking for new things to do in Hertfordshire, a canal boat trip creates a memorable day out for both adults and children.
No previous boating experience or licence is needed. Check out our blog on canal boating with families and small groups.
A Relaxed Family Day Out for All Ages
Unlike crowded attractions or fast-paced activities, canal boating allows families to enjoy the day at their own pace. Children love helping with locks, spotting wildlife, steering the boat under supervision, and exploring the waterways, while adults can enjoy the peaceful scenery and slower pace of life on the canal.
The Grand Union Canal provides a calm and scenic setting, with plenty of opportunities to stop for food, drinks, walks, or waterside picnics along the way.
Popular family activities during a hire include:
Watching ducks, swans, and kingfishers
Helping operate canal locks
Stopping at canalside pubs and cafés
Enjoying lunch onboard
Taking photos along the route
Relaxing away from screens and busy environments
Why Families Choose Canal Boat Day Hire
Families regularly choose us because we focus on making the experience simple, friendly, and stress-free for beginners.
Why customers book with us:
No licence or experience required
Easy-to-handle narrowboat
Family-friendly environment
Flexible self-drive experience
Peaceful alternative to busy attractions
Convenient location near London
Full training and support included
Beginner-Friendly Canal Boat Hire
Many families hiring a canal boat for the first time worry that it may be difficult or stressful. In reality, most customers have no boating experience at all before arriving.
Before setting off, we provide:
A full safety briefing
Boat handling instruction
Demonstrations of steering and reversing
Guidance on locks and mooring
Assistance through the first lock
Our aim is to make canal boating approachable and enjoyable for complete beginners.
What’s Included Onboard
Tilly is equipped with everything needed for a comfortable family day out on the canal, including:
Seating area
Kitchen facilities
4-ring gas hob
Kettle
Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and cutlery
Flushing toilet
USB charging sockets
Life jackets for adults and children if required
Fuel is included in the hire price with no hidden costs.
Explore the Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal is one of the most scenic and historic waterways in the country. Cruising through Hertfordshire offers a mix of peaceful countryside, canal locks, wildlife, historic bridges, and waterside pubs.
Routes can be discussed before or on the day of your booking depending on how relaxed or adventurous you’d like the trip to be.
Family Days Out Near London
One of the biggest advantages of hiring from Apsley Marina is the location. We are only a short distance from London while still offering a genuine countryside canal experience.
Apsley Train Station is just a 2-minute walk from the marina, making Canal Boat Day Hire an easy and accessible day trip from London without needing a long drive.
This makes us a popular option for:
Families visiting Hertfordshire
Grandparents and grandchildren days out
School holiday activities
Birthday celebrations
Family gatherings
Visitors looking for unique things to do near London
Book Your Family Canal Boat Day
If you’re looking for a relaxing family day out in Hertfordshire or a unique day trip near London, a canal boat hire offers something genuinely different.
You can check availability and book online via our Book Now page.
You can also view our Hire Prices, learn more about Tilly, or visit our FAQ page for more information.