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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.

UK Waterways's Best Boat Hire Companies in 2026

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Boat Hire
#1 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Hawthorn Hideaway

Hawthorne Lodge, Brickyard Lane, Walkeringham, DN10 4LZ
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"A luxury narrowboat getaway offering short breaks for 2. Static, self drive and skippered option available. Private garden with hot tub, fire bowl BBQ, seating and sunset views. Also sauna, hobbit BBQ cabin and massage yurt onsite. Enjoy the water and our onsite services too."

Boat Hire
#3 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways
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Ducklings Narrowboat Hire @ Tewitfield Marina

Tewitfield Marina, Lancaster Canal
  • Accessible Entrance
Hire Company
#7 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Caley Cruisers

Caledonian Canal
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reviews
  • Accessible Entrance
Hire Company
#10 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Floating Holidays

Middlewich Wharf, 1 Canal Terrace, Middlewich CW10 9BD
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Boat Hire
#12 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Armada Boat Hire

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

Road House Narrowboat Hire

50 Main Road, Gilwern, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 0AS
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Boat Hire
#15 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Beacon Park Boats

Hillside Rd, Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1EQ.
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  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#18 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways
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Anglo Welsh Group

Various locations
Boat Hire
#19 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Ferry Marina Ltd

Ferry Rd, Norwich NR12 8PS.
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  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#20 Rated Boat Hire on the UK Waterways

Trevor holidays

Station Rd, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
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