There are a wide variety of boat hire companies on the River Thames offering everything from a canoe to a luxury skippered motor cruiser. Whatever time you’ve got available there’ll be a boat hire option to suit you.
Can anyone drive a boat on the Thames?
For most powered boats, you must have either valid Boat Safety Scheme Certification (BSSC) or, for boats up to 4 years old, a valid Declaration of Conformity made by the boat’s builder under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).
How much does it cost to rent a canal boat in the UK?
Hire boat prices vary depend on time of year and boat size but are probably between £350 to £450 per person per week. Hotelboat Holidays are usually all inclusive, fully catered and serviced, costing between £1,000 to £1,500 per person per week.
Can you take a canal boat on the Thames?
Canal Boats often travel along the Thames as they transfer between waterways including the Grand Union Canal, The River Lee, and the non tidal Thames to Oxford and beyond, but can struggle with the demands of the powerful river.
Can you hire a boat on the Thames? – Related Questions
How far can you travel on a canal boat in a day?
How far can I travel? During the summer months you can expect to cruise for anywhere between four and seven hours a day. Travelling at 3-4mph for four hours a day will mean you cover around 80 to 100 miles in a week.
Can you go both ways on a canal?
Narrowboats can travel in both directions – however, when you encounter either a lock or a bridge, you may need to allow for one boat to enter at one time. If you see a boat approaching in the opposite direction and you predict it will reach the bridge before you, ensure you slow down and give way to them.
Can canal boats go on rivers?
In summer, many canal and narrowboats venture onto the River Severn. They can be crewed by experienced inland canal boaters or newbie holiday makers – you may notice little difference if either is on a major river for the first time !
Can you take a canal boat on the sea?
Going into the sea and/or coastal waters with a narrowboat can be possible if you wait for totally calm conditions. You also need a narrowboat that has been properly sealed against the conditions on the open sea. Well sealed windows and doors, and a way to stop the well deck flooding for a start.
Can you take a barge across the English Channel?
The short answer is Yes. A longer answer is Yes, but you you are advised to have an experienced crew, a properly-prepared and maintained narrowboat, and cooperative weather.
Where can I launch my boat on the River Thames?
Public slipways and jetties – River Thames
- Trowlock Way, Teddington (link here)
- The Boaters Inn, Canbury Gardens, Kingston Upon Thames (link here)
- Ravens Ait, Kingston Upon Thames (link here)
- Ditton Reach Slipway, Thames Ditton (link here)
- Ye Olde Swan, Thames Ditton (link here)
- Albany steps, Thames Ditton (link here)
Can you moor anywhere on the Thames?
Base mooring at lock sites. If you keep, or mainly use, your boat on the River Thames you must have a proper base mooring. This is somewhere to put your boat when you are not cruising, such as a marina berth. If you live on your boat as your only place of residence, you need to have an approved residential mooring.
Is there a speed limit on the River Thames?
There are speed limits on the tidal Thames for your own safety and that of others. In summary: Do not to exceed a speed of 8 knots above Wandsworth Bridge. There is a strict 12 knot speed limit throughout central London.
Do I need a licence to paddle board on the Thames?
Do I need a licence to paddle on the Thames? If you’re paddling on the non tidal section of the river (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington) yes, you need either a non powered pleasure craft licence available from the environment agency here or join the British Canoeing here.
Can you swim in the Thames?
The PLA allows swimming to take place upriver of Putney Bridge through to Teddington. It is permitted in this area only but be reminded that it is still a busy section of the tidal Thames for leisure and recreational activities.
Can anyone kayak on the Thames?
Yes you can canoe or kayak on the Thames or use any type of craft on the non-tidal River Thames between Cricklade Bridge and Teddington Lock, and the short section of the tidal River Thames between Teddington Lock and the Port of London Authority’s boundary, including backwaters and marinas.
How much is a British waterways licence?
Prices range from around £20 for a week’s licence on a river only to around £122 for 30-day ‘Explorer’ licence on a canal or river (prices as of April 2022), which allows you to spread out your use across the year.
Do I need a licence to drive a boat at sea UK?
While a licence for boat sailing is not required in the UK, there are certain circumstances in which permits will need to be authorised for boat owners sailing across inland waterways and moors. All boat owners will need to register their boat with a BSSC, as well as insuring their boat with boat insurance.
Do I need a licence to drive a boat at sea?
As previously stated, you do not need to pass a competency exam to drive a boat, however, there are some valuable personal qualifications that can be achieved akin to a driving license.