The Batchworth Boat Rally is returning to Rickmansworth this weekend, with festivities taking place at Batchworth Lock on the Grand Union Canal on 16 May and 17 May 2026. Organised by the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, the event invites the community to enjoy a variety of canal-side activities between 10am and 5pm each day.
Visitors can explore a floating market along the towpath and view a collection of historic narrowboats. A highlight of the gathering is the 1936 wooden narrowboat Roger, which will be open for cabin tours. The boat is one of only about 20 wooden narrowboats still in working order and serves as a key heritage asset for the trust.
The event includes a range of local entertainment and refreshments. Cafe@Lock 81 will be on-site providing food, while the Rickmansworth and District Art Society hosts its Spring exhibition at the Education Centre. Additionally, the Batchworth Sea Scouts are hosting the Batchworth Arena at their nearby scout hall, featuring live music, a barbecue, and a bar to support their local fundraising efforts.
Those interested in exploring the water can take part in regular boat trips running between Batchworth and Stockers Locks throughout the weekend. The trips start at 10:15am, with the final departure at 3:00pm. Residents can reserve seats for these trips by calling 01923 778382.
The rally was established in 2024 after the larger Rickmansworth Canal Festival was cancelled due to health and safety concerns regarding buried asbestos at the Aquadrome, which led to restrictions that made the larger festival difficult for the volunteer-led charity to host.
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