Boat Rentals in the UK
If you’re looking for something memorable to do this summer, going on a boat trip or hiring something to explore the water on may be the highlight of your UK city break. Surprisingly, there are plenty of options in many cities when it comes to fun day activities off-land. Whether you’re looking for UK boat rental or you want to sit back and let the captain do all the hard work for you, we’ve got four fun water-bound activities in cities all over the UK for you to embark on. And the best bit is our trains can whisk you off to all of them when you buy Advance tickets!
Here are four great boat rental options in the UK that you can add to your summer itinerary:
Paddle Boarding in Newquay
If you fancy getting a little closer to the water, why not try your hand at paddle boarding? Stand Up Paddle Boarding (STUP) has become a recent phenomenon and is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In Newquay, you can rent a paddle-board for only £25 a day with Quick Silver Surf School on the gorgeous Fistral Beach. Paddle boarding in this area allows you to explore parts of the water that may not have been possible otherwise, so it’s a great location to choose to paddle board. Enjoy doing something different and absorb the stunning surroundings as you go. When you feel yourself getting tired, you can head back to the shore, grab an ice cream, get some shade and relax before giving it another go.
Getting there: Quick Silver Surf School is a 30-minute walk from Newquay Station.
Punting in Cambridge
If you’re still looking for a day activity but want to stay away from the rough waters of a boat trip, why not try punting? Punting in Cambridge is a number one tourist attraction, and we can see why. Spectacular scenery and gentle waters mean each experience is as special as the next, whether you’re on a romantic day-date or with a group of friends.
Go on your own adventure by renting a self-hire punt, play eye-spy along the College Banks and marvel at the infamous architecture. You could even take a picnic basket and nibble on some strawberries and cream whilst you glide along the water, feeling beautifully-British in the famous city of Cambridge. If you really want a day of water-focused fun, chill out at the Jesus Green Lido afterwards, a mere 8-minute walk away from the punt hire station. There’s plenty of great riverside restaurants to top off your day with a delicious meal and striking views too.
Getting there: It’s a 30-minute walk from Cambridge Station to Scudamore’s Quayside Punt Hire on the River Cam.
There’s loads more to do in one of the UK’s most famous cities, check out our Cambridge guide before you travel.
Afternoon Tea on an Edinburgh Canal Boat
Want to get a taste of the water whilst someone else does the legwork? Do something special and jump on a canal boat at Lower Gilmore Bank. If you take a tour with Re-Union Canal Boats, you can do something extra special and enjoy an Afternoon Tea whilst you float along the water.
Only a stone’s throw from Haymarket Station, you will feel far from the hustle and bustle of the city-centre whilst experiencing the most unique Afternoon Tea available in Edinburgh. Tickets are a mere £25pp and include the cruise as well as a tremendous helping of sandwiches, scones and cakes. Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without cups and saucers full of tea and coffee. Wander into the city and work off all the cake at Edinburgh Castle, or catch a play at the King’s Theatre – only a 10-minute walk away. This is an incredible way to spend a day in Scotland’s capital.
Getting there: Re-Union Canal Boats are located on the Lower Gilmore Bank, a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Haymarket Station.
If you’re staying in Edinburgh for a while, you’ll want to read our Edinburgh guide for the best things to do in the city.
Kayaking in Cardiff
Go wild and embark on a kayaking adventure in Cardiff Bay. Make sure to fill up your stomach at one of countless eateries along the bay as you’ll be out on the water for three whole hours. Kayaking is an alternative way of seeing the bay that surrounds the city, and by the end of the trip we’re sure you’ll have built an unbreakable bond with the water. Explore the Millennium Centre and The National Assembly all from a unique perspective. As well as kayaking, there’s also an option to powerboat around the Bay with speeds of up to 85mph! For a day of adventure, Cardiff Bay is the place to be!
Getting there: Quest Adventures rent out kayaks and are a 20-25-minute walk from Cardiff Bay Station.
Check out our Cardiff destination page for more things to do in Wales’ capital city.
Last boat not least! Let the kids be the captain of their very own water-worthy vessel with our print-out-and-fold origami boat! Click here to print out your own origami boat with instructions.
Wherever you want to explore boat rental in the UK, CrossCountry can help get you there. Make sure you take advantage of great savings and book a CrossCountry Advanced train ticket.
Written by Julia