Canal Boat Day Hire

09/09/2026

⚓ **When someone takes the role of captain very seriously…** 😂

Captain’s hat on, arm around his favourite crew member and the Grand Union Canal stretching out behind them — this photo pretty much sums up what a day aboard Tilly should be about. 💚

Good company, beautiful scenery and making memories together while cruising through Hertfordshire. 🛥️

And yes, the captain’s hat is entirely optional… although clearly it improves your boat-handling skills. 😂

08/09/2026

🐾 **Possibly one of the cutest passenger we’ve had aboard Tilly!** 🛥️

There’s something about a canal boat that dogs seem to love — fresh air, new smells, plenty to watch from the window and a whole day of adventure ahead. 🐶💚

Four-legged crew members are very welcome on our canal boat day hires from Apsley Marina. And judging by that face, this one was taking lookout duties very seriously! 😂

07/09/2026

Another happy crew aboard Tilly. 💚🚤

Good friends, drinks in hand and a few hours cruising the Grand Union Canal — sometimes a day out really doesn’t need to be any more complicated than that.

No rushing, no traffic, no trying to decide which pub to go to next… just good company and life at 4mph. 😄

And judging by those smiles, I think Tilly did her job!

06/09/2026

It’s always entertaining watching siblings battle to see who can open the lock gates first. In this occasion, the water levels still needed a couple more minutes so the real winner was me 😃

05/09/2026

Waiting patiently for their turn… 🚤

One boat out, Tilly next. There’s always something happening at the locks — and sometimes the best job is simply watching it all happen. 💚

05/09/2026

https://www.canalboatdayhire.co.uk/blog/things-to-do-in-hertfordshire-a-locals-guide

Looking for things to do in Hertfordshire? From the Harry Potter Studio Tour to a relaxed canal boat day, here's a local's guide to the county's best days out.

04/09/2026

A boat full of smiles… and one very small crew member stealing the show. 🥰🚤

This is what Tilly is all about — getting family and friends together, leaving normal life behind for a few hours and enjoying some proper time with each other on the Grand Union Canal.

From babies to grandparents, we’ve welcomed just about every generation onboard. 💚

And with sunshine like this, they certainly picked a good day for it! ☀️

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. 🚤🌿