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The best Lincolnshire boat trips to try in 2026
Discover city, countryside and coast in Lincolnshire, where historic market towns meet an award-winning coastline. Experience the best of Britain’s Best Small City from a whole new perspective with Lincolnshire boat trips.
Whether you want to drift beneath a medieval bridge with a cream tea in hand, spot grey seals out on The Wash, or take the helm of your own boat for the afternoon (go on — you can do it), there's a Lincolnshire boat trip with your name on it. Here's where to start.
Key takeaways
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Scenic Sightseeing Cruises: Explore historic Lincoln, charming waterways, and award-winning coastline on guided boat trips in Lincolnshire.
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Wildlife Encounters: Spot seals, migratory birds, and other local wildlife on river and sea trips like Boston Belle and Rutland Water Cruises.
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Self-Drive & Private Hire Options: Fancy being captain for the day? Grab the helm with self-drive hire at Burton Waters and Spalding Water Taxi.
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Family-Friendly Adventures: Lincolnshire boat trips cater to all ages, with heated indoor seating, top decks, and accessible cruises.
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Water Sports & Activities: Combine your boat trip with kayaking, paddleboarding, open-water swimming, or jet-skiing at Activities Away.
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Historic & Cultural Tours: Learn about Lincolnshire’s heritage on trips such as Oliver Boat Trips and Brayford Belle, featuring commentary and picturesque canals.
Fancy waking up in Lincolnshire?
If you’re already sold on Lincolnshire boat trips, why not make it more than just a day trip? Take a look at our Lincolnshire holidays, including resorts at Tattershall Lakes, Appletree, Cleethorpe Pearl and Kenwick Park, just around the corner from some of these waterway adventures.
Ready to turn Lincolnshire into your next great adventure?
If you’re loving all the amazing boat trips here, just picture stepping outside and being ready to set sail whenever you like! Check out our Lincolnshire holiday homes for sale and see how your dream getaway could become your everyday reality.
Best boat trips in Lincolnshire: Our top picks
Get out on the water with the best boat trips in Lincolnshire, spot seals, migrating birds, and all the sights the historic county offers.
Oliver Boat Trips
First up is Oliver Boat Trips, where you can enjoy cream tea and coffee. See the sites of old Lincoln as you meander through the town’s waterways and under the UK’s oldest bridge. They’ll even provide banners if it’s your birthday!
Find out moreThis affordable Lincolnshire boat trip is a great way to see the city. It adds an extra layer of excitement as you sit back and relax to take in the sights. Plus, there is a self-drive hire boat on which you can captain your own ship for 20 minutes.
Staying at Tattershall Lakes or Appletree? Lincoln is around 18 miles away — an easy 30-minute drive that makes Oliver Boat Trips a great morning or afternoon out.
- Best for: First-time visitors to Lincoln, couples, birthday treats.
- Highlights: UK’s oldest bridge, guided commentary, self-drive taster option.
Splading Water Taxi
This next Lincolnshire boat trip lets you cruise down the river between Springfields Outlet Shopping and Spalding Town Centre. Spalding Water Taxi has been running since 2007 and now not only offers relaxing trips, but you can hire self-drive boats and private charters too.
A Lincolnshire boat trip institution since 2007, the Spalding Water Taxi takes you along the river between Springfields Outlet Shopping and Spalding Town Centre. Relaxed, scenic, and a genuinely lovely way to see the town. Now with self-drive boat hire and private charters added to the mix, it works just as well for a spontaneous trip as it does for something special.
Good to know if you're shopping at Springfields — this is the most relaxing way to get between the two. Just saying.
Tattershall Lakes is around 25 miles from Spalding, making it easy to build this into a day out across the Fens.
- Best for: Independent explorers, groups, special occasions
- Highlights: Self-drive hire, private charter, scenic river route
Activities Away
Based at an old gravel pit just outside Lincoln, Activities Away offers a new type of boat trip in Lincolnshire. There's a water activity for everyone, from open-water swimming lessons and kayak and paddleboard rentals to jet ski and powerboat courses!
Based at an old gravel pit just outside Lincoln, Activities Away offers a new type of boat trip in Lincolnshire. There's a water activity for everyone, from open-water swimming lessons and kayak and paddleboard rentals to jet ski and powerboat courses!
Guests at Tattershall Lakes or Appletree are around 25 miles away — close enough to make a fun half-day of it and be back for dinner.
- Best for: Thrill-seekers, groups, team-building events
- Highlights: Jet ski courses, powerboat experiences, paddleboarding, open-water swimming
Burton Waters Experience
Eleven miles of waterways. Pubs, restaurants, and picnic spots dotted along the way. A fleet of four self-drive boats takes between six and eight passengers. And yes — there's a pet-friendly option, so the dog doesn't have to sit this one out.
The Burton Waters Experience is one of the most laid-back Lincolnshire boat trips going, and because full training is provided on the day, there's zero pressure if you've never been at the helm before. Boats run every day, 10 am to 4 pm. Turn up, get briefed, set sail. Simple.
Around 24 miles from Tattershall Lakes, it's well worth the day trip.
- Best for: Families, dog owners, groups of friends
- Highlights: Pet-friendly boats, no experience needed, 11 miles of waterways
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Training is provided on the day, so you don’t need any experience. Boats are available to rent every day of the week between 10am and 4pm.
Brayford Belle Boat Trip
This Lincolnshire boat trip will take you on a 50-60-minute guided cruise with commentary, exploring the sights and history of Lincoln from the Brayford Waterfront.
Meander up the canal aboard the Bayford Belle, no matter the weather. With heated indoor seating and a top deck under a canopy, you can take in Lincolnshire's sights from a new perspective.
Kenwick Park guests are around 28 miles from the Brayford Waterfront, and Tattershall Lakes is just 20 miles away — perfect for a cultural morning on the water.
- Best for: History lovers, tourists, those who want a relaxed, informative experience
- Highlights: Expert guided commentary, all-weather comfort, iconic Brayford Waterfront views
Chesterfield Canal Boat
For those who want to venture a little further, the Chesterfield Canal Trust runs trips across some genuinely beautiful stretches of waterway, with departure points at Chesterfield, Hollingwood Hub, Shireoaks, Worksop, and Ranby. Wildlife, history, and proper peace and quiet in equal measure.
It's a little further afield than the Lincoln-based trips, but if you're spending a few days exploring the wider region, or looking for something completely different, this is well worth the journey.
Heading out from Tattershall Lakes or Kenwick Park? Factor in a couple of hours driving and make a proper day of it.
- Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, those exploring the wider region
- Highlights: Multiple departure points, abundant wildlife, beautiful canal scenery
Boston Belle River and Sea Trips
Cruise up and down the River Witham and on The Wash from Boston with Boston Belle River and Sea Trips.
Now, with a new riverboat called Prince George, these Lincolnshire boat trips provide the perfect opportunity to see the seals on the River Welland and are also available for private and party hire!
Tattershall Lakes and Appletree are around 15 miles from Boston — an easy drive through the Lincolnshire flatlands before you hit the water.
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, seal-spotters, photography enthusiasts
- Highlights: Seal watching on the River Welland, sea trips on The Wash, private hire
Rutland Water Cruises
Board The Rutland Belle and enjoy one of the most scenic boat trips in the Lincolnshire region. This family-run business (going strong since 1986) cruises Rutland Water from Whitwell on the North Shore all the way to Normanton on the South Shore, with expert commentary throughout.
Running from April to October, expect stunning reservoir views, plenty of waterbirds, and the kind of afternoon that makes you wonder why you don't do this more often.
Tattershall Lakes is around 40 miles away — well worth the drive for a peaceful couple of hours on the water.
- Best for: Families, birdwatchers, nature lovers
- Highlights: Scenic reservoir views, expert commentary, waterbird spotting
On the cruise, you can expect to enjoy the surrounding scenery and see sailors, anglers, and waterbirds. An added perk is the commentary, so you don’t miss a thing.Â
Set sail on the best boat trips in Lincolnshire!
What are you waiting for? Pack your raincoat and sunglasses and set sail on the best boat trips in Lincolnshire to make the most of your getaway today.Â
From sightseeing to leisurely cruises and seal-spotting, Lincolnshire boat trips are the perfect way to take in the marvels of this wonderful county.Â
Book your break today to start exploring!Â
Making the most of Lincolnshire boat trips
What is the best time of year for Lincolnshire boat trips?
Most of the best Lincolnshire boat trips run year-round, but summer (June to August) is the sweet spot for open-top cruising and water sports. Spring and autumn are fantastic for wildlife — particularly seal spotting and birdwatching, when migration season brings all sorts to the county's rivers and coastline. And if you're visiting Lincoln in winter, the Brayford Belle is wonderfully atmospheric, especially during the famous Christmas markets.
Are Lincolnshire boat trips suitable for children?
Absolutely. Many of the best boat trips in Lincolnshire are specifically designed with families in mind. Burton Waters needs no experience, takes up to eight passengers per boat, and has a pet-friendly option too. The Brayford Belle's heated indoor seating means younger ones stay comfortable whatever the weather. For older kids and teenagers, Activities Away is a dream — paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet ski courses make for a day they'll actually want to talk about.
Do I need experience to hire a self-drive boat in Lincolnshire?
Not at all. Burton Waters and Oliver Boat Trips both provide training or tasters on the day. Spalding Water Taxi walks you through everything before you head off. The water is more welcoming than you might think!
How much do Lincolnshire boat trips cost?
It varies. Guided cruises like the Brayford Belle and Oliver Boat Trips are the most affordable entry points. Self-drive hire and water sports experiences are priced higher depending on duration and group size. Always check directly with operators for the latest pricing.
What is the best seal-watching boat trip in Lincolnshire?
Boston Belle River and Sea Trips is widely regarded as the best option for seal watching in Lincolnshire. Departing from Boston, the trip takes you along the River Welland, where grey seals are regularly spotted. Spring and autumn tend to offer the best seal-watching conditions.
Are Lincolnshire boat trips suitable for people with limited mobility?
Several operators, including the Brayford Belle, cater for passengers with accessibility requirements. It's always best to contact the operator in advance to discuss specific needs, as facilities and access vary.
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Victoria Bedford
Victoria is a passionate leader who loves building happy, motivated teams that genuinely enjoy what they do. She’s also a natural when it comes to connecting with guests, always happy to chat and share her favourite local spots. Her recommendations range from coastal favourites like Cleethorpes Beach and Skegness Beach, to great days out at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park and Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary. She also loves pointing people towards the natural beauty of Lincolnshire Wolds and the history of Lincoln Castle.
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