The Best Boat Trips in Bath, England: Sightseeing, Prosecco Cruises & River Avon Views

Looking for the best boat trips in Bath, England? Here’s the boat trips I’d actually consider for your trip—from a quick River Avon sightseeing cruise and a Prosecco boat trip to Pulteney Cruisers, self-drive rowing boats and a full day on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

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One of the things I love about Bath is how much of the city is tied to water, yet the River Avon itself is surprisingly easy to treat as just a backdrop.

On a first trip you’re usually looking down into the Roman Baths, crossing Pulteney Bridge, photographing the weir and maybe even getting into Bath’s thermal water at Thermae Bath Spa.

It’s very easy to do all of that and still never really think about getting onto the River Avon itself!

I’ve returned to Bath countless times since moving from the East Coast of the US to the UK in 2016—on my own, with my mum, with friends and through my travel writing—and I’m always finding another way to experience a city I thought I already knew. Including, by boat.

With that said, here’s how to choose the best boat tour for your Bath trip, including a 30-minute sightseeing cruise, a Prosecco boat trip, an hour with Pulteney Cruisers and a full day steering a narrowboat.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: Best Boat Trips in Bath, England

Best first boat trip	30-minute scenic River Avon cruise
Best for adults / a date	Prosecco River Avon cruise
Best classic longer cruise	Pulteney Cruisers — 1 hour, currently £15 per adult
Best boat trip with afternoon tea	Pulteney Cruisers — £18 tea + boat fare
Best self-drive option in Bath	Bath Boating Station — rowing boats, punts & canoes
Best full-day boat hire	Bath Narrowboats on the Kennet & Avon Canal
Best private cruise	Bath River Cruises — up to 12 people
Best departure for Pulteney Bridge views	River Avon cruises from central Bath
Best for countryside	Kennet & Avon Canal day-boat hire

All prices and details are accurate at the time of writing, but river levels, weather and seasonal schedules can all change what is running; always check your exact boat journey before your trip!

Book Your Bath Trip

Where I recommend staying: For the most character, I’d choose No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath, set inside three Georgian townhouses on Great Pulteney Street with playful interiors and an on-site spa. For the easiest arrival by train, I’d stay at Hotel Indigo Bath; it’s a 5-minute walk from Bath Spa station with small Jane Austen touches alongside a modern stay. I’ve personally stayed at and highly recommend both.

Getting to Bath from London: Compare times and book your direct journey from London Paddington to Bath Spa—it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and is a beautiful journey.

The attraction I’d book first: Reserve your Roman Baths entry ticket with audio guide. It’s an essential first-time Bath attraction, and arrival times can fill up quickly on busy weekends and holidays.

Visiting from London for the day? I’d choose this Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath and Roman Baths day tour if you want transport and all major bookings handled for you.

Staying longer? This Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock and Castle Combe tour from Bath combines two prehistoric sites with two of the prettiest villages within easy reach of the city.

For a different view: Take this 30-minute scenic River Avon cruise for glorious views over Bath’s weir and riverside.

Stay connected: Set up your Europe eSIM before your trip. It takes less than five minutes, and you’ll have mobile data ready to use when you arrive.

For extra peace of mind: I personally recommend using VisitorsCoverage to compare travel insurance options before your trip—it’s my go-to for finding the right cover whenever I travel.

Quick Answer: Which Bath Boat Trip Would I Book?

Bath: 30-Minute Scenic Weir River Cruise

If I were adding one boat trip to a first weekend in Bath, I’d book the 30-minute scenic River Avon cruise.

It’s just half an hour, which feels perfectly right when you still want plenty of time for the Roman Baths, Georgian streets and everything else Bath does so well.

I’d book the Prosecco cruise for a fizzy afternoon in Bath. If I wanted a longer sit-down cruise instead, I’d look at Pulteney Cruisers.

And if I was in the mood to actually row rather than be taken anywhere (rare, but still), Bath Boating Station is the best.

I’d also consider Bath Narrowboats for a full day on the water in Bath.

River Avon vs. Kennet & Avon Canal: Which Boat Trip Should You Choose?

The main thing to know is that Bath’s River Avon cruises and Kennet & Avon Canal boats aren’t really versions of the same thing.

The River Avon is where I’d look for the classic Bath views: Pulteney Bridge, the weir and a short cruise through the city.

The Kennet & Avon Canal is much more about the boating itself: self-drive boats, towpaths, aqueducts, canal-side pubs and countryside.

For my own one-day Bath itinerary, I’d stick to the river. If I had a few days and fancied doing something slower outside the usual sights, that’s when I’d start looking at the canal.

The Best Boat Trips in Bath, England

1. 30-Minute Scenic River Avon Cruise — Best for a First Trip

Bath: 30-Minute Scenic Weir River Cruise

Best for: first-time visitors, Pulteney Weir views and a quick river break
Duration: 30 minutes
Includes: small-group cruise with live commentary
Good to know: you’ll be aboard the Jolly Brit, a former Royal Yacht Britannia jolly boat; limited to seven guests and, unfortunately, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible
My verdict: I’d book this one for your first Bath river cruise.

If I only had a day in Bath, this is the boat trip I’d do first.

The scenic River Avon cruise is only 30 minutes, but that’s enough to get the bit I’d want most from a Bath boat trip: Pulteney Bridge and Pulteney Weir from down on the water.

Bath River Cruises’ sightseeing cruise is currently £15 on weekdays and £20 on weekends, and because it’s so short, you won’t have to feel like you’re giving up on the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey or the Royal Crescent.

Book your Scenic River Avon Cruise

2. Prosecco River Cruise — Best for Couples & Adults

Prosecco River Cruise

Best for: couples, birthdays, hen weekends and adult groups
Duration: 30 minutes
Includes: guided River Avon cruise + two glasses of Prosecco per person
Good to know: it uses the same Jolly Brit and is not wheelchair accessible
My verdict: I’d book this one for a fizzy afternoon in Bath.

For the same river but a slightly cheekier afternoon, choose this one.

The Bath Prosecco River Cruise follows the same stretch of the River Avon, except this time you’ve got two glasses of Prosecco in hand—which, depending on the afternoon you’re trying to have, may be all the convincing you need.

Bath River Cruises’ Prosecco cruise is currently £24 on weekdays and £29 on weekends, and it’s really lovely for a couples’ weekend, birthday, hen weekend or a sunny Bath afternoon where you’ve done enough museums for the day.

There’s still commentary along the way too, so it isn’t just thirty minutes of drinking Prosecco while Bath passes by. Although, to be fair, I wouldn’t complain about that either.

For a full date-day combination, I’d pair it with afternoon tea in Bath earlier or dinner from my Bath restaurant guide afterwards.

Book your Prosecco River Cruise

3. Pulteney Cruisers — Best Classic One-Hour Bath River Cruise

Pulteney Cruisers

My verdict: I’d choose this one for a longer, slower cruise on the River Avon.

If I wanted the river trip itself to be more of the afternoon, I’d look at Pulteney Cruisers.

They’ve been running from Pulteney Weir for more than 50 years, and the boats feel much more traditional than the smaller 30-minute cruises: twin decks, an open sundeck, a heated cabin and an hour heading upstream towards Bathampton before coming back into the city.

At the time of writing, it’s £15 for adults, £5 for children aged 5–15 and free for under-fives. There’s no normal advance booking either—you turn up at Pulteney Weir below Pulteney Bridge, pay on board and take a seat if there’s space.

I’d choose this over the shorter scenic cruise when I actually wanted to sit down for an hour, watch Bath get greener around me and make the river part of the afternoon rather than a quick add-on.

Good to know: these cruises are river-level dependent. Heavy rain can raise the Avon enough for trips to stop running, so check Pulteney Cruisers’ current running status before making a special journey.

4. Pulteney Cruisers Afternoon Tea — Best Boat Trip With Food

Pulteney Cruisers Afternoon Tea

My verdict: I’d book this one for afternoon tea on the River Avon.

If afternoon tea on the water is what’s brought you here, this is the option I’d look at.

Pulteney Cruisers currently offers an afternoon tea for £18 per person in addition to the normal boat fare, with homemade scones, jam and cream plus sandwiches and rolls. It needs to be arranged in advance and has a minimum booking of two people.

It’s a completely different afternoon tea from The Pump Room, with its chandeliers, live music and somewhat of an occasion to it, so just bear that in mind before you go.

5. Bath Boating Station — Best Self-Drive Boat Trip on the River Avon

Bath Boating Station

My verdict: I’d book this one for a hands-on hour on the River Avon.

This one is a completely different boat tour in Bath because you’ll be the person doing the boating…

Bath Boating Station has been hiring boats on the River Avon since 1833, and you can take out a traditional rowing boat, punt or canoe for an hour or two.

At the time of writing, it’s £10 per adult for one hour or £15 for two; children aged 1–15 are £5 for one hour or £7.50 for two. Rowing boats take 2–6 people and are the beginner-friendly option. Punts take up to five and canoes up to three.

I like this because it turns the river from something you’re looking at into the actual activity. Just note their docking station is on Forester Road, around a 15–20 minute walk from central Bath. It currently operates seasonally from April to September, Wednesday–Sunday, with advance booking recommended for weekends and holidays.

Because it sits out towards The Holburne Museum, I’d naturally do it on the same side of the city as Great Pulteney Street. And if you’re a Bridgerton fan, you’ll already recognise half this area from my Bridgerton filming locations guide.

Check Bath Boating Station availability

6. Bath Narrowboats — Best Self-Drive Day Boat on the Canal

Bath Narrowboats

My verdict: I’d book this one for a full day on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Bath Narrowboats runs from Sydney Wharf in Bath and Brassknocker Wharf outside the city, with everything from little electric boats to larger narrowboats with indoor seating, kitchens and bathrooms. It’s worth it if you’re keen on an entire day of boating in Bath.

At the time of writing, a full-size self-drive narrowboat such as Swift costs £235 Monday–Friday / £245 weekends and bank holidays from April to September, with lower seasonal rates later in the year. You can also arrange a skipper if the idea of learning to steer a 42-foot narrowboat on your holiday suddenly feels a little ambitious.

Once you’re on board, the route feels nothing like central Bath. Instead, you’ll move slowly along the Kennet & Avon Canal towards Bathampton and Dundas Aqueduct, with pubs, towpaths and countryside taking over from Bath’s Georgian streets.

There’s a lovely bit of Bath history running through it too. The Kennet & Avon Canal opened in 1810 to connect the Bristol Channel with the Thames, and Dundas Aqueduct was completed by John Rennie that same year.

If you have three or four days in Bath, it’s worth considering! Or use my best day trips from Bath guide for more options.

7. Private River Cruise — Best for Birthdays, Hens & Groups

Bath River Cruises Private River Cruise

My verdict: I’d book this one for a birthday, hen do or private afternoon on the river.

If you’re a large group coming to Bath, it’s well worth considering a private hire for your trip instead.

Bath River Cruises offers one-hour exclusive hire for up to 12 guests, with drinks packages if you want them—and is especially lovely for a birthday, a smaller hen group or a family trip where having the boat to yourselves is half the point.

Pulteney Cruisers also offers private hire, but on much larger twin-deck boats (at the time of writing, a one-hour round trip is £550 on weekdays and £600 on weekends).

What Do You Actually See on a Bath River Cruise?

The one thing I’d manage expectations around is how much of Bath you actually see from the river as it isn’t a floating version of a Bath walking tour.

Although you won’t glide past the Royal Crescent or The Circus, what the River Avon gives you is Pulteney Bridge, Pulteney Weir, riverside architecture, trees, wildlife and—depending on the route—a transition from central Bath into the greener Avon valley.

For me, Pulteney Bridge is the reason the boat trip is worth considering in the first place. Robert Adam built it in 1769, and it’s one of only four bridges in the world with shops across both sides of the full span. When you’re standing on it, it can almost feel like a street. But from below, you finally see the whole bridge with the weir curling underneath it.

In other words, it’s a very special way to see Bath!

Where I’d Fit a Boat Trip Into a Bath Weekend

On a one-day Bath trip, I personally wouldn’t give more than half an hour to the river. The scenic cruise is central enough that you can do it around Pulteney Bridge and then carry on with the rest of Bath.

With two days in Bath, I’d be much more tempted by the one-hour Pulteney Cruisers trip or a late-afternoon prosecco cruise.

If I had three days or more, that’s when a Bath Narrowboats day starts sounding lovely. You’ll get a countryside day without needing a car, while still coming back to Bath afterwards rather than moving hotels again.

P.S. – If you’re coming from London, you can take a direct train to Bath in just 1 hour and 20 minutes! Be sure to book your train tickets in advance. Or if you’d rather have transport organised for the entire day, my Bath day tours from London guide is a better place to start.

Where to Stay for a Bath Boat Trip

No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath — Best for Character

Candace Abroad in No. 15 Bath by GuestHouse

I’d pick No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath for a more characterful stay in Bath. I’ve stayed here on Great Pulteney Street, and it also happens to be handy for the Holburne Museum, Bath Boating Station and Sydney Wharf.

Hotel Indigo Bath — Best for the Station & Broad Quay

If I was coming down by train and wanted everything ridiculously easy, I’d go for Hotel Indigo Bath. I’ve stayed here too, and it’s only a few minutes from Bath Spa station and Broad Quay.

Read my best hotels in Bath guide, No.15 review or Hotel Indigo Bath review if you’re making a weekend of it.

Practical Tips for Bath Boat Trips

Bath River Cruises Private River Cruise

Check the river before you go. The River Avon can rise quickly after heavy rain, and operators may stop running when conditions are unsafe.
Know whether you need to reserve. The scenic and Prosecco cruises above can be booked ahead; Pulteney Cruisers normally operates first come, first served; Bath Boating Station recommends advance booking for busy dates.
Don’t arrive at the wrong waterway. Central sightseeing cruises are on the River Avon; Bath Narrowboats operates on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Allow boarding time. Pulteney Cruisers starts boarding about 20 minutes before departure, and being early matters because seats aren’t reserved.
Dress for the water, not just Bath. Even on a pleasant day, an open boat can feel cooler than the city streets.
Check accessibility before committing. Pulteney Cruisers has steps at the landing and onto the vessels; its upper deck requires additional stairs. Contact the operator directly if mobility is a concern.
If you’re coming as a family, you’ve got options. Pulteney Cruisers welcomes children and well-behaved dogs; Bath Boating Station takes children from age one with buoyancy aids provided, but doesn’t allow dogs.

Final Thoughts: Which Bath Boat Trip Would I Choose?

If I was planning a first Bath trip tomorrow, I’d still keep the boat part quite simple.

I’d book the 30-minute scenic River Avon cruise, finally see Pulteney Bridge from the water and then happily carry on with the rest of Bath.

I’d book the Prosecco cruise for a fizzy afternoon in Bath. I’d choose Pulteney Cruisers if I wanted the river to take up a full hour, and Bath Boating Station if the fun was actually getting into a rowing boat myself.

Then if I had a spare day and the weather was on my side, I’d happily disappear onto the Kennet & Avon Canal and let Bath’s museums wait until tomorrow.

Have the loveliest time on the water!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Boat Trips in Bath, England

Are There Boat Trips in Bath?

Yes! Plenty. Bath has short sightseeing and Prosecco cruises on the River Avon, one-hour cruises with Pulteney Cruisers, self-drive rowing boats and punts from Bath Boating Station, and day-boat hire on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

What Is the Best Boat Trip in Bath for First-Time Visitors?

I’d choose the 30-minute scenic River Avon cruise. It’ll give you the Pulteney Weir view without taking a large chunk out of your first sightseeing day.

How Much Are Bath River Cruises?

Prices vary by operator. At the time of writing, Bath River Cruises lists its 30-minute sightseeing cruise at £15 weekdays / £20 weekends and its Prosecco cruise at £24 weekdays / £29 weekends. Pulteney Cruisers charges £15 per adult for its one-hour trip.

Where Do Bath Boat Trips Leave From?

It depends on the operator. Bath River Cruises uses Broad Quay, BA2 3DQ; Pulteney Cruisers departs from Pulteney Weir below Pulteney Bridge; Bath Boating Station is on Forester Road; and Bath Narrowboats operates from Sydney Wharf plus a separate Brassknocker Wharf base outside Bath.

Can You Take a Boat Under Pulteney Bridge?

Yes. Pulteney Cruisers departs directly below Pulteney Bridge and travels under the historic bridge as part of its River Avon route. Shorter central sightseeing cruises also give you close water-level views of Pulteney Weir.

Are There Self-Drive Boat Trips in Bath?

Yes. For a short self-drive experience, Bath Boating Station hires rowing boats, punts and canoes for one or two hours. For a full day, Bath Narrowboats has self-drive day boats on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Are There Bath Boat Trips With Lunch or Afternoon Tea?

Pulteney Cruisers currently offers afternoon tea for £18 per person plus the normal boat fare, booked in advance for at least two people. For a full self-drive day, Bath Narrowboats allows you to bring food, order a hamper or stop at canal-side pubs and cafés.

Do Bath Boat Trips Run All Year?

Not all of them. Pulteney Cruisers’ main season is spring to autumn. Bath Boating Station currently opens seasonally from April to September. Bath Narrowboats has some day boats available into winter. And as always, they all operate subject to river conditions. Always check the exact operator and boat for your dates!

Can You Visit Bristol by Boat From Bath?

Not as a normal Bath sightseeing cruise. The River Avon connects Bath and Bristol, but the public trips in this guide are short local cruises or leisure hire rather than scheduled Bath-to-Bristol transport. For a normal visit, Bristol is much easier as a train day trip from Bath and is covered in my day trips from Bath guide.

Plan the Rest of Your Bath Trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bath guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.