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Top Small Boats in London
If you live in a city with a river as grand as the Thames, hiring a small boat for an event is a must! London has a wide variety of boat venues that offer general boating or dinner and drinks while taking a tour up and down the river. However, figuring out when and how to hire a small private boat for a river cruise can be tricky. That's why we're here to help you find the perfect one that suits your needs! Check out our listings of small boats for hire and book your favourite one today!
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![Whole Boat at The Boathouse London - Paddington West in Paddington, London]()
Whole Boat
20 guestsThe Boathouse London - Paddington WestEdgware Road Bakerloo StationPaddington, LondonHHenriette
“Ideal place for a big dinner party and has a perfect kitchen for a private chef! Recommend booking!”from £795
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![Summer Party at The Tattershall Castle in Whitehall, London]()
Summer Party
60 guestsThe Tattershall CastleEmbankment StationWhitehall, LondonGGreat L.
“The Bridge was the perfect size for our group (25). Plenty of room to mingle with space but still felt cosy.”from £500
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![Bourne Yacht at Thames Limo in The Strand, London]()
Bourne Yacht
12 guestsThames LimoEmbankment StationThe Strand, LondonMMarcie K.
“We had an amazing time on the Thames! The staff, the views and the company!”from £2800
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![MV Westminster at City Cruises Ltd in Southwark, London]()
MV Westminster
60 guestsCity Cruises LtdLondon Bridge StationSouthwark, LondonDDuncan E.
“Very professional and the onboard team on the event day were exceptional.”from £1430
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![Whole Venue at Edwardian - Thames Luxury Charters in Southwark, London]()
Whole Venue
70 guestsEdwardian - Thames Luxury ChartersTower Hill StationSouthwark, LondonMMaggie H.
“I have since been inundated with complimentary messages about a wonderful event.”from £8800
minimum spend / per evening -
![Summer Party at The Tattershall Castle in Whitehall, London]()
Summer Party
200 guestsThe Tattershall CastleEmbankment StationWhitehall, LondonFFenella T.
“Great location you are literally opposite the London Eye.”from £500
minimum spend / per session -
![The Boathouse London at The Boathouse London - Canary Wharf in Docklands, London]()
The Boathouse London
20 guestsThe Boathouse London - Canary WharfSouth Quay StationDocklands, LondonThe Boathouse is a range of modern, luxury boats situated across different London locations and available for Private hire. Our boats are the perfect space to host an event.from £695
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![MV Mayflower Garden at City Cruises Ltd in Southwark, London]()
MV Mayflower Garden
80 guestsCity Cruises LtdLondon Bridge StationSouthwark, LondonMMw
“The venue was nice, the tables were decorated nicely, and the route was very pretty.”from £1695
hire fee / per session -
![Whole Venue at Elizabethan – Thames Luxury Charters in Southwark, London]()
Whole Venue
200 guestsElizabethan – Thames Luxury ChartersTower Hill StationSouthwark, LondonGGbs F.
“The boat looked great, the staff were friendly and helpful.”from £13600
minimum spend / per evening -
![Britain's Biggest Houseboat at Britain's Biggest Houseboat in Wapping, London]()
Britain's Biggest Houseboat
20 guestsBritain's Biggest HouseboatTower Gateway StationWapping, LondonJJonathan C.
“We booked the space over three separate days for a sit-down interview, and it exceeded all expectations.”from £100
hire fee / per hour -
![Lounge at The Tattershall Castle in Whitehall, London]()
Lounge
60 guestsThe Tattershall CastleEmbankment StationWhitehall, London660th B.
“We were able to play our own music and decorate the area appropriately. Food was plentiful but small negative.”from £250
minimum spend / per session -
![Silver Darling at Woods Silver Fleet in The Strand, London]()
Silver Darling
12 guestsWoods Silver FleetEmbankment StationThe Strand, LondonThe Silver Darling is Woods Silver Fleets luxurious, 15-metre long, high-speed river taxi. When Londons calling, you can speed through the capital - The Silver Darling provides the smartest and most fashionable way to travelfrom £1100
hire fee / per hour
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FAQs about Top Small Boats in London
Boats for small events in London offer spaces for as little as 6-10 people, usually on smaller yachts and in semi-private areas on a larger vessel. You'll find many boats for between 20-50 guests, and some larger options in case your definition of small differs!
First of all, make sure you have enough space for everyone who will attend your event - London's boats for hire usually provide you with information on capacity depending on the layout you pick. If you're unsure of the guest count, it's better to go for something slightly larger than you need. Too much space will just mean you have a few empty spots, but booking a boat smaller than necessary will create serious issues.
Here are some ideas to host a variety of events, including:
- Company outings and corporate events on a boat
- Boat birthday parties
- Boat weddings
- Romantic engagement parties on the water
- Dinner parties with friends
Many people are surprised by the fact that you can hire an affordable boat in London, but it's actually quite simple! Most of these venues are owned by individuals and not large companies, so they're often more flexible with their pricing and willing to work with you on making an event that will fit within your budget. If you're looking for a great place to host a small gathering on a boat in London, then check out our tips for booking one:
- Consider hiring someone who specialises in managing events at small boat venues in London; this person will know what has worked well in the past and can help guide you through planning yours. Although hiring a professional might be an expense in itself, it might just save you from paying huge fees if you were doing it by yourself instead.
- Serving alcohol and other beverages? You probably are, in that case you might want to consider a BYOB option which is sure to cut some costs. Bring your own alcohol and drinks and pay a fraction of the final price.
- Negotiate! There’s no better option for cutting costs than negotiating with the venue host. Depending on the time of year, week or for how long you’d like to book the boat, the host might just go down on the price!
Yes, this will include having a valid navigation licence for the boat, which the boat hire company typically manages. You may need to secure an event permit if your event involves activities like live music, catering, or large gatherings. Additionally, adherence to safety regulations set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is crucial, including ensuring necessary safety equipment and respecting capacity limits. For events serving alcohol or featuring live entertainment, a Temporary Event Notice from the local council might be required. Environmental considerations are also important, particularly for events that could impact the environment. It is recommended to consult with the boat hire company and local authorities to ensure all legal requirements are met. For more detailed information and permit applications, visit the Port of London Authority's website.
Your Guide to Hiring Small Boats in London
So you’ve decided to start looking around for a small boat for hire in London? There are a few things to keep in mind before you book to ensure that you get the best possible service for your money:
- Passenger limit – Most small private boats on the Thames have a strict passenger limit. You can find small boat venues with different capacities, but make sure you book the right one for your guest count!
- Cruise purpose – There are a variety of services offered by boat venues in London, so you should pick one based on the goal of your cruise. If you just want to enjoy the view, then book a boat that can accommodate passengers on deck in comfort. A Thames dinner cruise? Ensure that it has dining facilities on board! A boat party? Make sure to check the boat's event and partying rules before you book. And if you are planning a Christmas party cruise, check the available dates and book at least a few months in advance.
Self-Drive Boats
The Boathouse London is a unique event venue on the water, offering an exclusive setting for your next event. Although this isn’t a boat, they do offer the opportunity to hire a self-driven picnic boat, allowing you and your guests to cruise toward Little Venice and Regents Park.
Alternatively, small permanently moored boats like the Cheri Amour Barge (Stratford) are great options because you don’t need any safety officers or driving staff aboard!. Cheri Amour is a meticulously transformed century-old Dutch barge, once a tulip transport vessel in the 1940s. Nestled in the waters of Hackney Wick.
Floating Garden is another outstanding choice. Moored around King’s Cross along the Regent’s Canal, this bright and modern barge comes with a light-filled indoor cabin and an open-deck seating area ideal for taking in the views.
Private Boat Hire
Thames Limo is one of the most exclusive private boat experiences you’ll find in London for small groups. Think elegant leather seating, polished wood interiors, and discreet service as you cruise along the Thames in complete privacy. Perfect for anniversaries, small weddings, or corporate VIP events, Thames Limo offers a bespoke river experience with uninterrupted views of London’s landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Boarding from Embankment Pier, this boat delivers a polished, luxurious journey, all at your own pace.
Another strong private hire choice is Woods Silver Fleet, renowned for their timeless fleet of three elegant river yachts. Ideal for stylish private dining cruises and special celebrations.
Sightseeing Tours: City Cruises Ltd, Southwark
For small groups wanting a smooth sightseeing trip along the Thames without renting a huge boat, City Cruises Ltd offers a fantastic smaller vessel option. Departing near London Bridge, this boat features both open-air decks and covered indoor spaces, giving you flexibility whatever the weather. Ideal for educational tours, small private groups, or visitors wanting an in-depth view of London’s riverfront attractions, the cruise route covers all the must-see spots — Tower Bridge, St Paul's, the Houses of Parliament — all narrated if you want a guided experience.
By integrating these tips and ideas, you can turn your small boat hire into an enchanting venue for any special occasion. Remember, the key is to balance aesthetics with practicality and safety, ensuring an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
