Group bookings
Private charter Cruises
Private charter cruises are available on our horse-drawn barge. They normally last from 2 to 4 hours, but longer daytime cruises can be arranged. Chartering ensures that you have sole usage of the boat’s facilities throughout your trip.
To ensure that your group is well looked after, the boat has a crew of three: two boating experts and one galley crew. One member of the crew is a qualified boat master, in charge of the crew, and responsible for passenger safety.
Private charter is ideal for:
- Corporate entertainment and events
- Groups, clubs and societies
- Senior citizen groups
- School and college trips
- Small wedding receptions and other special celebrations
Horse-drawn barge charter
Horse-drawn barge charters are available seven days a week from Easter to the end of September, in the daytime and early evening. The boat leaves from Kintbury in Berkshire, which is located six miles west of Newbury, and two miles east of Hungerford, just off the A4.
Our horse-drawn barge, Kennet Valley, is licensed to carry 64 passengers, but if food is being served, the maximum is 53 passengers.
Prices for Private Charter
Longer daytime cruises can be arranged. Please contact us.
2 hours
up to 50 passengers- over 50 passengers £16.50 per head
- deposit £275.00
2.5 hours
up to 50 passengers- over 50 passengers £18.00 per head
- deposit £300.00
3 hours
up to 50 passengers- over 50 passengers £19.50 per head
- deposit £325.00
4 hours
up to 50 passengers- over 50 passengers £21.00 per head
- deposit £350.00
2 hours early eve
max 45 passengers- deposit £250.00
2.5 hours early eve
max 45 passengers- deposit £325.00
3 hours early eve
max 45 passengers- deposit £350.00
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 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.