Any river cruises in the UK?

Not really. You might find some boating on the Thames, but more riverboat or narrow canal boat than the River Cruises you see on the Rhine and Danube. Canal boats are popular, but that is more slow travel than seeing lots of things.

Train would offer a chance to see much more and tailor your trip to your interests.

the rivers here are not navigable for big ships very far and are much narrower and shallower than say the Danube or the Rhine.

Hence no river cruise ships on the Thames, Severn, Tees, Trent, etc..

Nigel, what about mini-boat cruises? I mean, some type of boat should be able to navigate those rivers.

https://www.foxesafloat.com

mini-cruising in UK

OP do take the time to research the rail systems. Trains are great way to travel in the UK.

Are you willing and able to rent a car and drive on the opposite side of the road?

River cruises aren’t really a thing in the UK.

Sara -

If you aren’t on a really tight budget you might consider trying to book a cruise/trip (they do different types of ‘activity’ cruise) with Caledonian Discovery, link here: https://www.caledonian-discovery.co.uk/ - who sail up and down the Great Glen in Scotland between Inverness and near Fort William. They use converted barges, not narrow boats, but still pretty snug, called Fingal and Ros Cranna. If you want the five star Rhine Cruise type deal, then these won’t be your thing, but they are huge fun.

They aren’t cheap but include everything except alcohol, so any extra outlay is down to you (like most cruises I guess). We sailed with them on a ‘Walk The Great Glen Way’ trip (sobo!) back in 2012 and I keep meaning to go back and do something else with them, but so much to do…and see…. Be warned, they book up quickly!

Ian

Nigel, what about mini-boat cruises? I mean, some type of boat should
be able to navigate those rivers.

Yes, a narrowboat.

How about a DIY on an English river? Get a small boat of some sort like renting a car. Maybe a paddle boat to save money.

to use a boat on a British waterway it must be registered. The Thames and the Avon have extra registration and rules. On canals it is the Canal and River Trust.

These companies (and others) will rent you a boat and instruct you in the use:

• https://www.black-prince.com/
• https://www.waterwaysholidays.com/
• https://www.shirecruisers.co.uk/routes/long-boat-holiday-routes.php
• https://www.leboat.co.uk/

Personally we have only used Leboat - In Scotland and Ireland, and this June on the Thames.

Hebridean Island Cruises are another company who do Great Glen Cruises in Scotland. They are not cheap, but a beautiful ship, kind of country house party meets private yacht style-
https://www.hebridean.co.uk/cruise-calendar/lord-of-the-highlands-cruises/

On the River Severn there is the Edward Elgar. I haven't been on her, but have heard good reports. I did the Severn on a hotel boat pair.
https://river.englishholidaycruises.co.uk/the-edward-elgar-hotel-boat/

There are quite a few companies who do River Thames cruises. On the narrow canals there are a number of hotel boats. This is the umbrella website which lists most if not all of the hotel boats around the country.
https://hotelboating.co.uk/canal-river-cruises.html?cruiseyear=2023
Narrow Canals are limited to around 3 mph. In practice with locks and swing bridges you don't consistently achieve that. It is a gentle, switch off kind of life.

Its the likes of Heb Isle Cruises, the Edward Elgar and Thames Cruises which are more like European river cruises