For a one- or two-hour trip on the river, our open boats are ideal and very easy to handle.

Georgia is a lovely choice for two adults with children, while larger families or groups may prefer Redaye or Greyaye.

If you are pregnant, travelling with infants, or bringing lively children or dogs, our Big Red and Big Grey boats are especially suitable. They have higher sides for added security and excellent stability on the water, giving extra peace of mind. These boats are also the easiest to drive, and no previous boating experience is needed for any of our boats.

We supply buoyancy aids for all children and adults that would like to use one. We stock infant sizes right up to XXXL for adults.

If you’re planning a half-day or full-day outing, perhaps with a relaxed stop at one of the local pubs, our small cruisers work well for small families, while Dawnwalker offers plenty of space for bigger families to spread out comfortably.

For day hire, Raffles is our most comfortable option. She has facilities to make a cuppa and a fridge for snacks and drinks, making her ideal if you’re planning to self-cater and want everything close at hand for children.

For overnight stays of one or two nights, Melody is a cosy and practical choice for up to two adults and two children.

For longer family breaks, Jozel is perfect, with generous sleeping space – including a large front double that can also accommodate three small children.

BOATS & BOOKING

All of our boats can be comfortably handled by two people, so you’re free to choose whichever vessel has availability. You do not need any experience.

For a one- or two-hour trip on the river, our open boats are ideal.

Georgia is a particular favourite for couples – bring a picnic blanket and moor up along the river to enjoy your own refreshments.

If you’re planning a half-day or full-day outing, perhaps with a visit to one of the local pubs, our smaller cruisers with bimini or folding canopies – Jennie, Tranquillo, Sonya and Megan are the most suitable choices.

If you’d like to splash out on a day hire, Raffles and Melody offer the added comfort of a kitchen with fridge and hob, perfect for keeping drinks cold or making a hot beverage.

For overnight stays of one or two nights, Melody is the best option, while Jozel is ideal for longer breaks.

We’ll be adding “Picnic” and “Prosecco” options to our booking form in the summer. In the meantime, please request these in the special remarks section when making your booking.

If you’re planning a proposal, give us a call and we’ll be happy to fine-tune the details with you.

BOATS & BOOKING

When making your booking, simply check the box to let us know you’ll be bringing a dog – you can select up to two.

If you’d like to bring more than two pets, please give us a call. We just need to ensure the adult-to-child-to-dog ratio is suitable so the boat, locks, and everyone onboard can be managed safely. Where appropriate, we’re happy to accommodate more than two dogs.

Dog life jackets are available to buy, although we don’t supply them as they come in a wide range of sizes and most dogs don’t require one.

If you have a very young, elderly, or less confident dog and would feel more comfortable using one, they can be purchased at a reasonable price from Amazon or similar retailers.

If you’re hiring for the day or longer, we recommend bringing a pet bed so your dog has a comfortable place to settle inside the cabin.

We provide dog water bowls on site and have a dedicated dog waste bin located next to our office.

There is a large field area next to our site where dogs are often walked. You’re welcome to use this to give your dog some exercise before boarding or after disembarking.

Please keep your dog on a lead near our swans, especially during nesting season.

You’ll also find that most pubs where you might wish to stop for facilities or lunch along the route welcome dogs – for details, please check individual websites here: Eat and Drink

BOATS & BOOKING

Dawnwalker

Dawnwalker is a day boat fitted with a chemical toilet, making her ideal for simple overnight adventures.

Her batteries easily last up to two days, and she can be hired for the cost of two-day hires with no extra overnight charge. You can leave the boat moored overnight at our base and come and go as you please or stay in pre-booked accommodation along the Thames. For those wanting to venture further or perhaps camp overnight.

This option is new for 2026 and has been introduced due to frequent customer requests.

Melody

Melody features the latest electric propulsion technology and can run for up to three days without recharging.

We offer short breaks of up to three days, making her perfect for a weekend or mid-week getaway.

She is compact yet very comfortable, with:

• One large double bed.
• One small double bed that converts in the lounge.

Melody is one of the most popular models among private boat owners and glides quietly and effortlessly along the river.

Jozel

Jozel is the last of our diesel-powered fleet and is best suited to longer stays. We typically offer breaks of up to five days, though flexible durations are available on request.

She is a wide-beam, full-size cruiser that is stable and substantial on the water, with:

• Large double bed in the forward cabin.
• Standard double in the aft berth cabin.
• Full-size bathroom.
• All the facilities needed for a longer, more comfortable break.

If your preferred duration is not listed, please call or WhatsApp us on 07949 993784 or email info@cotswoldboat.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

BOATS & BOOKING

Geocaching

If you’re looking for a boat for a river-based geocaching adventure, look no further.

Depending on the size of your group, Redaye, Greyaye, Big Red or Big Grey are ideal choices.

You can hire more than one boat together – just give us a call and we can arrange all-day power if you’d like to make a full day of it.

Our boats are easily manoeuvrable and have a shallow draft suitable for the Upper Reaches. Simply grab your geocaching app, pack a picnic, and set off on your adventure.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted from our boats between 14 June and 14 March, provided you hold a valid rod fishing licence. Some fish species also have additional restrictions between 1 October and 31 March.

• Children under 13 do not require a rod licence.
• Junior licences (ages 13–16) are free, but must still be obtained.
• Older teens and adults must hold a valid licence at all times.

If you intend to fish, please bring your rod fishing licence with you.

Licences can be purchased online via the GOV.UK website.

For dedicated fishing trips, our Georgia, Big Red or Big Grey boats are particularly popular. These can be fitted with an all-day battery, are quiet on the water, access excellent fishing spots, and have ample space for tackle. These boats are available during the winter fishing season.

Families are welcome to fish from all of our boats, but please ensure you have checked the full fishing rules before your trip.

To discuss fishing or geocaching options, call or WhatsApp us on 07949 993784 or email info@cotswoldboat.co.uk.

River Thames Fishing Rules

To fish on the River Thames, you must hold a valid Environment Agency annual rod fishing licence. You do not need an additional day ticket to fish from a boat you have hired. However:

• Fishing is not permitted in locks or weirs without an additional permit from the Environment Agency.
• Anyone aged 13 or over must hold a valid licence.
• You can be fined up to £2,500 for fishing without a licence.

Bylaws and Restrictions

You must follow all national and local byelaws regarding tackle, bait, fish size, and catch limits, which may vary by area.

On the Thames:

• No more than three hooks may be used on one rod and line.
• The use of lead weights between 0.06g and 28.35g is illegal.
• Keepnets are generally not permitted at lock and weir sites.

Fishing Seasons on the Thames

Close seasons are in place to protect fish stocks during spawning periods.

Coarse Fish and Eels

• Closed season: 15 March–15 June (inclusive).
• Fishing is prohibited during this period.

Brown and Rainbow Trout / Salmon and Migratory Trout

• Closed season in rivers, streams, and drains: 1 October–31 March.

Always check the local bylaws for the specific stretch of river you plan to fish, as regulations can vary by location and time of year.

ALL BOATS

If you are planning a large group or family gathering, a corporate event, or a training day, we recommend giving us a call. We offer tailor-made packages to suit your needs.

Alternatively, you can email us with details of the event you’re planning – including preferred dates, number of people and duration – and leave a phone number so we can call you back with ideas and options.

For larger families or groups, we can often accommodate you using more than one boat. This does need to be discussed in advance, as not all boats are compatible.

Each boat will require a nominated skipper, but guests can move between boats (within capacity limits) at locks, when mooring up, or when stopping for a pub lunch or picnic. This makes the experience very flexible and social.

Examples of events we’ve arranged include:

• Large family day trips using multiple boats.
• Skippered corporate trips to Kelmscott Manor.
• Weddings and company barbecues in partnership with The Trout Inn, with exclusive use of a flotilla of boats.
• Private early-evening events with catering.
• Small-group team-building days.
• Morning hen parties.

To discuss the options available, call or WhatsApp us on 07949 993784 or email info@cotswoldboat.co.uk.

BOATS & BOOKING

We offer on-site parking for guests with mobility needs – just add a note on the booking form if you require accessible parking. There’s also a disabled toilet block available on site.

If anyone in your group has more complex needs, we’d recommend giving us a call so we can work out the best way to support you and help your day run smoothly.

While our boats don’t have specialist adaptations, our pontoons are fitted with grab rails to make getting on and off easier, and our team is always happy to help.

If you’re booking a full-day hire, a boat like Jozel has full onboard facilities, meaning you won’t need to disembark away from our site where access may be more challenging.

We’ve also found our electric boats are especially popular with guests who experience a range of anxieties, as they’re very quiet and glide along with no engine noise. If someone in your group would benefit from a few adjustments, please get in touch by phone – we can arrange a longer handover, a quieter pick-up time, a familiarisation visit, or even make sure they know the colour of the boat they’ll be using.

You can book any of our boats online here, ring us on 0794 7993784 or drop an email to info@cotswoldboat.co.uk.

BOATS & BOOKING