Day Boat Hire

Our Day Boats

Book a Union Wharf day boat and enjoy a unique day out for groups of 2-12 people per boat, with all training included and no experience necessary. Gather your crew and set off for an unforgettable experience, with the freedom to explore at your own pace and moor up wherever you like. All our day boats have a kitchenette with a fridge and kitchenware, an onboard toilet, and plenty of seating. Our day boats are perfect for family days out, celebrations, team building events, and group gatherings.

Choose Your Day Boat

Water Vole

For up to 6 people

Our boutique day boat, designed to bring a touch of luxury to your time on the canals. Water Vole is a stylish day boat, furnished with a table and chairs instead of traditional benches, a quaint kitchenette, and modern facilities.

With outdoor seating at the front, roll-up side panels, and radiators throughout, Water Vole is the perfect day boat for any season. It is the ideal choice for couples, families, or celebrations and is pet-friendly.

Dragonfly

For up to 10 people

Our modern, mid-sized day boat, with plenty of space for groups and up to two pets. Dragonfly was recently refurbished, giving it a contemporary kitchenette and a large indoor seating space perfect for celebrations or memorable days out with friends, extended family, or colleagues.

Dragonfly is bright and sociable, with roll-up panels at the bow, allowing you to fully enjoy the open air and beautiful waterways. On cooler days, a heater keeps your party warm and cosy throughout.

Moorhen

For up to 12 people

One of the largest in our day boat fleet, Moorhen is ideal for family days out, celebrations, team building events, and other group gatherings. Our pet-friendly day boat has a kitchenette, toilet, and a long, open-plan design, ideal for socialising.

With extensive roll-up side panels and a heater, you and your crew can enjoy the East Midlands waterways whatever the weather.

Kingfisher

For up to 12 people

One of our biggest day boats, Kingfisher is perfect for large group gatherings, celebrations, family adventures and memorable team building events. The kitchenette on Kingfisher is complete with a grill, as well as the standard hob.

Kingfisher is pet-friendly, with a generous seating layout, meaning everyone can enjoy the scenic views. Enjoy fine weather with the multiple roll-up side panels, or cosy up with the heater for those colder cruises.

More information

Know before you go

  • Hire times are 9-9.30am on board, returning at 4.30pm (4pm in darker months)
  • Day boats cannot exceed maximum passenger capacity
  • Babies and children are included in the headcount
  • The designated driver must remain sober throughout
  • Pet-friendly boats allow up to two well-behaved pets onboard
  • You are responsible for bringing food and drink

What’s onboard?

  • Small kitchenette with running water and eco-friendly washing-up liquid
  • Small gas hob and kettle
  • Fridge with ice box
  • Cooking implements and a frying pan
  • Can and bottle opener
  • Picnicware, cutlery, glasses
  • Toilet facilities
  • Roll-up side panels
  • Safety and boat handling equipment

Beginner’s Guide

Day Boat Guide

Foxton Locks

Our Holiday Boats

Gosling - a 6-berth pet-friendly canal boat available for hire from union wharf narrowboats

Gosling

  • Up to 6 people

Shelduck - a 4-berth pet-friendly canal boat available for hire from union wharf narrowboats

Shelduck

  • Up to 4 people

Mallard - a 6-berth pet-friendly canal boat available for hire from union wharf narrowboats

Mallard

  • Up to 6 people

FAQs

Yes, for all children under 12.

There is a set route for our day boats, which takes you to Foxton and then returns to Market Harborough, allowing you enough time to cruise at your own pace and stop off on the way.

No, day boats cannot go through the locks