Horse-drawn boat trips
on the Kennet and Avon Canal
experience a little yesteryear
Our public horse-drawn trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal last from two to three hours and we can operate from Easter to the end of September. You can just hop on if we have any spare seats – but it’s best to book in advance so that you guarantee reserved seats.
Public Trips
You can just hop on if we have spare seats – but booking in advance is best to avoid disappointment.
Groups
With space for up to 64 passengers (or 53 with our onboard catering option) you’ll enjoy a memorable and unusual trip.
Coach & Tours
A trip on our horse-drawn barge is a popular destination for many coach parties touring the area.
Schools
Chartering our horse-drawn barge makes an excellent and educational day out for school parties.
Public trips timetable and bookings
Our public horse-drawn trips run from Easter to the end of September
We operate seven days a week, following a variable timetable that fits around private charter bookings, so please check our full timetable for the latest availability – or contact us if there are no suitable dates and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.
Prices for Public Trips
2 hours
Price per person- Seniors/Children £17.00
2.5 hours
Price per person- Seniors/Children £20.00
3 hours
Price per person- Seniors/Children £24.00
Family ticket
2 adults + 2 children- Only available on 2 hr trips
£50 deposit required for groups of 15+ on a public trip.
Upcoming public trips
Catering
Food can be provided by prior arrangement for groups of 25+ (no minimum number if the boat is being chartered). It is served buffet-style.
On board facilities
Kennet Valley has full weather protection, and toilet facilities. A live jazz band can be booked at extra cost. We can also provide catering if you wish. All your party needs to do is turn up – everything else is taken care of.
Maps and directions
The Kennet and Avon canal runs through Kintbury, which is a picturesque village just off the A4 between Newbury and Hungerford.
The Kennet and Avon Canal
The Queen reopened the Kennet and Avon Canal in 1990, after it had been extensively cleared and refurbished by dedicated waterway enthusiasts and local volunteers. It runs through what is often spectacular scenery for 140km (87 miles) between the Thames at Reading and the Avon at Bristol. The canal section is 92km (57 mile) long and was constructed between 1794 and 1810 to link the Avon and Kennet rivers.
Need to know FAQs
It’s best to book!
To avoid disappointment, we recommend you to book in advance by phoning 01488 658 866.
What about the weather?
Our barge has full weather protection, so you’re guaranteed a good trip in all weather conditions.
Refreshments
Our well-stocked bar serves tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks plus crisps, biscuits and confectionery, and there is a selection of souvenirs and gifts.
Toilets
There is a toilet on board and there are toilet facilities near the boarding point.
Smoking
Sorry, no smoking is permitted on board.
Disabled access
We’re sorry that health and safety reasons prevent us from lifting wheelchairs on board, but if you can manage coach steps you will be able to board. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this further.
Guide dogs and pet dogs
Guide dogs are welcome, and we also try to allow well-behaved pet dogs on board. Because we must consider the comfort of all passengers, pet dog access is at our discretion, space permitting, and we need a phone call beforehand to check, please. On trips where food is being served, guide dogs are permitted, but not pet dogs.
The Kennet Horse Boat Company brings you two ways to enjoy a leisurely boat trip on one of England’s finest canals
Just sit back and soak up the beauty of the countryside from a totally different viewpoint.