The skippered canal boat trips from Market Harborough are a care-free way to enjoy the waterways. Perfect for birthdays, hen parties, corporate events and groups of all kinds.

Your booking includes the exclusive use of a canal boat for your group, along with a professional skipper.

• £30 per person midweek, £35 per person at weekends and on bank holidays (8 to 11 people including children.)
• Whole boat for your exclusive use.
• Bring your own alcohol or soft drinks.
• Bring your own picnic or snacks, or pre-book catering. Some hirers have chosen a picnic from local delicatessen, Weltons.
• Fridge, hob, picnic ware, cutlery, kettle, mugs etc on board.

• Qualified skipper included.
• 2.5 hour round trip along the tranquil Grand Union Canal.
• No driving responsibilites means you can enjoy the trip as a whole group.
• Care-free boating for small parties, romantic trips for two, families, corporate events etc.
• Perfect for hen parties and stag parties.
• Suitable for groups of older passengers, or those who don’t wish to drive the boat.
• Toilet on board.
• Choose from 9.30am-12 or 1.30pm-4pm.
• Payment in full is due 2 weeks before your booking.

We have two trips per day: 9.30am-12pm or 1.30pm-4pm.

Please make your inquiry using the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Please note that payment in full is due 2 weeks before your booking.

If you wish to book a self-drive canal boat for the whole day, click here.

Canal boat trips for hen parties

A skippered boat is ideal for hen parties because no one is left out of the fun. All guests can remain together throughout, sharing a bottle of bubbly or playing party games. The bride-to-be is welcome to have a go at driving, under the care of our professional skipper. However, this is entirely optional. If you prefer to stay down below in the cabin, then our skipper will steer the boat gently through the landscape as you enjoy the company of your guests. The experience takes about 2.5 hours.

In good weather, we will roll up the boat sides so that you can make the most of the wildlife. Our part of the canal network is very diverse and setting off from Union Wharf offers a peek into some of the most beautiful gardens of Market Harborough. Later, the canal winds its way through woodland hedges and open countryside, allowing your guests to relax and take in the unspoilt Leicestershire landscape.

Back at Union Wharf marina, you might choose to end your visit with a few drinks or a meal at The Waterfront (booking is recommended.) Alternatively, the town centre is only a 10 minute walk or taxis can be prebooked.

Canal boat trips for family parties

It is not easy to find an activity which all generations enjoy, but boat trips are generally loved by people of all ages. Little ones wear a life jacket (provided) to keep them safe. At 2.5 hours long, a skippered boat trip is shorter than our standard day hire, which means that youngsters don’t have time to get bored. Older generations say they love the slow pace of the experience, along with the opportunity to share the activity with younger members of the family. Comfort is ensured for all, with a toilet on board, as well as a kitchenette for picnic preparation.

Canal boat trips for work events

A skippered boat trip is suitable for team events, including corporate bookings, team bonding and colleague appreciation days. This kind of booking means that no one needs to take responsibility or learn to drive the boat. Our skipper will take care of the navigation, leaving you free to focus on the main purpose of the event. You can bring food and drink along, including alcohol, or have it delivered to the boat in time for casting off.

Canal boat trips for birthday treats

Birthday treats take many forms, but one of the most popular bookings for a skippered boat is in celebration of a friend’s birthday. Whether it is a milestone birthday or not, a boat trip is a good value way to spend some quality time with your friends. Put on your posh frocks, bring a bottle of bubbly and a birthday cake, and enjoy a few hours on the water in good company. We will look after the boat – all you need to do is bring your favourite people.

Preparing for your boat trip

We clean the canal boats thoroughly in between each booking but you are very welcome to arrive 10 minutes early to decorate your canal boat with balloons and bunting etc. You can bring any food and drink on board (including alcohol) or arrange to have a picnic delivered. There is a fridge, little hob and a whistling kettle in the kitchenette, as well as plastic picnicware and “glasses.” Mugs are also provided.

The route for skippered canal boat trips

These boat tours leave from Union Wharf Narrowboats at 9.30am or 1.30pm. Booking is essential. The round trip takes around 2.5 hours, and takes you through the backwaters of Market Harborough, allowing a view into the gardens of many of the town’s most prestigious residential addresses. The canal loops back on itself, but even if you are familiar with the town, you probably won’t recognise the route as everything seems so different from the water. Your skipper will then take you out into open countryside, before turning the boat, and returning back to the wharf.

To make an inquiry, please use the form above to contact us, or call us on 01858 432123.