Canal Boat Hire from Bradford on Avon
There’s plenty of storage on board and we offer advice on what to pack
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
With our Price Promise you know you’ll be paying the best price.
Cruise from Bradford on Avon – Explore the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire
Located on the Kennet & Avon Canal in the historic town of Bradford on Avon, this base offers an ideal starting point for canal boat holidays through the scenic countryside of Wiltshire and Somerset.
From here, you can enjoy a peaceful escape with routes suited to both beginners and experienced boaters — with options to visit UNESCO-listed Bath, tackle iconic lock flights, and cruise through charming villages and rural landscapes.
Routes & Destinations from Bradford on Avon
Bradford on Avon Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire offers an amazing choice of destinations
Bath
Start on Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Bath City Centre and back
- 14 locks
- 14 hours
On a short break you can cruise through the beautiful Bath Valley to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back.
Sydney Gardens
Start on Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
- 2 Locks
- 8 Hours Cruising
On a short break you can cruise through the beautiful Bath Valley to the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back.
Caen Hill
Start on Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Caen Hill locks and back
- 36 miles
- 16 locks
- 18 hours
On a short break you can cruise through the Wiltshire countryside to the base of the awe-inspiring Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes and back.
Saltford
Start on Monday or Tuesday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Saltford Lock and back
- 16 locks
- 22 hours
On a four-night break you can cruise the west to Saltford on the Bristol Avon and back, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. Suitable for experienced boaters only.
Pewsey Wharf
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Pewsey Wharf and back
- 69 miles
- 74 locks
- 42 hours
On a week-long break you can cruise through the Wiltshire countryside, up the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes and through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey and back.
Bristol
Start on Monday or Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Bristol Floating Harbour and back
- 26 locks
- 16 hours
On a week away you can cruise west through Bath and onto the Bristol Avon to Bristol Floating Harbour and back. Suitable for experienced boaters only.
Great Bedwyn
Start on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Great Bedwyn and back
- 83 miles
- 102 locks
- 50 hours
On a 10-day or two-week break you can cruise through the countryside to Great Bedwyn and back, passing through the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, the Vale of Pewsey and Savernake Forest.
Hungerford
Start on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Hungerford and back
- 94 miles
- 134 locks
- 60 hours
On a 10-day or two-week break you can cruise through the countryside to Hungerford and back, passing through the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, the Vale of Pewsey and Savernake Forest.
Newbury
Start on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Newbury and back
- 111 miles
- 142 locks
- 69 hours
On a 10-day or two-week break you can cruise through the countryside to Newbury and back, passing through the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, the Vale of Pewsey, the Savernake Forest and Hungerford.
Reading
Start on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday
Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire
Route details:
Reading and back
- 150 miles
- 185 locks
- 94 hours total
On a 10-day or two-week break you can cruise through the countryside to Reading and the River Thames and back, passing through the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, the Vale of Pewsey, the Savernake Forest and Newbury.
Luxury Boats Available at Bradford on Avon
We have 4 luxury narrowboats for hire at Bradford on Avon, ranging from boats for 4 to 6 people.
Centaurus
This Luxury 65ft Constellation Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Cunningham
This Luxury 65ft Admiral Class narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Drake
This Luxury 67ft Admiral Class narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Hamilton
This Luxury 67ft Admiral Class narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Other Canal Boats Available at Bradford on Avon
There’s a great choice of narrowboats available at Bradford on Avon, ranging from boats for 2 to 10 people.
Bella 2
This Premium 45ft narrowboat sleeps 2 people.
Golden Tarn
This Premium 57ft Firth Class narrowboat sleeps 2 people.
Poppy 2
This Premium 48ft narrowboat sleeps 2 people.
Angela
This Premium 50ft narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Leah
This Premium 54ft narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Lydia
This Premium 54ft narrowboat sleeps up to 4 people.
Georgia
This Premium 70ft narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Jade
This Premium 66ft narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Martha
This Standard 63ft narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Alexandra
This Premium 54ft narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Rachel
This Premium 63ft narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Citrine
This Premium 60ft Gem Class narrowboat sleeps up to 6 people.
Lily 2
This Premium 62ft narrowboat sleeps up to 8 people.
Lizzy
This Premium 68ft narrowboat sleeps up to 8 people.
Hannah
This Premium narrowboat sleeps up to 8 people.
Sacha
This Premium 68ft narrowboat sleeps up to 10 people.
Vanora
This Premium 69ft Ocean Class narrowboat sleeps up to 10 people.
Day boats
We have four day boats at Bradford on Avon. Each boat has space for up to 10 people. They are family and pet friendly. Prices start at £185.
How to find us
Bradford on Avon Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire is less than a mile from Bradford on Avon town centre.
Anglo Welsh & Sally Narrowboats, Bradford on Avon Marina, Trowbridge Road, Wiltshire BA15 1UD
Tel 01225 637423
Discover Canal Boat Hire in Bradford on Avon
If you’re looking for canal boat hire in Wiltshire, Bradford on Avon gives you instant access to one of the most picturesque stretches of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Cruise west into Bath or head east through the countryside towards Devizes, Pewsey, and beyond.
From this base, you can:
- Cruise to Bath
Travel through the Limpley Stoke Valley, pass the Avoncliff Aqueduct, and moor up in central Bath — just a few hours from your departure point. - Head east towards Devizes
Cruise past open fields, wooded valleys, and canalside inns en route to the Caen Hill Locks, one of the UK’s most iconic canal features. - Explore quiet Wiltshire villages
Stop off at places like Seend, Semington, and Honeystreet, where traditional pubs and countryside walks await.
Explore at Your Own Pace
- 🏛️ Enjoy culture and architecture in Bath
From the canal, it’s just a short walk into Bath’s historic centre — home to Roman Baths, Georgian crescents, artisan shops, and world-class dining. - 🌳 Take in the Wiltshire countryside
Enjoy rural cruising past stone bridges, rolling farmland, and wildlife-rich stretches of canal. - ⚙️ Tackle the Caen Hill flight
A highlight for more experienced boaters, the Caen Hill Locks near Devizes offer a unique challenge and a true sense of achievement. - 🍻 Relax at canalside pubs
Stop at local favourites such as The Barge Inn at Seend or The Cross Guns at Avoncliff for a bite to eat with a view.
Now Featuring Sally Narrowboats
In 2024, Anglo Welsh acquired Sally Narrowboats, a well-established operator on the Kennet & Avon Canal. As a result, most boats based at Bradford on Avon now carry Sally Narrowboats branding, while continuing to be operated and maintained by Anglo Welsh to the highest standards.
Book Your Canal Boat Holiday from Bradford on Avon
With routes that combine historic cities, countryside cruising and iconic canal features, Bradford on Avon is a fantastic base for your next narrowboat holiday. Whether you’re planning a short break or a full week away, the Kennet & Avon Canal offers something for everyone.
Cruise from Bradford on Avon and explore the charm, heritage, and beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Download a Brochure
Our brochure includes information on our boats, routes, destinations and prices. There are also tips for canal boat beginners, advice on what to pack and a list of our locations offering day boat hire.
FAQs
How do canal locks work?
A lock is a chamber with gates at either end. By emptying or filling the chamber with water, boats can move up or down a canal. With the lock gates closed, open the sluices (paddles) to let the water in or out. When the water level under your boat is the same as the level it’s moving to, you can move your boat in or out of the lock.
How long does it take to go through a lock?
It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to go through a lock.
Will my narrowboat have heating?
All our narrowboats have gas central heating with radiators throughout for cosy year-round canal boat holidays. Some of our boats also have a multi-fuel stove.
