Cotswold Boat Hire

When most people think of the River Thames, they picture the busy waterway of the nation’s capital. But the story of the Thames begins hundreds of miles away, in the green and pleasant lands of the Cotswolds. At Cotswold Boat Hire, we offer you the chance to discover a different face of this great river on one of our comfortable boats.

We’re a family-run company with over 30 years of experience running boat hire services on the upper reaches of the River Thames. You’ll find us on Brandy Island where the Thames passes through Buscot Lock on the borders of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, a place that shelters wildlife and inspires artists.

The boats themselves range from small to large, day-trippers to multi-day cruisers. We’re very proud of our fleet of quiet, environmentally friendly electric motor boats which are available for 2-hour to full-day hire. Longer rentals are available on our larger cruisers, such as the Melody and the Riverdance, which have between two and four berths - the perfect choice for a weekend or short holiday in nature.

As soon as you set off from our moorings on the island, you’ll see why we love this part of the English countryside. The river snakes its way between green banks, where willow trees dip their leaves in the water and wildlife is never far away. There are riverside pubs as well with gardens that descend to the water’s edge. These are perfect places to enjoy a meal, a drink or a rest on a voyage down the river.

Join us for a boat trip that will delight your senses!