
Hilperton Marina Kennet & Avon Canal
Explore the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal from Hilperton Marina. Enjoy serene boat trips, charming towns, and picturesque waterways.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for family fun and group outings.

Hilperton Marina Kennet & Avon Canal
Best Time
Ideal for family fun and group outings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal from Hilperton Marina. Enjoy serene boat trips, charming towns, and picturesque waterways.
"Wonderful experience from start to finish. Friendly and helpful staff with a clear process."

🎯 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Expect a warm welcome and thorough guidance from the marina team.
🚤 Comprehensive Safety Brief
Receive detailed instructions on boat operation and canal rules before departure.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Electric Day Boat Hire
Hilperton Marina
Enjoy a serene, eco-friendly journey on a new electric day boat, perfect for a relaxing escape.

Bradford on Avon Trip
Kennet & Avon Canal
Cruise to the charming town of Bradford on Avon, explore its waterfront, and enjoy a delightful lunch.

Aqueduct Navigation
Kennet & Avon Canal
Experience the engineering marvel of the aqueduct as you glide over it on your canal adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat in Advance
Understand Canal Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Expect a warm welcome and thorough guidance from the marina team.
🚤 Comprehensive Safety Brief
Receive detailed instructions on boat operation and canal rules before departure.
☕ Onboard Amenities
Boats are equipped with essentials like kettles, tea, coffee, and fridges for your comfort.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located near the M4 and Chippenham bypass, with secure boat user parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Expect a warm welcome and thorough guidance from the marina team.
🚤 Comprehensive Safety Brief
Receive detailed instructions on boat operation and canal rules before departure.
☕ Onboard Amenities
Boats are equipped with essentials like kettles, tea, coffee, and fridges for your comfort.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located near the M4 and Chippenham bypass, with secure boat user parking.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Groups
Perfect for a day out with friends or family, creating lasting memories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hilperton Marina for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, who provide thorough briefings and ensure a smooth experience. The boats are well-maintained and equipped, and the location offers easy access. It's highly recommended for a wonderful day out on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
"Very friendly, helpful and professional staff. Boat condition,excellent. Engineer explained everything you need to know about the boat, locks and rules while travelling on canals. I found it very helpful as it's our first time narrow boat experience. The area the marina based at is excellent. You can travel to marina without any food supplies for the trip, as the shops located very close. Long stay car park is locked from 5pm,only the boat users can access it. Enjoy the experience."
Saimonas Gailiunas
"Lovely day out, staff were really, friendly and helpful. We were unavoidably about 45 mins late getting back and they were really good about that as well. Highly recommended for a great day out!"
Andy York
"Wonderful experience from start to finish. Friendly and helpful staff with a clear process to getting started, and also in handing the boat over at the end. ABC accommodated us as a group in every way. We hired Great Day, the electric boat. It was serene and simple to navigate. The boat was clean and had everything we needed including a kettle, tea and coffee and a fridge. We sailed up to Bradford on Avon via the lock, enjoyed a fabulous lunch on the waterfront, and then travelled on to the aqueduct before turning and returning. We loved all of the volunteers at the locks who showed us how everything worked - bonus! Wonderful day out! Faultless. Thank you."
Laura Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hilperton Marina is easily accessible, located close to the M4 and Chippenham bypass. It's a convenient starting point for exploring the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Yes, there is long-stay car parking available. It's locked from 5 PM, but accessible to boat users.
While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, its proximity to Chippenham suggests potential bus or train connections to the town, followed by a short taxi or local transport to the marina.
Driving is often the most convenient option, especially if you're coming from further afield or have a group.
Yes, there are shops located very close to the marina, making it easy to pick up any food or drink supplies for your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book canal boats, including electric day boats, through ABC Boat Hire. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular times.
Operating hours can vary, but day boat hires typically run for a set duration, allowing you to enjoy a full day on the canal. It's best to confirm specific timings when booking.
No, for day boat hire on the Kennet & Avon Canal from Hilperton Marina, you typically do not need a boating license. A comprehensive safety briefing is provided.
Pricing can vary based on the boat type and duration. It's advisable to check the ABC Boat Hire website or contact them directly for the most current rates.
The staff are generally understanding if you're unavoidably a little late, but it's always best to communicate any delays as soon as possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a wonderfully serene and relaxing experience. You'll glide along the water, passing through picturesque scenery and potentially operating locks with the help of volunteers.
Yes, you can navigate the locks. Volunteers at the locks are often happy to show you how everything works, making it an educational and enjoyable part of the journey.
You can hire various types of boats, including electric day boats which are quiet and easy to navigate, and narrowboats for longer excursions.
Absolutely! The staff provide a comprehensive safety briefing, and the boats are designed to be user-friendly, making it a great experience for beginners.
A popular day trip route is to Bradford on Avon, which offers lovely waterfronts for lunch. You can also explore further towards the aqueduct.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bradford on Avon has a lovely waterfront with dining options, perfect for a lunch stop during your canal journey.
Definitely! Boats are equipped with fridges and kettles, and it's common for visitors to bring their own provisions for a picnic on the water.
Most day boats come with basic amenities like a kettle and a fridge, making it easy to prepare simple meals or keep drinks cool.
Bradford on Avon offers a variety of pubs and cafes along its waterfront, providing a pleasant atmosphere for a meal break.
Yes, a picnic on the boat is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery and the tranquility of the canal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture picturesque scenes of the canal, charming bridges, historic locks, and the aqueduct. The journey to Bradford on Avon also offers scenic waterfront shots.
Yes, with a bit of care, you can capture great shots from the deck of the boat. Consider a waterproof case for your phone or camera.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the canal.
The Avoncliff Aqueduct is a standout landmark. Also, the locks and the general canal scenery offer plenty of photographic appeal.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone near waterways or residential areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is a great idea, and Bradford on Avon provides a lovely spot for a family lunch break. The volunteers at the locks often enjoy interacting with children, making the experience educational and fun. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for any walking involved.
👫 Couples & Friends
The electric boats are particularly appealing for their quiet operation, allowing for uninterrupted chats and appreciation of the surroundings. It's an ideal way to escape the everyday and enjoy quality time together in a beautiful setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
The experience itself is the main attraction, offering beautiful scenery and a unique adventure without the need for expensive entry fees. The cost of the boat hire is spread across the group, making it an affordable option for a memorable day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Kennet & Avon Canal
When hiring a day boat, popular destinations include the historic town of Bradford on Avon, where you can moor up and explore the waterfront, or venture towards impressive structures like the Avoncliff Aqueduct. The electric day boats, like those offered by ABC Boat Hire, provide a quiet and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the canal, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere.
It's important to be aware of canal etiquette, such as maintaining a safe speed, giving way to boats on the 'off-side' (the side away from the towpath), and signaling your intentions. The staff at Hilperton Marina provide a thorough briefing covering these points, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your adventure on the water.
The Hilperton Marina Experience
The marina's location is a significant advantage, offering easy access from major routes like the M4 and Chippenham bypass. This convenience extends to practicalities like nearby shops for stocking up on supplies before your voyage. For those hiring boats, the dedicated long-stay car park provides secure storage for your vehicle.
Visitors consistently highlight the high standard of the boats available for hire, noting their excellent condition both inside and out. The provision of onboard amenities, such as kettles, tea, coffee, and fridges, adds to the comfort and enjoyment of a day on the water.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit