When you rent with us, you receive a well-maintained narrowboat fully equipped for a comfortable journey on the Grand Union Canal. The interior features a fully equipped kitchen (including an oven, stovetop, refrigerator, and utensils), plenty of seating, and a clean bathroom with a toilet. For your peace of mind, there are no hidden costs: all essential safety gear - such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits - is provided. Your booking price also includes fuel and insurance. We supply route maps highlighting points of interest to help you plan your relaxing cruise.

No prior experience is necessary. We provide a comprehensive safety briefing and training session before you depart to ensure you know how to safely navigate the canal, operate the boat, and manage the locks. We are also always just a phone call away if you need any support during your trip.

Yes, pets are very welcome to join your cruising adventure. We kindly request that you bring their essentials (such as a leash, water bowl, and bedding) and ensure they are well-behaved so everyone has a safe and enjoyable trip.

We recommend dressing for the unpredictable UK weather with comfortable layers and bringing a waterproof jacket just in case. Non-slip footwear is essential for safely moving around the boat and managing the locks. Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun is surprisingly strong when reflecting off the water. Finally, if you aren't planning to stop at one of the canal-side pubs, be sure to bring along your own picnic, drinks, and snacks! Our kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering food and drinks.

We offer day or evening hire exclusively. Our boats are not equipped for overnight stays, and all rentals must be returned to Cow Roast Marina each evening in accordance with your agreed return time.

Please bring no more than two vehicles per boat booking. If your party requires more parking space, please contact us ahead of your travel date to make arrangements.

There are fantastic options for canal-side dining along your route. You can moor alongside the 'Grand Junction Arms' in Bulbourne, Tring, which offers a great menu and both indoor and outdoor seating. Just 10 minutes further down the waterway is the 'Waters Edge' restaurant, known for incredible food and friendly staff.

Narrowboats are designed for a very relaxed pace; in fact, walking on the towpath is usually quicker. If you find yourself moving faster than the pedestrians alongside the canal, you are likely speeding.

You are welcome to come with a group of friends for a good time, but we ask that you keep it classy and behave respectfully. We strictly do not allow "stag" or "hen do" parties. Passengers who arrive drunk or rowdy will be denied boarding without a refund. You may bring a moderate amount of alcohol on board, but please remember that these are 12-ton steel boats that require safe and responsible handling.

Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds for bad weather. UK weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend dressing appropriately and checking the forecast. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We have four narrowboats — Albert, Victoria, Lavender and Hay Day. Each is suitable for up to 10 people.

Booking is incredibly easy! Simply visit our booking page to select your desired date and time, or reach out to our team directly via email at books@narrowboat.rentals for assistance.

We offer both day (7.5 hours) and evening (4 hours, or until sunset) narrowboat hire. Because we coordinate multiple departures from Cow Roast Marina, specific collection and drop-off times vary depending on the vessel. You can find the expected schedule for each boat in its description. We will always confirm your exact timings upon booking and do our absolute best to accommodate your schedule!