Derby Riverboat Group Trips

Description

PLEASE NOTE: The Derby Riverboat is awaiting a new accessible friendly pontoon.  New sailing dates for 2026 will be announced shortly.

The 45 minute cruise will depart from the temporary boarding platform next to Causey Bridge and make its way north to Darley Abbey and back again.

Sailings will commence in May and finish in October.  Dates are added as the year progresses.

Learn about the river, the wildlife, Derby’s place in history and our exciting plans for its future via our on board audio commentary. There will also be activities and challenges for children of all ages. 

Or simply sit back on the open air foredeck and enjoy the sun and sights of the Museum of Making, Darley Park and the Derwent Valley. There will be hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available on the on board café.

Riverboat Access Limitations

The Riverboat has been successfully operating from boarding steps under Causey Bridge, but existing access has been obstructed by works to install essential flood defences. We have work underway to create a fully accessible pontoon to board the Riverboat from the side of the Museum of Making on the west side of the river, which is intended to be complete by mid summer.

In the interim a temporary access has been created via St Mary’s Bridge. This access involves a balustraded path down a I in 7 slope and then a small four step ladder to access the boat as before. Passengers will be collected from the Museum of Making front door and escorted to the boat by a crew member, so please don’t attempt the path on your own.

PLEASE be sure that you are able to manage the path and steps. If in doubt we suggest you wait until the long term solution is in place later this summer.

FAQs

• Suitable for all ages - Children must be supervised and accompanied at all times.
• the boat itself is fully accessible, however until a permanent boarding platform can be installed the boat trips will be only accessible to customers who are able to use a pool style ladder onto the boat.
• Maximum 12 passengers per cruise
• Please ensure you arrive at the boarding platform 10 minutes before departure
• No dogs allowed

Please note: The Derby Riverboat cannot operate in high water conditions.  In the event we need to cancel trips, possibly with little notice, we will endeavour to rebook customers at a later date.  If that is not possible, a full refund will be provided.    We recommend that you visit the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Facebook Page before leaving home.  We will endeavor to provide as much notice as possible if a trip can not go ahead. 

VIEW BROCHURE

£90 per boat of up to 12 passengers, special occasions/arrangements can be catered for by agreement.

 

For more information, please visit our website Website or follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook.

The Derby Riverboat Group Trips is part of a Suite of Derby Tours that are near enough to walk from venue to venue.  The other tours are Group Tour of the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, Derby Cathedral Group Tour, Group Tour of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Group Tour of Pickford's House.  Each tour lasts approximately one hour. 

To enquire and book, please contact Derby Riverboat Group trips directly.  If you would like to enjoy two or more tours or have a larger group and would like us to help arrange your visit with the other venues, please complete our group tour enquiry form marking the venue you wish to visit first.