THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Glide in silence along the upper Thames with electric open boats from Cotswold Boat Hire. Ideal for families and groups, these quiet cruises showcase Cotswold landscapes and river wildlife in a fresh, accessible way.
Glide in silence along the upper Thames with electric open boats from Cotswold Boat Hire. Ideal for families and groups, these quiet cruises showcase Cotswold landscapes and river wildlife in a fresh, accessible way.
Book with Cotswold Boat Hire
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cotswold Boat Hire · Buscot, England
Situated at the headwaters of the River Thames, Cotswold Boat Hire offers a distinctive way to experience one of southern England’s most storied waterways. Operating from Buscot Lock, near the scenic Cotswolds and the Thames Valley, their electric-powered open boats provide a quiet, environmentally conscious option to glide along the river’s gentle bends. With capacity for up to six passengers, these boats make an ideal choice for family outings, small groups, or even a peaceful solo escape.
Unlike noisy fossil-fuel engines, the silent electric boat fosters close encounters with riverbank wildlife, from kingfishers flashing by to herons stalking in the shallows. The landscape here is defined by rolling green pastures, ancient woodland edges, and stretches of chalky riverbanks unique to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guests can pack a picnic and pull over at quiet spots along the river, savoring an unhurried afternoon steeped in countryside tranquility.
Cotswold Boat Hire stands out in the local scene by offering a blend of modern technology and classic riverside charm. The boats are easy to handle, require no prior experience, and open the door to the lesser-accessible upper Thames—the section rich with history, including nearby historic villages and National Trust properties.
Bookings range from one to four hours, allowing guests to tailor the trip to their schedule, whether a quick spin or an extended cruise. Safety measures such as life jackets and clear booking policies ensure a smooth experience for visitors of all ages. Parking and access are thoughtfully managed, and the company is known for friendly, accommodating service.
For those eager to experience England’s river heritage with minimal footprint and maximum serenity, Cotswold Boat Hire offers a quietly captivating way onto the water.
easy.
1–4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
No license is required; the electric boats are easy to handle and come with a safety briefing.
Yes, dogs are welcome aboard these pet-friendly boats.
Parking is not included; visitors can park at the National Trust carpark near Buscot Weir.
Life jackets are available on request, especially recommended for children and vulnerable adults.
If severe weather is expected, you’ll be offered a credit to reschedule within two seasons.
Each boat can hold up to six people plus one dog.
The upper Thames near the Cotswolds has centuries-old river locks and historic villages that reveal England’s rich waterway heritage.
Using electric boats minimizes noise and water pollution, preserving the delicate ecosystems along this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cotswold Boat Hire is a boat rental operator based in Buscot, England, offering a range of electric and motor cruisers for day hire, half-day outings and short breaks. Operating on the Upper Thames in the Cotswolds, the company provides easily bookable trips suitable for couples, families and small groups. The fleet includes silent electric open boats and larger day cruisers with amenities such as canopies, chemical toilets, small kitchenettes and, on some boats, sleeping berths and showers. Popular options include the Tranquillo Cruiser and Tranquillo V Cruiser for relaxed cruising, the Raffles Cruiser and Megan Cruiser for comfortable day trips, and the Dawnwalker and electric motor boats for quieter wildlife watching. For longer stays, boats such as Jozel and Melody offer berths, kitchens and bathrooms for short breaks and multi-day holidays. Bookings are available in flexible durations — from one- or two-hour hires to half-day, four-hour, full-day and multi-day rentals — accommodating up to eight people on many vessels. Dogs are welcome on select boats, and quiet electric power makes these trips well suited to picnics, riverside lunches and visits to local pubs along the Thames. Cotswold Boat Hire emphasizes straightforward online booking and clear trip descriptions so visitors can choose the right boat for their plans. With a focus on peaceful cruising and practical amenities, the company provides accessible river experiences in the scenic Cotswold landscape. Booking details, pricing and availability are listed online with clear boat descriptions and flexible cancellation terms to suit seasonal plans and group enquiries.
Book with Cotswold Boat Hire