Canal Boat Day Hire

03/09/2026

Possibly the most popular passengers we meet on the Grand Union Canal… and they never even book. 🦆😂

One of the simple pleasures of a day on Tilly — cruising along, spotting the wildlife and making a few new friends along the way.

Thankfully, we keep some duck food onboard for exactly this reason. They certainly know when Tilly’s coming! 💚🚤

02/09/2026

There’s always one person who takes to the tiller like they’ve been doing it for years… 😎🚤

Sunglasses on, sunshine out and looking remarkably relaxed while steering Tilly along the Grand Union Canal.

Considering most of our customers have never driven a narrowboat before, it’s amazing how quickly the nerves disappear and the confidence takes over.

Although the real test is whether the smile is still there when the next lock appears. 😂

02/09/2026

Sometimes the canal gives you a view that makes you stop and look twice. 💚

Sunshine beyond the bridge, perfectly still water and a reflection so clear it almost looks like another world underneath.

It’s easy to rush past places in everyday life. At canal boat speed, you actually get time to notice them.

Just one of the many beautiful little views waiting along the Grand Union Canal. 🚤🌿

01/09/2026

For most of our customers, this is their very first time using a canal lock. 🚤

So before anyone heads off on their own, I stay with them and demonstrate exactly how the locks work — where to stand, what to do, what to watch out for and, most importantly, how to operate them safely.

Then we do it again at the next lock, with everyone getting involved.

What can seem a little daunting at first soon becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of a day on the Grand Union Canal. And nobody leaves me until I’m happy they know what they’re doing! 😄

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

There are many important roles on a canal boat… skipper, lock crew, navigator… and then there’s arguably the most important one:

**The person who brings the brownies.** 😂🍫🚤

Jess makes the most incredible chocolate brownies, so I think she’s officially secured her place on the crew for any future trips.

Good company, a day on the Grand Union Canal and homemade brownies onboard Tilly. Some people really do understand how canal boating should be done. 😋

30/08/2026

Entering Lock 68 on the way back to Apsley Marina after a lovely evening cruise with a lovely group of people.

29/08/2026

A full boat and a lot of smiles. 😄🚤

There’s something about a day on Tilly that gives everyone permission to switch off for a while. Find a seat, open the windows, enjoy the company and watch the Grand Union Canal slowly pass by.

And when the whole group manages to fit into one photo, you know it has to be shared! 😂📸

Days out are always better with good friends. 💚

29/08/2026

https://www.canalboatdayhire.co.uk/blog/days-out-near-buckinghamshire

Looking for days out near Buckinghamshire? From Waddesdon Manor to a relaxed canal boat day just over the border, here are some ideas worth trying.