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If you’re looking for a magical and unforgettable holiday this year, then why not hire a boat in the UK? 

With Covid-19 still affecting international travel, there’s never been a better time to embrace the staycation and experience some of the UK’s top destinations. If you’re after a unique holiday, then hiring a boat and spending the day out on the water could be just what you’re after!

We may all forget it sometimes, but the UK is an island. Meaning there is an abundance of coasts, rivers, lakes and canals that are all perfect for sailing along. Planning a day out can be as easy as renting a boat for you, your friends and your family to enjoy together. 

Whether it’s cruising along the Cornish coastline in a catamaran, speeding along the Thames river in a RIB or rowing across Lake Windermere in a wooden boat, the possibilities for your sailing adventure are endless!

Here’s why you should hire a boat in the UK, and some of the top destinations for you to choose from!

How much does it cost to charter a boat in the UK?

The cost of hiring a boat in the UK depends on the location, the type of vessel and the length of time you want to hire it. Whatever your budget or requirements, you can often find plenty of boats to suit your needs, from sailboats, RIBs, yachts and motorboats. It can also depend on whether you want to control the boat yourself, or whether you need an experienced captain to sail it for you.

On average, you can rent a sailboat from anywhere between £70 a day up to £800 for a top-quality one. If you’re planning on having a long sailing holiday, then you’ll usually need to charter a boat or motor yacht to accommodate this. These are pricier, costing between £1,200 a week up to £11,000 for a luxury yacht hire.

What type of boat should you hire?

The type of boat you decide to hire depends on what your requirements are, your budget, the length of the charter and how many people will be joining you. For example, if you want a week-long stay with your family, a yacht charter will be a good option for you. 

There are so many different boats in the UK that you can hire, including:

  • Motor yachts
  • Catamarans
  • Speedboats
  • Rowing boats
  • Sailboats
  • And many more…

Top destinations in the UK to hire a boat

Here a few of the best boating destinations for you to choose from!

Lake District

The Lake District has an abundance of lakes for you to choose from when it comes to hiring a boat. Lake Windermere, in particular, is renowned for sailing. Many visitors rent a boat on the UK’s largest natural lake every year!

Southampton

Southampton is the top sailing destination in the UK, meaning that there’s plenty of choices when it comes to marinas and harbours from which to begin your sailing adventure! It’s also a perfect place to launch your voyage to other countries such as France or Spain. 

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has many sailing events and options for you to choose from. The biggest is Cowes week, which is a British tradition. Cowes week is the world’s biggest sailing regatta of its kind, and more than 1,000 boats take part in 40 races a day throughout the week.

The Broads

Situated in Norfolk, The Broads is one of the largest wildlife national parks in the UK. And with over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, there are so many ways to experience this water playground on a boat. You can cruise, sail or row past the park’s reed marshes, meadows and woodlands at a leisurely pace!