Starting Easter weekend. A new passenger Boat service arrives on the Royal Military Canal at Hythe Kent.
la tienne (she’s yours) is an electric passenger launch, she is a pretty boat purchased especially for this new attraction.
Operating under license and in partnership with Shepway District Council. Wind and Weather proof, we will sail all Summer through to late Autumn.
First trip 12 noon, each hour until 4.0pm.
Other times by appointment.
Pleasure boating has operated on the canal for more than 100 years. Boats can be hired between Easter weekend and the end of September, from one hour, up to half a day. Minimum boat charge £12 per hour:
Adults £6 each. Under 12’s £3 each. Some discounts and concessionary deals are available on request. Group bookings also available. Contact The Boatman on 07718 761236
Please read these conditions of hire carefully as they contain legal obligations and liabilities of the hirer
Sailing Times
Service starts Easter weekend.
Leaving from: 12 noon - Each hour until 4.0pm
The Boat Hut: At hourly intervals.
Other times by appointment.
Whole boat bookings available - please telephone for further details and reservations - 07885 318301
Please note
Times are correct as of 25th March 2016. However all times are approximate, and are subject to change without notice. Sailings may be affected by operational conditions beyond our control. Site signs at the pick-up-point will state the next sailing time. If traveling any distance please check availability.
Fares
One hour standard trip: Adults: £10 (over16)
Children: £5 (under 16)
2-5 year olds £1.50
Family ticket £26 (2 adults + 2 children)
Exclusive whole Boat Booking: up to eight souls - subject to safe loading. £65 an hour.
Wedding and Anniversary Trips a Speciality!
Please ask for details.
N.B. As we have limited capacity on any sailing we operate, a first come-first served system.
Please check before setting out, if you are traveling any distance as times and schedule are subject to change at short notice.
Whole Boat sailings can be booked in advance by text or email. We will confirm within 48 hours. a non-returnable 50% deposit is required. Terms and Conditions apply.
Informing you.
Telephone us on 07885 318301 and speak to The Captain of The Day.
The pick-up-point has information boards that will show the time of the next sailing, and will be updated throughout the day.
Special Trips
Such as Sunset Chaser or Bird Watching Adventures can be arranged.
Physically Impaired Passengers
We can and are pleased to accommodate our friends as above and have access for chairs and buggies at The Boat Hut Boarding Point. Because of space and weight restrictions the boat carries locks so that equipment can be secured at the departure point until your return.
We will assist you to board and disembark so that you can relax and enjoy this special experience.
Force majeure
Our attraction is fully insured and the Skippers carry Boat Handling Certificate and public liability cover.
However any activity on water is potentially hazardous, so please be aware of your own situation and that of fellow passengers onboard. Again, the Captains word is law, and any instructions will be for your benefit, with your safety in mind.
Generally a turn-up-and-go service. We operate a first come-first served basis. However, pre-booked whole boat sailings will take precedence.
The boat can accommodate up to 8 adults at any one time, subject to maximum safe loading at the discretion of the skipper.
Please do note, this is a turn-up-and-go service, so if traveling, do telephone ahead.
Sailing Times
Service starts Easter weekend. For location, please see the How to find us page.
Leaving from: The Boat Hut: At hourly intervals.
Whole boat bookings available - please telephone for further details and reservations - 07885 318301
N.B. Times are correct as of 31-3-2018. However all times are approximate, and are subject to change without notice. Sailings may be affected by operational conditions beyond our control.
Site signs will state the next sailing time.
If traveling any distance please call ahead to check before setting out.
There are no toilet facilities on board-so go before you go.
Parking
We are lucky to have plenty of free on-road parking around Hythe close to the our boarding points.
On road free parking is just a step away.
Evening Trips (6pm onwards).
Evening sailings are from 6pm onwards and start/finish at the Boat Hut, The Grove unless arranged otherwise.
Sunset Chaser
Hythe is renowned for spectacular sunsets - bring nibbles and be amazed! (hopefully) approximately 2 hours.
Longest Day - Advance bookings only
Just one opportunity a year to stay on the water late into the evening and relax in the sunset - maybe some appropriate music, bring your own refreshments, approximately 2 hours.
Whole Boat Adventure
O.K. You can reserve "la tienne" for yourselves from one hour to a whole day - Your Captain will look after your Weddings-Corporate Events-Staff Rewards-Celebrations-Picnics-Romantic Engagement Interludes-Children's Parties-Pirates-Bird Watching Excursions-Bat watch, etc.Phew! What do you want to do? We will try to help-Just ask.
£65.00 per hour -Subject to maximum safe loading.
Weddings - Please ask for a quotation and any special requirements
We can help you have the most memorable day on this special occasion.
There are Four wedding venues (3 churches and the Hotel Imperial) are close to the canal.
Pre-Ceremony
A dressed Boat and a smart Captain will pick -up the Bride-to-be and Bridesmaids and allow them to chill out on the way to the big day.
After the ceremony the Bride and Groom
The Bride and groom can relax together and gather themselves for the celebrations to come.
During the Reception
(several venues are adjacent to the water). The boat can ply the beautiful canal for photo opportunities and entertaining guests.
Any or all of the above - call us to discuss. P.S. We do have all weather covers.
How Special will this be! (terms and conditions apply).
'la tienne' is a 21ft. (6.4 metres)Frolic.
Built by Creative Marine at the Secret Boatyard, Matlaske, Norfolk. She is a sturdy, proven design, safe and pretty.The Hull is GRP and is powered by a 1.5Kw Direct Drive Electric Motor. Unladen weight is one ton.
A bank of 12 lead acid batteries supply the main power with trickle top-up assistance from photo-voltaic panels on the canopy. The solar panels charge the back up battery throughout the day, so we can always get home.
A full charge allows the boat up to 14 hours of operations subject to to load and wind conditions.
Giving 2 Horsepower the boat has a maximum speed of 5.5 k.p.h. at 1200 r.p.m.
Designed to be silent in operation and the hull giving virtually no wash. She is ideal for operations on the canal.
The Captain will give a safety briefing at the beginning of each sailing.
Our priority is the safety and comfort of our customers at all times.The canal is just 1.5 metres deep on average and there are is no current or surprises, (waterfalls, whirlpools etc.).There may be occasions when your Skipper will expect you to behave in a certain way. Please do so with the minimum amount of fuss for your own safety.
There are plenty of flat areas along the seafront and in Hythe's many green spaces where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll.
With its fabulous Festival and Venetian Fete and a winning combination of sea and greenery, sheltered alleys and higher levels, Hythe is picturesque, peaceful, friendly and perfectly placed.
Hythe is a fascinating town of interweaving scenes and contrasts. First theres the sea and the shingle beach, behind it swathes of parks and greenery leading to the grand wide canal and country park.
The central High Street and heart of the town shelters behind the canal and its surrounding parkland, while the town centre itself masks the hills behind. Alleys from the High Street lead steeply upwards to a higher level of parallel road thats packed with beautiful old houses and cottages.
Above these cottages is the highest of the towns three levels, where the magnificent church of St Leonards sits alone, commanding views across the rooftops all around.
Theres a friendly, old world atmosphere in the 1940s-style shops, yet Hythe is close to London and near enough to France to do your shopping plus its tailor made for outdoor activities, from sailing and windsurfing to swimming to golf.
In the aftermath of the French Revolution, a young military genius named Napoleon Bonaparte emerged from the turmoil with a vision of a united Europe under French rule. Under his leadership France set about waging war on its neighbours, declaring war on England in 1793. An uneasy peace was settled in 1802 through the Peace of Amiens, but the countries were soon at war again. Napoleon saw England as the key to conquering Europe.
The Royal Military Canal Path runs for 28 miles along the entire length of the Royal Military Canal from Seabrook, Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex. The route treads a path between the vast openness of the Romney Marsh and the old cliff line with its wooded hills and quiet villages. Walking along the quiet canal banks today it is easy to forget that this was once the scene of intense military activity. Now, much of the drama on the canal comes from the variety of wildlife that has made the canal its home. Many public footpaths link to the Royal Military Canal Path, so it is easy to plan circular routes that take in sections of the canal. For those who prefer to stay close to the water, you can walk the length of the canal in stages.
This 13 mile (20.9km) route is almost entirely traffic free, and follows along the banks of the tranquil Royal Military Canal. Perfect for walking or cycling. This short cycle route takes you along a lovely cycle-able
section of the Royal Military Canal near Hythe. There’s much to enjoy on this route as there are lovely sections along the coast and the canal with views of Port Lympne Wild Animal Park an added bonus. You’ll also pass interesting historical landmark Portus Lemanis Roman Fort and the medieval Lympne Castle.
Stocked with fish in 1806 The Royal Military Canal it ‘abounded with large carp,tench, perch, pike, eels and every other species of freshwater fish’. Field officers and some country gentlemen were given permits in the summer to fish from the tow-path side only. Today, the canal is one of the best areas in Kent for coarse fishing and still has a large quantity and variety of species. From Seabrook to Iden Lock the canal’s waters are club controlled. It is possible to fish these stretches of the canal without being a member of the relevant clubs by obtaining a day permit. Contact the individual fishing clubs for more information on day permit fishing and how to obtain one.
Anglers - Please note: The Electric Boat sails throughout the day, Summer to late Autumn.
The Royal Military Canal was never intended for navigation, being primarily a defensive structure. However, in a bid to raise much needed money from the enterprise the canal was opened for public use and tolls were charged. The canal was mainly used by barges carrying shingle and other cargoes, although there was a regular passenger service which ran from Hythe to Rye. The canal remained steadily busy until the Ashford to Hastings railway was opened in 1851 - this took away most of the traffic. Barges continued to use the canal sporadically until the last toll paying barge travelled through Iden Lock in December 1909. Boats can be hired between Easter weekend and the end of September, from one hour to up to half a day for £12 an hour.
The Royal Military Canal is an excellent place to see wildlife. The verdant, tranquil banks provide an ideal home for many creatures: whatever the season, whatever the weather there will be something to be seen enjoying the canal.The majestic mute swan can be found all along the canal as can the grey heron, as it waits patiently to make the most of the canal’s bountiful fish stocks. A flash of blue or orange darting low over the water will indicate the presence of a kingfisher, and a noisy cuffuffle from the reeds or a loud squawk will probably be a moorhen nervously making its way through life. Throughout the summer months the quarrelsome song of the reed warbler can be heard as it goes about its life unseen in the reeds.
Please Note
Times are correct as of 25th March 2018. However all times are approximate, and are subject to change without notice. Sailings may be affected by operational conditions beyond our control. Site signs at the pick-up-point will state the next sailing time. If traveling any distance please check availability.
Fares
One hour standard trip: Adults: £10 (over16)
Children: £5 (under 16)
Family ticket £26 (2 adults + 2 children)
Exclusive whole Boat Booking: up to eight souls - subject to safe loading. £65 an hour.
Wedding Trips a Speciality!
Please ask for details.
N.B. As we have limited capacity on any sailing we operate, a first come-first served system.
Please check before setting out, if you are traveling any distance as times and schedule are subject to change at short notice.
Whole Boat sailings
Whole Boat sailings can be booked in advance by text or email. We will confirm within 48 hours. a non-returnable 50% deposit is usually required. Terms and Conditions apply.
Informing you.
Telephone us on 07885 318301 and speak to The Captain of The Day.
The pick-up-point has information boards that will show the time of the next sailing, and will be updated throughout the day.
Special Trips
Such as Sunset Chaser or Bird Watching Adventures will be posted on our website as they are arranged.
Physically Impaired Passengers
We can and are pleased to accommodate our friends as above and have access for chairs and buggies at The Boat Hut Boarding Point. Because of space and weight restrictions the boat carries locks so that equipment can be secured at the departure point until your return.
We will assist you to board and disembark so that you can relax and enjoy this special experience.
Force majeure
Our attraction is fully insured and the Skippers carry Boat Handling Certificate and public liability cover.
However any activity on water is potentially hazardous, so please be aware of your own situation and that of fellow passengers onboard. Again, the Captains word is law, and any instructions will be for your benefit, with your safety in mind.
By Road: Hythe is on the A259 which gives direct access from the Kent and Sussex coast. Hythe Military Canal is only 3 miles from the M20 junction 11, which makes the Electric Boat Trips easily accessible from London, the M25, the Channel ports and the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone.
By Bus: Buses serve Hythe from Ashford, Canterbury, Hastings, Rye, Folkestone and Dover.
By Rail: Travel via Ashford
to Folkestone Central or the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
By Coach: Natonal Express service 021 operates daily between London and Hythe.
Electric Boat Trips The Boat Hut Royal Military Canal
Hythe Kent CT21 6AX Telephone or Text: 07885 318301
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