We have watched the entire series of Cruising the Cut on Amazon Prime and are keen on a canal boat ride. I did see a number of tour boat and overnight rental options but would like something in between: a ride on a real canal boat that doesn't have a bunch of just seats with loudspeaker narration on it but is driven by a driver - essentially a private ride... this way we get a more intimate ride and maybe see below deck cabin - does something like this exist in London?
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1446 posts
Near Camden Lock and Camden Market there are a few Regent Canal cruises. Here are two of the companies I just found online: The London Waterbus Company, and The London Canal Boat Cruise. There may be other canal rides; just check online. Others may have more intimate knowledge. Good Luck!
Posted by
Moncton NB
1026 posts
Check out https://www.abcboathire.com/more-information/day-hire. You can do it yourself for a day.
We rented a narrowboat for a week in 2002 and again in 2004. It was the best vacation of my life. It only requires the most basic boathandling skills, and they will provide you with a lesson.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1026 posts
PS: Cruising the Cut is awesome. I've been watching it on YouTube for years.
Posted by
Glostrup, Denmark
1320 posts
Sorry Kathleen, but the https://www.londonwaterbus.com/ is exactly what the OP does NOT want: "canal boat that has a bunch of just seats with loudspeaker narration on it". And so is "http://www.jasons.co.uk/". Both of which I have used.
I don't know the "The London Canal Boat Cruise".
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1446 posts
I know this I. P. I was just reporting what is available in London. What they are looking for is out in the countryside; not in commercial urban London where you would need a license to carry passengers.