Lee Valley Boat Centre
Lee Valley Boat Centre
Lee Valley Boat Centre
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
216 reviews
Excellent
141
Very good
58
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Ruby Rowallan
39 contributions
Sep 2021
I hired Mr Owl (10 person) narrowboat for a day trip with six colleagues who had never been on the canals before.
The site has plenty of parking and a short walk from Broxbourne railway station. It is also a short walk from a great little café that does breakfast.
Our boat was ready at 9.30. We were given basic instructions and this may be because I am an experienced boater. Not sure if it would be enough for the uninitiated to get through a lock but one of the men did walk down to the first lock to make sure all was well.
The boat was well equipped although we couldn't get the oven to fire up to warm some croissants. There were cleaning materials and a proper bin and the WC was a good size and clean.
I wouldn't rely on being able to moor and eat out during the day as the towpath towards Ware was extremely busy with people clearly not there on a quick stopover so take food or have a long walk.
I wouldn't want to have 10 adults on board. You can only have two people on the stern at a time so getting the other 8 in the well deck would be a struggle and if it is a nice day people won't want to sit inside. Seven was a reasonable number in a boat of this size but if you have kids then it would be less of an issue. there was a different boat that had more outdoor space so look at the options before you book. I am sure the marina staff will advise your best option.
Booking was easy and the staff accommodating when I had to change arrangements twice.
There is a great pub with excellent food directly opposite so maybe snack during the day and go for dinner when you give the boat back. That's what we did and it worked really well.
At least one of my colleagues is now booking to take his family so pleased to have been able to introduce new people to the delights of the canal network and a good marina.
The site has plenty of parking and a short walk from Broxbourne railway station. It is also a short walk from a great little café that does breakfast.
Our boat was ready at 9.30. We were given basic instructions and this may be because I am an experienced boater. Not sure if it would be enough for the uninitiated to get through a lock but one of the men did walk down to the first lock to make sure all was well.
The boat was well equipped although we couldn't get the oven to fire up to warm some croissants. There were cleaning materials and a proper bin and the WC was a good size and clean.
I wouldn't rely on being able to moor and eat out during the day as the towpath towards Ware was extremely busy with people clearly not there on a quick stopover so take food or have a long walk.
I wouldn't want to have 10 adults on board. You can only have two people on the stern at a time so getting the other 8 in the well deck would be a struggle and if it is a nice day people won't want to sit inside. Seven was a reasonable number in a boat of this size but if you have kids then it would be less of an issue. there was a different boat that had more outdoor space so look at the options before you book. I am sure the marina staff will advise your best option.
Booking was easy and the staff accommodating when I had to change arrangements twice.
There is a great pub with excellent food directly opposite so maybe snack during the day and go for dinner when you give the boat back. That's what we did and it worked really well.
At least one of my colleagues is now booking to take his family so pleased to have been able to introduce new people to the delights of the canal network and a good marina.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elephantemg
Hertfordshire, UK546 contributions
Aug 2019
This year we took out widebeam dayboat Mr Mole. After some delay on getting off (we were ready before the outer boat was) we headed south.
Boatyard advised some people that we could not go through lock 4, and others interpreted as 4th lock, but it seems both are true, though clarity and readons would have been appreciated.
The boat was well equipped except for matches of which there were 2....limited cups of tea then!
There was plenty of room for 8 adults to sit inside or outside.
We had a great day, aided by the sun which came out late morning. I would definitely recommend the widebeam!
Boatyard advised some people that we could not go through lock 4, and others interpreted as 4th lock, but it seems both are true, though clarity and readons would have been appreciated.
The boat was well equipped except for matches of which there were 2....limited cups of tea then!
There was plenty of room for 8 adults to sit inside or outside.
We had a great day, aided by the sun which came out late morning. I would definitely recommend the widebeam!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer56505164336
Waltham Cross, UK2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Superb people who make the whole experience simple, fun and easy.
We have sailed in 2 of the larger canal boats and would very much recommend going up the river and stiopping at the pubs there for lunch / drinks etc. as the whole day out experience is so lovely.
Kids enjoyed doing the lockas (as did most of the adults) and we had a physical yet relaxing couple of days out with family that we'd heartily recommend to others.
For those wishing for less involved starts just try the pedalows or smaller motor boats both of which are good fun too!
We have sailed in 2 of the larger canal boats and would very much recommend going up the river and stiopping at the pubs there for lunch / drinks etc. as the whole day out experience is so lovely.
Kids enjoyed doing the lockas (as did most of the adults) and we had a physical yet relaxing couple of days out with family that we'd heartily recommend to others.
For those wishing for less involved starts just try the pedalows or smaller motor boats both of which are good fun too!
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulfreda
Loughton37 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Me and my family of 3 hired mr otter for the day and we all thoroughly enjoyed it the boat was well equipped with on board wc, gas hob,hot and cold water. We have done boating holidays before but never on a canal. The staff showed us how to use the locks which I was worried about having not used them before.
Just a shame they don’t do holidays as we would 100% do it
Just a shame they don’t do holidays as we would 100% do it
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Babs
Kimpton, UK10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Lovely family day out for 3 generations. We returned this year to go north on Mr Mole, having gone south on Mr Badger last year.
The booking and payment process was easy, the staff friendly and knowledgeable.
On the day everything went smoothly and even the weather obliged and the rain held off.
This time we opted to have lunch at the Jolly Fisherman at the half way point of our journey and we weren’t disappointed.
The only negatives were that the boat could do with a little tlc.
We couldn’t put drinks on the table as it wasn’t level, the cover for the gas hob needs a clip to hold it up as it fell down on the kettle while the gas was on and the toilet door didn’t stay shut when not in use.
That said, it’s still a great way to spend a day with our family.
The booking and payment process was easy, the staff friendly and knowledgeable.
On the day everything went smoothly and even the weather obliged and the rain held off.
This time we opted to have lunch at the Jolly Fisherman at the half way point of our journey and we weren’t disappointed.
The only negatives were that the boat could do with a little tlc.
We couldn’t put drinks on the table as it wasn’t level, the cover for the gas hob needs a clip to hold it up as it fell down on the kettle while the gas was on and the toilet door didn’t stay shut when not in use.
That said, it’s still a great way to spend a day with our family.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wenmon17
London, UK79 contributions
Aug 2021
Took a day boat out, Mr Badger, as an extended family get together. The boat is excellent, lots of room for socialising, kitchen facilities were more than good enough and well equipped. You don’t need to have done this before, they are easy to operate boats and you get full instruction. The steering takes a few minutes ti get used to and after an hour your an expert! The children loved it, helping with the locks, watching the nature and learning to steer the boat (supervised by an adult). We had teas and coffees and warmed up croissants for breakfast on arrival( oven on board), big buffet fir lunch (fridge on board) and the afternoon tea on the home leg!!! The river is very pretty(south bound) and quiet so we never queued for a lock and made it all very relaxing. There is a free car park opposite the centre and sat nav took us right outside the centre so no problems finding it.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream301211
United Kingdom1 contribution
Aug 2020
Fabulous day today on an electric boat cruising down the River Lee. Staff are friendly, helpful and courteous. All precautions put in place for health and hygiene requirements for COVID 19.
It really is a lovely boat ride with beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this for families.
It really is a lovely boat ride with beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this for families.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damonwalker666
Hatfield, UK546 contributions
Jul 2020
Another fantastic day out , very efficiant booking system.
Free parking across the road, bonus.
We upgraded to Mr Mole a wide beam boat to allow more freedom of movement and it was awesome.
Lots of great facilities on board.
Such a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy a day on the river.
Free parking across the road, bonus.
We upgraded to Mr Mole a wide beam boat to allow more freedom of movement and it was awesome.
Lots of great facilities on board.
Such a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy a day on the river.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susan b
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Mothers Day. Thought we would try something different. Three course dinner along the river Lea on the Lady of the Lea. We read reviews and saw pictures, looked lovely. How wrong and deceiving. The meal was dreadful. Couldn’t cut the roast beef, all one slice of it. The potatoes were aunt Bessie’s as was the puds. The dessert was as bad. So disappointed and embarrassing that I took my mum for her day out to such an appallingly bad meal. Never returning 😡
Written March 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WatfordFamily
Watford17 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
I went to this boat centre as a family day out to celebrate my birthday. We were told you could not pre book small boats so joined the very long queue for nearly 90mins, when we got to the window we were told abruptly that all electric boats were suspended for 60 mins and to come back later and re queue!! We were told that our party of five could not have a row boat or pedlow. Throughout all the time spent queuing no information or advise was given to the people waiting, several boats were moored up out of action and the many staff there didn't appear to be doing anything. Poor customer service and basic manners, counter service was just rude.
Written April 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Website says no for the small hourly hire boats but yes for at least some of the larger ones.
Written October 30, 2019
Can I book a narrow boat for the day on the 11th August and if so how much would it cost and what are the hours
Thanks
Lorena
Written July 30, 2018
Hi, unfortunately we are fully booked on 11th August, try looking on our website for current availability.
Written July 31, 2018
Have you changed your ridiculous and discriminatory blanket same sex double deposit and ID policy yet?
Written January 3, 2017
Can anyone tell me how much it was to hire the electric boat. Many thanks
Written March 16, 2016
Ged W
Broxbourne, United Kingdom
Hi.
Electric boats:
4 Seater £19.00, 5 Seater £20:00, 7 Seater £27:00 and 8 Seater £30:00 for an hour. All require a £20 security deposit.
Written March 21, 2016
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