Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for winter 2022 - Click here for bridge closure info

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Boat Hire In Bedford

Iconic Dragon Boats

Hire On Weekends & Holidays

Hire On Weekends & Holidays

We've been at it, replicating our old fleet to bring you this brand new, unique and special design of dragon style boats, iconic to Bedford boating lake.

Hire On Weekends & Holidays

Hire On Weekends & Holidays

Hire On Weekends & Holidays

Check our opening schedule below to be sure, but as a rule the boats will be open on Saturdays and Sundays and during local school breaks, weather permitting. 

Safe And Clean

Walk in riders only

Walk in riders only

We recommend using one of our life vests provided at no extra cost. Your boat will be cleaned before you ride, with staff on hand throughout your hire.

Walk in riders only

Walk in riders only

Walk in riders only

You cant book this service at the moment, please come along. If you are not sure about the weather please call us.

Opening Hours

During Local School Term Times 

Saturdays 10:00 - 15:00

Sundays 10:00 - 15:00


 School Summer Holidays

Monday - Friday 10:00 - 15:00

Saturdays 10:00 - 16:30

Sundays 10:00 - 16:30 



End of season dates

These are the final opening dates for 2022, if the date is not shown the service will be closed. Back in 2023.

Saturday 22nd October

Saturday 29th October

Sunday 30th October 

Hire Tariff

Prices to ride

Up to a maximum of 4 people can ride for this price.

30 minute hire

£20

Enough time to get to the top and back at at slow pace.

45 minute hire

£25

Take another lap, swap rowers and relax.

60 minute hire

£30

Catch a tan, watch the wildlife and really take your time.

A £10 deposit is required in addition on all tariffs. Dont be late back, damage or dirty the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at hello@thelongholme.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Due to vessel stability and insurance conditions we strictly limit this to 4 people per boat, this number includes infants & smaller children


To hire a boat on your own, you need to be over the age of 16.

Riders under the age of 16 must have consent given by a guardian who is with them. Said guardian will need to sign the hire agreement. Management will asses each group individually with a view on safety and suitability and have the right to decline hire based on this. All riders need to be 12 months or older to board.


Provided that you haven't broken the rules etc, if you paid your deposit in cash it will be returned to you when your hire is finished. If you paid on Card, it is possible that refunds may take 48 hours to appear back on your account, although funds are often cleared for the next day. 


No. Please do not consume anything except water when riding. 


Yes. Please clean up any hair and other dog related 'mess' before you get back to the jetty. Be sure you keep your dog on a lead for the duration of your hire. Wildlife such as swans have priority and should not be distressed by dogs. Life jackets for dogs are not available. 


No sorry. Staff are on hand for safety when loading and un loading. They can guide you if you are new to rowing but will not be able to board the boat with you. 


The Rules

RESPECT THE BOAT, OTHERS AND WILDLIFE

  

  • NO STANDING UP WHEN RIDING 
  •  NO ROCKING OR BUMPING INTO OTHER BOATS
  • NO SPLASHING OTHER USERS ON LAKE
  • DO NOT LEAVE THE BOAT DURING THE HIRE
  • NO MORE THAN 4 PEOPLE IN ANY ONE BOAT
  • RETURN ON TIME OR YOUR DEPOSIT WILL BE DEDUCTED
  • NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN THE BOATS, EXCEPT BOTTLED WATER
  • RESPECT WILDLIFE AND NESTING AREAS – DO NOT BOARD THE ISLANDS.
  • DO NOT DISEMBARK THE BOATS WITHOUT STAFF ASSISTANCE. 
  • IF YOU ARE STUCK OR IN DANGER CALL 01234 954913
  • MINIMUM AGE TO RIDE IS 12 MONTHS 
  • CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD MUST WEAR A LIFE VEST


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Find out more

 © 2022 The Longholme TM 

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Bridge Closure

Our primary access bridge is being refurbished as of 09.01.2023. For a more detailed access route please click here.

More info