Surrey has more water than its reputation suggests. The Wey runs through Guildford and Godalming, the Basingstoke Canal crosses the north-west of the county, and the Thames makes the northern edge. Each suits a different kind of day. Prices below are given only where they are published; for the rest, ring the operator before you set out.
The River Wey
The Wey was one of the first British rivers made navigable, opening to barge traffic in 1653. The Wey Navigation runs 15½ miles from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge, and the Godalming Navigation, which opened in 1764, adds a further four miles. The National Trust owns and maintains both. Visit South East England calls the Godalming to Guildford stretch, about four miles, the prettiest.
Dapdune Wharf, Guildford
The easiest introduction is the electric boat trip from Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, a former industrial wharf and boatbuilders' yard. Trips run from 21 March to 8 November in the 2026 season, Thursday to Monday, with six departures a day: 11am, 11.50am, 12.40pm, 2pm, 2.50pm and 3.40pm. Each takes about 40 minutes.
The bookable boat is Dapdune Belle, which carries 12 passengers plus the skipper. Hiring the whole boat costs £75. Individual tickets are sold too, and cost the same for members and non-members. Book online in advance, as paying on the day is not guaranteed, and note that trips do not run when the river is in flood. Longer half-day trips on Dapdune Belle are listed from September into November. It suits families, visitors and anyone who wants the river without any effort. The number to call is 01483 561389.
Farncombe Boat House, Godalming
For something you steer yourself, Farncombe Boat House at Catteshall Lock, Catteshall Road, Godalming, hires rowing boats, punts and canoes by the hour or day. There are also four purpose-built day narrowboats for family or business outings, and a riverside bistro. The operator says it is open from Easter to the end of October, seven days a week, and that prices vary by month, by midweek or weekend and by boat, so call 01483 421306 for a quote.
WeyDays, West Byfleet
WeyDays Boat Hire at Parvis Wharf Boatyard, 4 Old Parvis Road, West Byfleet, offers self-drive full-day and half-day hire on small, manoeuvrable boats. It is aimed at beginners as well as experienced boaters, and day hires include an introduction and hands-on instruction through the first lock. Holiday narrowboats and charter hire are also available. Check current rates on its website.
Bringing your own boat
Anyone launching a canoe, kayak or paddleboard on the Wey needs a licence. The National Trust publishes annual, visitor and portable-craft licences for 2026, and applications go to riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
The Basingstoke Canal
The canal is about 32 miles long, from Greywell in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey, with flights of locks in the county and lakes and flashes near Mytchett.
The base for a day on the water is the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett. Pedalos, canoes, sit-on-top kayaks and rowing boats are available at weekends and school holidays from Easter to the end of September, and Visit South East England says hire runs daily during the summer holidays, weather permitting. The trip boat is Rosebud, and public trips run at weekends and on some weekdays in school holidays. Call the visitor centre on 01252 370073 for times and prices.
The Basingstoke Canal Society also runs boats in Woking and Mytchett. The 50-seat John Pinkerton II offers public trips, themed cruises and charter (07506 864411, 10am to 6pm), and the smaller Kitty runs trips in the summer months. It is a good choice for a group birthday afloat.
The Thames
Chertsey Meads Marine, The Meads, Chertsey, hires self-drive motor boats by the day. Bookings are by phone only on 01932 564699 or by email. Its published list, weekend then weekday, runs from the small Perky Pike at £170 and £150 for a day to Molly May at £485 and £420 for 10am to 6pm. Shorter slots are available on some boats, such as three and a half hours on Perky Pike. A £150 booking deposit is needed, plus a card security deposit. The rates are labelled for 2025 on the page, so confirm them when you ring.
For a trip with commentary rather than a tiller, French Brothers runs public sailings from Runnymede towards Windsor, passing Magna Carta sites. The 2026 timetable runs to 1 November, with 40-minute and two-hour trips. Windsor is in Berkshire, so treat it as a day that begins in Surrey. Phone 01753 851900 for fares.
Choosing
Easiest: the electric trip from Dapdune Wharf, Guildford.
Steer it yourself, gently: Farncombe Boat House, Godalming, or WeyDays, West Byfleet.
With children: pedalos at the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett.
A full day on the Thames: Chertsey Meads Marine.
Prices change by season and many firms quote by phone, so treat the figures here as a guide. Further details are on the National Trust boat trips page, the Chertsey Meads Marine price list and the Hampshire County Council canal page.
