Self-drive narrowboat day-hire
on the Kennet and Avon Canal
perfect for lazing around on the canal with friends and family
- 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!
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- 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- 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- 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- 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.
Events for 1st October
Events for 2nd October
Events for 3rd October
Events for 4th October
Events for 5th October
Events for 6th October
Events for 7th October
Events for 8th October
Events for 9th October
Events for 10th October
Events for 11th October
Events for 12th October
Events for 13th October
Events for 14th October
Events for 15th October
Events for 16th October
Events for 17th October
Events for 18th October
Events for 19th October
Events for 20th October
Events for 21st October
Events for 22nd October
Events for 23rd October
Events for 24th October
Events for 25th October
Events for 26th October
Events for 27th October
Events for 28th October
Events for 29th October
Events for 30th October
Events for 31st October
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
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.