Welcome to the Bath Boating Station
A charming Victorian Boating Station where Thames Skiffs (rowing boats), Canadian Canoes, Punts & Rowing Punts are available for hire by the hour or day which can all be used to explore the River Avon.
Most of our boats are wooden & some are over 100 years old. The Boating Station offers pretty lawns where you can picnic after you have been boating.
We are perfectly placed on the River Avon, within easy flat walking distance of the City Centre.
The River
Our section of the river includes a variety of business, including the Bathwick Boatman restaurant located on our site, Pulteney cruisers in the town centre and the soon to open Cleveland pools.
The section of the River Avon in Bath we are on is part of the Bristol Avon. The navigable section for our boats is approximately 2 and a quarter miles long and runs from Cleveland Bridge a quarter of a mile downstream from the Boating Station To Bathampton 2 miles upstream, passing Pulteney Cruisers, The Boatman Restaurant & Cleveland Pools.
An abundance of wildlife can be found on the River Avon, including kingfishers herons, mallards, moorhens and if you’re really lucky you may spot an otter.
You can meander you way up to Bathampton to find the Bathampton Mill where you can stop for a quick drink as long as the boat is not left unattended, someone must remain by the boat at all times.
Opening Hours
Open Wednesday to Sunday including Bank Holidays
10.00am – 5.30pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Last boat hire is at 16.30
We are open from the 2nd April 2021 but closed on the Monday the 5th Bank Holiday.
FAQ
Our most frequent questions and answers
If the weather is good we will be busy and it is best to book a few days in advance especially for weekends. Please allow 24 hours for a response to your booking and please wait for confirmation.
On weekends, Bank Holidays, and hot busy days, if you book for the afternoon, we do our absolute best to get boats back on time for your booking, but we do not guarantee the time as morning boaters can be late back if the weather is fantastic. (This happens very rarely). We ask you bare this in mind when booking an afternoon slot.
To book please email a few days before through the contact page. We have a lot of boats & many people choose to just turn up on the day, however there is no guarantee for non-bookings.
Yes. All our prices are per person. Following hours are half price & you will be charged. If you only want to pay for an hour be back on time as this can also impact on other customers enjoyment.
Please check our Prices page for all pricing information.
For group bookings you pay in advance by bank transfer. Generally we don’t take pre-payments for just one boat but when you book through the contact page you will be told if a payment is required.
Yes. Most people leave a driving licence, you pay when you take the boat, if you go over your time you pay the balance on return.
Yes we do but it can get busy on weekends if the weathers good. On Sundays you can park on the road outside.
Boating still goes ahead if it is raining, just bring a brolly or a rain coat. Deposits are only refunded if the river is flooded.
Yes. However, please check the website for current river conditions.
We do have a sign up that says no dogs but this is because our large lurcher doesn’t like small fluffy dogs. We allow one dog per booking.
Yes. You can take it on the boat or you are welcome to use our picnic tables at the Boating Station after you have been boating.
We provide buoyancy aids which are only compulsory for children and non swimmers. If you would like one just ask at the office.
Self Catering Accommodation
We have two attractive units available to at rent at the Boating Station, both overlooking the River Avon.
Toad Hall has two double bedrooms, kitchen bathroom and sitting room with a great sitting out balcony overlooking the river with fine views both up and down stream.
The Garden Room is a double bed sitting room with ensuite facilities, again with a sitting out area overlooking the Avon.