The Best Skippered Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal 2026

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The Kennet and Avon Canal is a picturesque and historic waterway stretching for 87 miles across southern England, linking the River Thames at Reading with the River Avon at Bath. Completed in the early 19th century, the canal was vital for transporting goods such as coal, stone, and agricultural produce between London and the West Country. Renowned for its stunning scenery, the canal winds through rolling countryside, charming villages, and historic towns, featuring impressive engineering feats such as the Caen Hill Locks at Devizes and the Dundas and Avoncliff Aqueducts. Today, the Kennet and Avon Canal is a popular destination for boaters, walkers, and cyclists, offering tranquil waters, abundant wildlife, and a unique way to explore England’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Skippered boat trips on UK rivers and canals let passengers relax and enjoy Britain’s waterways while an experienced skipper handles navigation. These cruises suit anyone who wants to experience canal travel without piloting the boat, including families, elderly visitors, corporate groups, and those seeking an easy outing with commentary on history, wildlife, and landmarks. Trips range from short city cruises, like Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin or Camden Lock in London, to longer excursions on the Grand Union Canal, Thames, Norfolk Broads, and Caledonian Canal. Skippers often share engaging stories about heritage, boatmen, bridges, and local wildlife such as herons and kingfishers. Themed trips include pub crawls, wildlife tours, photography cruises, and educational outings. Private charters are popular for celebrations, with groups bringing their own catering or arranging food onboard. Skippered boat trips offer an effortless and authentic way to enjoy the charm of Britain’s canal network.

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Skippered Boat Trips

#1 Rated Skippered Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Bruce Trust

Great Bedwyn Wharf, Brook Street, Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, SN8 3PB

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Skippered Boat Trips

#2 Rated Skippered Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Kennet & Avon Trust – Bradford on Avon

Beside The Canal Trust Café, Bradford Wharf, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LE.

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Museums and Skippered Boat Trips

#3 Rated Skippered Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Kennet & Avon Trust – Devizes

The Wharf, Couch Lane, Devizes, SN10 1EB

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Skippered Boat Trips

#4 Rated Skippered Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Kennet & Avon Trust – Hungerford

Hungerford Wharf, High Street, Town Centre, Hungerford, RG17 0DN

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