You can hire your own canal boat for the day near Bath from Bradford-on-Avon, about 8 miles away on the Kennet and Avon Canal, with no licence needed. Anglo Welsh's day boats start from £185 for up to 10 people, while Wiltshire Narrowboats runs a similar day-hire service from the same stretch of canal.
If you've already walked the towpath or been out on a punt on the Avon, hiring your own boat for the day is a different way to see the canal, and Bradford-on-Avon is the closest place to Bath to do it.
The two operators
Anglo Welsh runs four day boats from its Bradford-on-Avon base. Prices start at £185 per day for a boat that takes up to 10 people, including infants and pets, with hire running from 9am to 4pm during the season. No licence or experience is required, since tuition is included, and the boats come with a fridge, sink, toilet, two-burner hob, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Wiltshire Narrowboats also operates day hire from Bradford-on-Avon, running from mid-March to the October half term. Boats are available 9:30am to 5:30pm, take up to 10 people, and come with a heated main cabin, toilet, crockery and cookware for the full group, though note there's no fridge on board, so bring a cool box if you want cold food or drinks. A £200 refundable security deposit is taken on arrival.
| Anglo Welsh | Wiltshire Narrowboats | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Bradford-on-Avon | Bradford-on-Avon |
| Price from | £185/day (up to 10 people) | Check current pricing |
| Hours | 9am–4pm (season) | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Season | Check current dates | Mid-March to October half term |
| Fridge on board | Yes | No |
| Deposit | Check at booking | £200 refundable |
| Licence needed | No | No |
What a day looks like
Both operators run from the same stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal, so the routes on offer are similar: you can potter east towards Avoncliff and the dramatic Avoncliff Aqueduct, or head further afield depending on how much of the day you want to spend cruising versus moored up. Full tuition is given before you set off, covering steering, locks and basic safety, and children are generally welcome to help out under supervision.
Because you're hiring the whole boat rather than joining a scheduled trip, it works well for a group outing, a birthday, or simply a slow day away from the city that doesn't need any particular boating experience.
Getting to Bradford-on-Avon
Bradford-on-Avon has its own train station with regular services from Bath Spa, making it a realistic day trip without a car. If you're combining the boat hire with a wider look at the town, our Bradford-on-Avon day trip guide covers what else is worth seeing, and our Kennet and Avon towpath walk is a good comparison if you'd rather walk the route than steer it yourself. If punting or a shorter boat trip within Bath itself is more your speed, see our guide to boat trips and punting on the River Avon in Bath.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to hire a canal boat near Bath? No. Neither Anglo Welsh nor Wiltshire Narrowboats requires a licence, and both include tuition as part of the hire.
How much does it cost to hire a canal boat for the day? Anglo Welsh's day boats from Bradford-on-Avon start at £185 for up to 10 people. Confirm current pricing with each operator before booking, since rates can change by season.
Where do the boats depart from? Both operators run their Bath-area day hire from Bradford-on-Avon, about 8 miles from Bath and reachable by train.
Is there a fridge on board? Anglo Welsh's boats include a fridge. Wiltshire Narrowboats' day boats don't, so bring a cool box if you want to keep food or drink cold.
Can children come on the boat? Yes, both operators welcome children, with buoyancy aids and supervision provided, and kids are often allowed to help steer or work locks under guidance.
Is canal boat hire seasonal? Yes, both operators run day hire broadly from spring through autumn rather than year-round. Check exact season dates before planning a visit.