Boat Hire
Farncombe Boat House
Catteshall Rd, Godalming GU7 1NH
Boat Hire
#1 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Boat Hire Companies on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
The River Thames and the Lee Navigation are two major waterways in southern England, each with a rich history and vital role in transport, commerce, and recreation. The River Thames, stretching over 215 miles from Gloucestershire to the North Sea, is England’s most famous river, winding through iconic cities and towns including Oxford, Reading, Windsor, and London. The Lee Navigation, meanwhile, is a canalized section of the River Lea running from Hertford through East London to the Thames at Limehouse Basin. Historically, both waterways facilitated the movement of goods and people, helping fuel the growth of London and the surrounding region. Today, the Thames and the Lee Navigation are important leisure corridors, popular for boating, rowing, walking, and cycling, while their scenic banks are lined with parks, nature reserves, and vibrant communities, blending centuries of heritage with modern urban life.
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.
River Thames & Lee Navigation's Best Boat Hire Companies in 2026
Boat Hire
#2 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Boat Hire
#3 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Hire Company
#4 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Hire Company
European Waterways
River Thames
Boat Hire
#5 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Boat Hire
#6 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Boat Hire
#7 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Hire Company
#8 Rated Boat Hire on the River Thames & Lee Navigation
Hire Company
Lea Valley Narrowboat Co.
Lock Keepers Cottage, Amwell Ln, Stanstead Abbotts, Stanstead St Margarets, Ware SG12 8DR.