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Take control of your own motorboat along the scenic River Medway with River Medway Canoes. From Teston Lock to Hamstead Lock, enjoy flexible hire options with safety and expert guidance included.
Take control of your own motorboat along the scenic River Medway with River Medway Canoes. From Teston Lock to Hamstead Lock, enjoy flexible hire options with safety and expert guidance included.
Book with River Medway Canoes
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by River Medway Canoes · Wateringbury, England
Stretching through the Kent countryside, the River Medway carves a quiet corridor of water between the locks of Teston and Hamstead. At the heart of this peaceful passage, River Medway Canoes opens up an uncommon way to experience the river—by putting the wheel of a motorboat in your hands. Their Self Drive Motor Boat Hire invites you to pilot your own vessel, granting a rare autonomy to chart a course through the gentle current, framed by lush riverbanks and historic lock gates.
This isn't just idle cruising. Before you set off, a skilled team member conducts a thorough safety briefing and hands-on handling assessment, ensuring you navigate confidently and responsibly. Suitable for families, couples, or mature groups, this trip lets you travel at your own rhythm from one to six hours. The route covers stretches loaded with natural charm—passing well-managed towpaths, stands of riverside willows, and glimpses of native wildlife like kingfishers and herons.
For those opting to hire a boat four hours or longer, passing through both Teston and East Farleigh Locks extends the adventure further upstream, adding layers of technical interest and scenic variety. The locks themselves offer a peek into traditional river management dating back centuries, enriching the trip with a touch of local heritage.
River Medway Canoes stands out in the regional outdoor scene by combining freedom on the water with safety and expertise. The company’s clear guidelines and professional support transform what might feel daunting to motorboat novices into a smooth experience framed by the quiet dignity of this Kentish waterway.
With a maximum of six passengers, including children, the boats balance intimacy and space. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon glide or a relaxed weekend outing, this motorboat self-drive unlocks a fresh perspective on the River Medway’s outdoor offerings—a spot where nature, history, and hands-on adventure meet.
easy.
1–6 hours.
Basic physical ability needed to handle boat controls and navigate locks
The minimum age to operate the motorboat is 21 years old.
Each boat can accommodate up to six people, including the driver and children.
Yes, alcohol is not permitted on the motorboats during hire.
No prior experience is necessary; a full safety briefing and handling assessment are provided before departure.
Fishing equipment is not allowed on board during the hire.
You should monitor weather conditions; if unsafe, contact River Medway Canoes for advice on rescheduling or early return.
Teston Lock dates back to the 18th century and remains a working lock preserving traditional river navigation methods.
River Medway Canoes follows strict environmental guidelines to minimize impact, supporting ongoing riverbank habitat preservation.
River Medway Canoes is a Wateringbury-based river hire operator offering canoeing and self-drive motorboat experiences on the River Medway. Located in Wateringbury, England, the business provides a six-hour kayak hire that covers approximately 16 miles of scenic countryside and a self-drive motorboat hire option along the stretch between Teston Lock and Hamstead Lock. Both hire options include a full safety briefing before departure. Motorboat hires include a handling assessment to confirm confident and safe operation of the craft. The kayak hire uses stable kayaks suited to beginners and nature observers, providing a comfortable platform for paddling and wildlife viewing. The kayak route highlights local fauna such as Kingfishers and Otters, making the trip appealing for those interested in river wildlife. Bookings are organised by hire type and duration to fit different schedules and experience levels. The operation focuses on clear safety instruction, reliable equipment, and straightforward launching procedures from the Wateringbury area. River Medway Canoes serves visitors seeking day trips on the Medway with simple, well-defined hire options: a long 6-hour kayak route of around 16 miles, and flexible self-drive motorboat hires from one to six hours between Teston Lock and Hamstead Lock. The emphasis is on safety briefings, handling assessments for motorboats, and enabling enjoyable time on the water.
Book with River Medway Canoes