Boat Hire Companies on the Southern England Waterways

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Southern England has a rich network of historic waterways that have shaped its landscape, economy, and culture for centuries. This includes the iconic River Thames, a vital commercial artery since Roman times, and the Kennet and Avon Canal, completed in 1810, connecting the Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel through picturesque countryside and historic towns like Bath. Other significant waterways include the River Medway in Kent, the Hampshire Avon in Salisbury, and the Wey Navigation in Surrey, one of Britain's oldest artificial waterways from 1653.

Boat hire in the UK is a unique, relaxing way to explore over 3,000 miles of historic canals, rivers and waterways. Boats—ranging from narrowboats to wide-beam barges—are available across England, Scotland, and Wales, with no experience needed and full training provided. Modern amenities, flexible rental periods, and a range of prices make it accessible for families, couples, and groups. Popular bases include Bath, Trevor, Great Haywood, and Wootton Wawen. Cruising at 3-4 mph, boaters enjoy scenic routes, waterside pubs, and hidden countryside, making canal holidays a memorable alternative to traditional travel.

Southern England Waterways's Best Boat Hire Companies in 2026

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Boat Hire
#2 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Grand Union Narrowboats

The Boatyard, High St, Weedon Bec, Weedon NN7 4QD.
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Hire Company
#3 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Southern Narrowboats Ltd

5 Arlow Rd, London N21 3JS.
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Boat Hire
#4 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Armada Boat Hire

Falls Bridge Wharf, Cathiron Ln, Rugby CV23 0HA.
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  • Accessible Entrance
Hire Company
#5 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Bloomsbury Boats Ltd

Bathampton, Kennet and Avon
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Boat Hire
#6 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Farncombe Boat House

Catteshall Rd, Godalming GU7 1NH
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Boat Hire
#7 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Calcutt Boats

Napton Junction, Grand Union Canal
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  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#9 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Chertsey Meads Marine

River Thames - Surrey
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Boat Hire
#10 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Ferry Marina Ltd

Ferry Rd, Norwich NR12 8PS.
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  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#11 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Fox Narrowboats

10 Marina Dr, March PE15 0AU.
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Boat Hire
#12 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Honeystreet Boats

Mill, Honey Street, Pewsey SN9 5PS.
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Boat Hire
#14 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Galleon Marine

Colt Hill, Odiham, Hook RG29 1AL.
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  • Electric Boats
  • Accessible Entrance
Hire Company
#15 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

The Bruce Trust

Great Bedwyn, Marlborough SN8 3LZ.
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  • Accessible Boats
  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#16 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

CanalAbility

Lock View, Burntmill Ln, Harlow CM20 2QS.
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Boat Hire
#17 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Horning Pleasurecraft

Ferry View Estate, Lower St, Horning, Norwich NR12 8PT.
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Boat Hire
#18 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Hunter’s Yard

Horsefen Rd, Ludham, Great Yarmouth NR29 5QG.
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Boat Hire
#19 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

The Wyvern Shipping Co

Rothschild Rd, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2TF.
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Boat Hire
#20 Rated Boat Hire on the Southern England Waterways

Nancy Oldfield Trust

Irstead Rd, Neatishead, Norwich NR12 8BJ.
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