Cotswold Boat Hire
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Cotswold Boat Hire
We now operate from Brandy Island at Buscot Lock, just near Lechlade, where you can hire everything from small electric powered open boats for a couple of hours, half day and all day cruisers, up to holiday boats for up to 6 adults for a week or so. All our boats need to be booked in advance and most of them can be BOOKED ONLINE by using the orange Price and Book tab.

We are located at the head of The Thames, so you can hire a boat to cruise the local upper reaches in the Scenic Cotswold and The Thames valley through Southern Oxfordshire, including the historic city of Oxford and the market town of Abindgdon. The Trout Inn has a riverside garden from where the boats depart and in the summer a large marquee is available for shelter.
Services
The weekend/short break hire is from 3pm Friday until 6pm Sunday, or 9am Saturday to 10.30am Monday. This duration can also be taken midweek with 5% discount as below. These are particularly suitable for guests driving some distance to reach us, or to turn a weekend into a long weekend. The refundable security deposit on this craft is 500, which we will hold against a debit or credit card.
For holiday boats (Overnight) on settlement of your balance, if you have not taken out CDW, there will be a refundable security deposit due to be held against your card of 500 against any damage you may incur. We will return this deposit if the boat is returned on time and in a satisfactory condition.
We have lots of additional details. You would need to email with the sort of craft you have and where you currently moor if you are interested in joining us. We do already have a waiting list and we can add you to that list and also mail you more details. We will eventually have indoor storage at our new site which will be able to handle boats of up to 27 ft in length.
In the meantime if you want a boat, or indeed have one to sell, please contact us for details on 01793 727083. If you wish us to sell your boat, or you sell it whilst in our care, commission fees apply. There are some variations, but generally you should budget for the greater of the minimum 500 or 8% of the sale value.
The Trout Inn has a riverside garden from where the boats depart and in the summer a large marquee is available for shelter. This, along with the Creel Bar, which is a garden bar separate from the main building, can be booked for your wedding, party or function. During the winter months there is a roaring log fire in the main bar, which has ancient wooden beams and some stone floors.
Reviews (11)
Luke Z. Ford
Luke Z. Ford
Oct 10, 2021
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Took the family out for a day on one of their hire day boats friendly family run business and covid -19 regulations standards clean lots of sights on the river to see relaxing fun and some pubs for food and drink on the journey all brilliant recommend this for everyone. ๐Ÿ˜Ž
Nicholas Bent
Nicholas Bent
Aug 10, 2021
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Easy booking system, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Boat clean and tidy. A great day out!
Mark Bainbridge
Mark Bainbridge
Jul 12, 2021
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What a wonderful day - so peaceful and such a friendly community of river users I totally recommend a day in a boat with these guys - take a picnic, lots of drinking water and someone you love
Goose Kelly
Goose Kelly
Jun 23, 2021
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I hired a small boat for my wife’s birthday in June 2021. We were given a very brief run through of the controls, the staff opened the first lock for us and we were let loose on the river.
We had a fantastic day and even though we did get some help from another skipper who was assisting another group, we pretty much managed to navigate our way up… the river and back again with no hassle.
We set off just after ten and came back just after four and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I do know they had another boat which was a bit bigger and would be more comfortable if your group is bigger
Darren Layton
Darren Layton
May 10, 2021
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We had 2 nights with 3 adults and 2 dogs on Jozel. The river is very peaceful there are people to help with the locks. As the whole thing is manageable you can relax and enjoy the countryside. The booking process was easy and friendly as was the arrival process. The boat is well equipped with everything you would need. There are lots of pubs by the side of the river -on this occasion, we didn't use them as we felt we would need to pre-book COVID :( however, we will use them next time.
Morgan Whiteside
Morgan Whiteside
Oct 28, 2019
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Avalon V...we love you!
We have just got back today from a four night cruise on the Thames.
Avalon may not have youth on her side but she makes up for that with charm and character.
I must say I think Cotswold Boat Hire are under selling this little (big) gem!
There were two adults and two 16 year old boys on our trip...and a dog.
The double cabin at the rear was comfortable enough and had plenty of storage space. Adjacent to this was the rear toilet and shower which again was more than satisfactory.
The kitchen is superbly kitted out with a large, split fridge freezer and full size sink
Thane Koldingness
Thane Koldingness
Sep 30, 2019
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There are not enough positive adjectives to described the Customer Service provided by Shirley at Cotswold Boat Hire. She goes over and above all other service I have ever received to ensure that you receive and enjoy the best possible boating experience. Indeed, the best possible holiday experience. I am so impressed and appreciative of all Shirley's efforts to make my holiday the best!! Thank you, Rita and Thane
Andy Carter
Andy Carter
Jun 17, 2019
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We picked up the boat from the The Trout at Lechlade, it was my partners birthday. The boat was ready and waiting for us. A staff member escorted us down the river showing us the where to be on the river until we arrived a the first lock then we were on our own.
We had a great time slowly meandering along the river only stopping for the locks and lunch. After lunch continuing along the river before it was time to head back. If you want a relaxing time away from it all I can recommend this.
Leanne White
Leanne White
Sep 01, 2018
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Amazing two days spent on Jozel, we cannot recommend you guys enough. The boat was beautiful, spotlessly clean with all the facilities and amenities required, we received good clear instructions on our first… (but definitely not last) river experience. A massive thank you to the whole team for an incredible experience. Even Malcolm the dog enjoyed every moment, being dog friendly made the experience even better. x
Marki Allum
Marki Allum
Nov 27, 2017
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Great place to start a river adventure, but.......the steering needs to be watched as you can drift a bit. Apart from that great fun and reasonably priced
Tom Mcgowran
Tom Mcgowran
Jun 12, 2015
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Great service. Nice clean easy to use boats. Personal service. Picked up boat from the Trout in which had good parking and excellent food and drink.