Rowing Boat Hire Tonbridge, Kent
Rowing boats are now closed until 2024



Located next to The Big Bridge in Tonbridge High Street, we offer easily accessible rowing boats for hire by the hour.

If a peaceful guided trip is not energetic enough for you then we have rowing boats for hire.

TonbridgeRiverTrips_DisabilitySign (4K)If any person in the party has a disability please contact us to discuss requirements and access before travelling.



Tonbridge Boat Hire FAQ



Rowing boats are available from 1100 to last hire at 4pm... (weather and river permitting)
See schedule generally they operate:-

  • May to July - weekends plus bank holidays
  • School Summer Holidays - Everyday
  • September - weekends
  • October to May - closed

There is no need to book, boat hire is on the basis of turn up and go with first come first served,
if we are busy then we will take your phone number and call you when a boat is available.
If you are visiting or travelling from outside the Tonbridge area,
email your request in advance and we will do our best to get you afloat.

There is no need to book, boat hire is on the basis of turn up and go with first come first served.
If you are travelling from outside the Tonbridge area
phone on 07308 956947 after 11am and we'll help all we can.

Multi boat, extended hires, or special occasion - bookings can be arranged in advance by emailing.

The boats are designed to hold a maximum 400Kg (60St) and be easily rowed,
so can take up to 4 adults and 2 children

Sorry no, under 2's are not permitted on rowing boats.

We insist that under 14's wear a buoyancy aid
we will provide them, we also have limited stock of adult sizes if requested.

We advise rowing upstream and going to the right,
round the island, keeping the island on your left side, do not pass under the railway bridge
but return downstream back to the mooring. We provide a briefing and a map to help.

The hire is for one hour, please adhere to the time as we will have other bookings waiting,
if you are uncertain of making it round the island in time, turn round after 30 minutes and come back.
If you are at, or have passed the railway bridge you are half way.
Extended hire is available by the hour, late return will incur additional cost.

We provide a map in the boats with our emergency contact number,
call us, there is a power boat providing safety cover.

An adult (16+) is required to be in the boat and be responsible for the hire at all times.

The cost of boat hire is £5 per Adult and £3 for under 16's with a minimum hire of £10 per hour,
Payment is before the hire, by cash or card,
proof of ID plus and/or a mobile number will be required prior to the hire.

The best contact is in advance by email or on the day call 07308 956947 after 11am.



Tonbridge Rowing Boat Hire Terms and Conditions


Ver 10 Dec 2022



  1. A boat hire is for any number up to 6 (max 4 adults else mix adults and children over 2 and under 16's) per boat.
  2. Advance booking is not generally available, boat hire is on the basis of first come first served - if we are busy then we will take your phone number and call you when a boat is available.
  3. Booking is at our discretion for multiple boats, events, or if you are visiting / travelling to get to Tonbridge, please email in advance so we can try to meet your request.
  4. Boat hire can only be made on days/times when we are running, to hire or enquire about days or times outside these please email us,
  5. Under 2's are not permitted on rowing boats
  6. Children (under16) and vulnerable adults MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).
  7. The charges for rowing boat hire are £5 for adults, £3 for under 16's - per hour, minimum charge £10 we accept cash and cards.
  8. The hire starts and ends from the Big Bridge in Tonbridge High Street access via the steps, please wait in the area above the mooring, away from the gate and steps until called.
  9. When a boat is ready you will be invited down to the boat, please feel free to use hand sanitiser provided before the hire and upon return.
  10. On the mooring we will take a contact name and number, take payment, provide a quick briefing, and assist you boarding the boat.
  11. For your safety, please follow all the managers' instructions Wait for the manager to steady and secure the boat before embarking or disembarking. Be aware that you maybe unsteady when disembarking.
  12. For your safety please minimise standing and moving around in the boat.
  13. The rowing area is limited downstream by the Town lock and upstream by the Railway Bridge, this provides a large area of slow moving Medway River to explore. Do not exceed the limits without prior permission.
  14. Buoyancy aids must be worn by under 14's and are available to all on request.
  15. Removing a boat from the river will be considered as theft and the police will be informed.
  16. Keep to the right-hand side of the river if you meet other boats or craft
  17. Late return, damage, or loss of equipment will incur additional charges.
  18. Tonbridge River Trips undertake to supply equipment fit for purpose to the hirer.
  19. Tonbridge River Trips reserves the right to refuse or to end a hire to any person(s) without prejudice, explanation, or refund.
  20. All water activity carries a risk, when you hire you are accepting this as your own risk.
  21. Tonbridge River Trips reserves the right to alter this information at any time.


  22. pdf (59K)

    Click to download the Rowing - Terms & Conditions