The Unique Birthday Experience They’ll Never Forget: Why a Union Wharf day boat is the perfect birthday present
Birthdays are all about creating memories, and few experiences are as memorable as a day exploring the Grand Union Canal at your own pace. This year, swap the restaurant table for the tiller and celebrate their birthday on the water. Gather the perfect crew of your nearest and dearest and treat that special someone to a day out that they’ll never forget. It’s the kind of birthday experience that feels special, unhurried and completely different – and one you’ll be talking about long after the cake’s been eaten.
No experience needed
One of the best things about hiring with Union Wharf Narrowboats is that no previous boating experience is needed. We love beginners! Before you set off from the beautiful marina, our friendly team provides all the training you need. It’s inclusive fun for all the family – everyone from teens to grandparents can have a go at the helm of your very own narrowboat. What better way to make their birthday special than letting them captain their own adventure?
The perfect route for a special occasion
From Union Wharf’s scenic marina in Market Harborough, their birthday journey meanders through the Leicestershire countryside towards the iconic Foxton Locks. Foxton Locks is one of England’s most impressive canal heritage sites and a beautiful hub of canalside pubs, greenery, and history.
Day boats don’t go up the locks themselves, but they cruise into the basin at the bottom. Here you can step out and enjoy a pub lunch, drinks, picnics or photos before your return. Check out Bridge 61, the Foxton Locks Inn, or the Top Lock Cottage café. It’s roughly a 2.5-hour cruise each way at a relaxed pace, perfect for soaking up the views and enjoying some quality time with your favourite people.
Just bring the snacks, drinks, and fun
Part of what makes this the ideal birthday experience is that you bring your own food, drinks, playlist, and vibe! This is a chance to catch up with all the people who mean the most to you. Pack the cake and the celebratory drinks, and we’ll provide the views!
Our day boats all contain a kitchenette, complete with a fridge, gas hob, picnicware and kitchenware. Enjoy a towpath picnic, a canalside pub lunch, or simply relax with some cake and candles onboard. Personalise their perfect birthday experience with a Union Wharf Narrowboats day boat trip.
What our other guests said about their birthday experience
A memorable beautiful experience
‘A wonderful relaxing experience. We booked this as a surprise to celebrate a close friend’s Birthday and could not have wished for a more memorable and fun day.
We were made extremely welcome by all the staff who were very professional, charming, friendly and most helpful. The boat was immaculately clean and extensively fitted out. Clear instructions were given on operating the boat and guidance on navigation.
It was a perfect day from start to finish. I can unreservedly recommend the company, staff and equipment. Thank you. Tracy, Joyce, David and Robert.’
Robert R, Tripadvisor
Great family day out
We hired the Dragon Fly boat for my parents and kids.
A birthday gift for the folks !
It was an amazing day and my dad enjoyed steering the boat and mum enjoyed the picnic and relax.
There are 2 swing bridges which the teenagers enjoyed maneuvering and we moored at Foxton Locks and had a look there.
Ellie T, Tripadvisor
Boat trip
Another fantastic trip. This time was for my aunties birthday. Weather was good to us. We pondered down to Foxton and back. Boat well equipped with everything we needed. Bottle opener (very important) lots of mugs, glasses. The union wharf staff are super friendly. Must try to fit another one in before the end of summer. Thank you.
Mandy M, Tripadvisor
Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday or simply fancy doing something a little out of the ordinary, a day boat trip from Union Wharf to Foxton Locks delivers the perfect blend of fun, freedom and slow-paced adventure.
Visit our day boats page to check out our fleet of charming day boats, perfect for groups of any size. Fancy giving this experience as a gift? Check out our gift vouchers page – select your amount, and let them choose the date of their own adventure. Let the Union Wharf Narrowboats team help treat them to a birthday experience they’ll never forget!