UPTON UPON SEVERN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Moorhen: A roomy, easy-to-handle dayboat for picnics, sightseeing and small celebrations on the Severn
Half- or full-day hires from Upton Marina with seating for seven, safety kit and training—this guide tells you what to expect and how to plan your outing.
Moorhen: A roomy, easy-to-handle dayboat for picnics, sightseeing and small celebrations on the Severn.
Moorhen is a large, stable boat offered by Severn Expeditions from Upton Marina that seats up to seven and features an enclosed cuddy for weather protection; it’s ideal for family outings, sightseeing, picnics or small celebrations and comes with fuel, lifejackets, training and a guideable rental format.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Roomy cuddy and seating for seven
Moorhen has a slightly larger, more enclosed cuddy at the bow for protection from the weather, plenty of seating all around, lots of storage space and a HONDA 10hp engine with a steering wheel—making it a safe, easy-to-operate choice for day trips.
Flexible half- and full-day hires
Choose a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) hire with specific morning and afternoon time slots for 4-hour bookings and morning starts for full days; online bookings close 24 hours in advance and phone bookings may be available if the calendar looks full.
What’s included and optional extras
Boat hire comes with fuel, lifejackets, pre-departure training and a PDF boat e‑booklet with maps; you can bring your own picnic or use the operator’s local ‘Pack a Picnic’ catering service to supply food and accommodate dietary needs.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You’ll meet at Upton Marina and take Moorhen onto the Severn for a relaxed, self-driven outing with space for a group of friends or family; the day can be built around a picnic, visiting riverside pubs or simply cruising for sightseeing, supported by safety kit, basic training and local route maps.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this boat hire suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Half-day hire is 4 hours (AM or PM slots) and full-day hire is 8 hours; prices are £120 for a 4-hour hire and £170 for an 8-hour hire. Online bookings close 24 hours in advance and a 6% online booking fee applies; phone bookings may avoid the booking fee.
All hires depart from Upton Marina where you complete check-in, training and lifejacket fitting prior to departure.
Boat hire includes fuel, lifejackets, pre-departure training and a PDF boat e‑booklet with maps. A £150 security deposit is taken as a hold on the card used for booking; additional charges may be applied for damages or lateness.
Bring food and drink or pre-order the operator’s Pack a Picnic service; pack sun protection, waterproofs and sensible footwear (no high heels). Small amounts of alcohol are permitted if consumed responsibly and the designated driver remains sober.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I hire Moorhen for and what are the time slots?
You can hire Moorhen for a half day (4 hours) or a full day (8 hours). Half-day AM slots start at 9:00–9:45 and PM slots at 13:30–14:15 depending on booking; full-day starts are at 10:00–10:30. Earlier start times for activities like fishing are available on request.
Where do I meet for my hire?
All hires meet at Upton Marina for check-in, training and boarding.
What is included in the hire price?
Hire includes the boat, fuel, lifejackets, pre-departure training and a PDF boat e‑booklet with maps.
Is there a deposit or damage hold?
Yes. A £150 security deposit is placed on hold using the card used at booking; the operator reserves the right to request additional funds if damage, loss or lateness costs exceed £150.
Can I bring food, drink or alcohol onboard?
You may bring food and a small amount of alcohol but must drink sensibly and ensure an allocated, sober person drives the boat. Alternatively you can order the Pack a Picnic catering service.
How do I book and are there booking fees?
Online booking shows live availability and is available 24/7 but closes 24 hours before departure; a 6% online booking fee applies. You can also book by phone to avoid the online booking fee.