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Hire a Day Boat in Leeds City Centre - Book Your Day Boat on Varoom

You’ll be tootling along 17 miles of quiet, lock-free water like a true captain on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, an unhurried, scenic stretch perfect for a full-day experience in Leeds and ideal for visitors based in Leeds City Center; the outing runs six hours and 30 minutes from 10 am to 4:30 pm, carries a maximum of 10 passengers, and includes a short tuition on handling and safety so you can feel confident at the helm.

About this activity in Leeds City Center

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Take the helm and cruise gently along 17 miles of quiet, lock-free water on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal - a relaxed, full-day boating experience.
  • Day hire runs for six and a half hours, with departures from 10:00 and returns by 16:30, giving you plenty of time to explore the area at your own pace.
  • Enjoy a hands-on experience: a short onboard tuition covers basic boat handling and water safety so you can feel confident steering.
  • Bring up to nine friends or family - the boat accommodates a maximum of 10 passengers, ideal for groups, families, or small Events.

Important Information

  • You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks for the day; none are provided as part of the hire.
  • Service animals are permitted and infants must sit on an adult’s lap; the activity is suitable for all fitness levels and public transport options are nearby.
  • The named hirer must be over 21 (proof may be required); the operator reserves the right to refuse handover or repossess the boat if they judge someone unsuitable to be in charge.
  • A refundable security deposit of £50 is taken on the day; late returns incur charges (£25 for the first 30 minutes, then £50 per hour or part hour), and you’re responsible for reporting any accidents or damage promptly.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Skipton Boat Trips wharf/office alongside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal - arrive a little before 10:00 to complete check-in, review the safety briefing and collect your vessel. Public transport runs close by; follow signs to the canal wharf on arrival.

Includes

  • You can hire the boat for up to 10 passengers - the maximum number of passengers and crew shall not exceed 10.
  • The boat is available for day hire from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., making it suitable for half-day outings from Leeds City Center.
  • Prior to departure, you will receive instruction on boat handling, water safety, and the safe use of the boat’s equipment.
  • Service animals are allowed, and public transportation options are available nearby to help you reach the boarding point.
  • The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap.

Excludes

  • No food or drinks are included with your hire - you are welcome to bring your own refreshments for your trip from Leeds.
  • The hire does not cover any additional catering or beverage Services; plan accordingly if you’re organising a group event.

Other

  • The named hirer in charge of the boat must be over 21 years of age; proof of age may be required at handover.
  • Skipton Boat Trips reserves the right to decline a booking or refuse to hand over the boat if, in their opinion, you are unsuitable to take charge; in such cases the hire fee will be refunded in full.
  • Skipton Boat Trips may repossess the boat at any time where a serious accident or damage has occurred or is likely because of unsuitable behaviour or boat handling; no refund will be due in these circumstances.
  • You are responsible for controlling the behaviour of everyone in your charge and for the safe navigation of the boat while it is under your control.
  • Although the boat is insured, you must collect details (name, address, phone) of any other vessel involved in an accident and report the facts to the hire base as soon as possible.
  • Skipton Boat Trips will not be responsible for death or personal injury except insofar as it results from proven negligence.
  • No responsibility is accepted for loss of time or expenses caused by accidental damage while the boat is in your charge; liability for defects or breakdowns applies only where negligence by Skipton Boat Trips is proven.
  • Report any defect or breakdown to the wharf office immediately; do not attempt repairs without checking with the wharf office first.
  • A security deposit of £50.00 is required on the day of hire. The company reserves the right to withhold all of this deposit if the boat or any equipment is damaged or missing, the boat is returned soiled, or the boat is not returned at the agreed time.
  • Late return charges apply: £25.00 for the first 30 minutes, then £50.00 for every hour or part thereof.
  • No minor may take control of the helm without supervision from an experienced adult.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
rebeccat5789
• Aug 25, 2025 05:46:42 AM
Summary: Really great day out and would definitely do again. Lovely staff who were really friendly. Once you got the hang of it, it was really fun although some of the locks were really hard to open and the needed to 3 of us.
leecU2575WH
• Sep 23, 2024 05:43:42 AM
Summary: A great day for all the family we all had a go at steering the boat, a bit tricky at first but you soon get the hang of it. The boat company were very good at explaining everything, we will be doing it again soon.
Navigator29435508071
• Jul 1, 2024 11:31:24 AM
Summary: We arrived to be great by a really lovely and very helpful instructor who had alot of patience’s with me. After we had completed our instructions we set off. The boats weren’t to hard to control. The weather wasn’t the best but it didn’t spoil our fun! We decided to take a picnic. The boats were kicked out with a portable table and cutlery which made it even easier for us to enjoy our day. On our return, they were on hand to help us steer the boats into the assigned moorings and luckily we did so well we got a great cheer from all the people from the pub watching us.

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Know more about Leeds City Center

You’ll cruise 17 miles of quiet, lock-free water along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, giving you a lengthy, relaxed stretch to steer and enjoy the scenery like a true captain.
The boat hire accommodates a maximum of 10 passengers, making it ideal for small groups, families, or a private outing with friends.
Yes - with a private boat for up to 10 people and a lock-free 17-mile stretch to enjoy, this hire suits Family & Kids trips, Group-Friendly outings, and relaxed tours or sightseeing on the water.
The hire lasts six hours and 30 minutes, with the boat available from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm for a single full-day outing.
No prior experience is required - a short tuition on boat handling and water safety is included before you depart so you can take the helm with confidence.
You can expect a leisurely, hands-on boating experience: six and a half hours of cruising along peaceful, lock-free canal water where you’ll steer, learn basic handling, and soak up the outdoor, Water-Based atmosphere.