Self-drive narrowboat day-hire

on the Kennet and Avon Canal

View booking availability

perfect for lazing around on the canal with friends and family

A group of up to eight people can enjoy the freedom of the Kennet and Avon canal with self-drive day-hire on our traditional style 9m (30ft) narrowboat, Cygnet, which is built to a very high specification. Everyone gets a great view, the main passenger area can be opened up to enjoy the fresh air, and there is a toilet on board for your comfort. It is available to hire most of the year.

  • A memorable way to see the Berkshire countryside
  • Ideal for a birthday or anniversary treat
  • A great day out for a family or group of friends

Cygnet is straightforward to steer, with single lever controls and a quiet, modern diesel engine. And of course, we’ll give you thorough tuition in handling the boat and operating the locks.

Birthday or Special Event

Getting together on Cygnet is a terrific way to celebrate a birthday or special event, entertain the kids and grandparents, carry out team building or just have a very different and memorable day out.

For more information, please call 01488 658 866 or email us

Terms and conditions
For full hire terms and conditions, click here.

Enjoy your canal cruise with us!

Leaving from Kintbury, you’ll have time to cruise a picturesque section of the Kennet and Avon Canal, towards Hungerford or Newbury, enjoying the beautiful Berkshire countryside, spotting wild life, and stopping off wherever you wish, for a picnic beside the canal.

enjoy your own day-hire canal narrowboat

On board facilities include

  • Large open sided fore deck with roll down waterproof screens.
  • Seating for up to 8 people with large dining table.
  • Fully fitted galley.
  • Sink with hot & cold water.
  • 4 Burner cooker with grill and oven.
  • Electric refrigerator.
  • Kettle supplied.
  • Crockery, cutlery, cups/mugs, pots/pans and tea-towels/hand towels as required – we do not have a dishwasher/washing machine on board to sterilise these items between hires.
  • Cloakroom with domestic style flushing toilet with hot and cold water.
  • Background heating via radiators for chilly days.

Narrowboat Day-hire Price List

Cygnet is a 30ft traditionally styled steel narrowboat built to a high specification and available for day hire from Kintbury. Please see our price list below.

Low season

Mon - Fri
£210
  • April & May / September & October from 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Additional hours £55 per hour
  • Damage deposit £100 (fully refundable subject to terms & conditions)

Low season

Sat, Sun & Bank Hols
£240
  • April & May / September & October from 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Additional hours £65 per hour
  • Damage deposit £100 (fully refundable subject to terms & conditions)

High season

Mon - Fri
£220
  • June, July & August from 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Additional hours £55 per hour
  • Damage deposit £100 (fully refundable subject to terms & conditions)

High season

Sat, Sun & Bank Hols
£250
  • June, July & August from 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Additional hours £65 per hour
  • Damage deposit £100 (fully refundable subject to terms & conditions)

Note: Prices are shown, including Vat.

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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.

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.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome to join you onboard – please email the office just to let us know – thank you.

The Kennet Horse Boat Company brings you two ways to enjoy a leisurely boat trip on one of England’s finest canals

a nostalgic horse-drawn barge journey
a self-drive narrowboat experience
They’re both great ways to escape from the madness of modern life and experience the slower pace of yesteryear.

Just sit back and soak up the beauty of the countryside from a totally different viewpoint.

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