Things to do in March: Goboating at Paddington Basin

Things to do in March: Spring Adventures with GoBoat

By Grant Sweeney

Last updated March 17, 2026

March marks the beginning of spring in the UK, bringing longer days and lighter evenings. If you are searching for things to do in March, now is the perfect time to plan some fun and unique outdoor activities, such as GoBoat. Pick from any of our 4 locations: Canary Wharf, Kingston, Paddington or Thames Ditton; all offering unique sights and adventures.

Whether you are planning a weekend activity with friends, a family day out, or a relaxed date idea, getting out on the water offers a unique activity to do in March. With GoBoat, you can hire a self-drive electric boat and explore the waterways at your own pace and at a different angle. It's a simple and memorable way to tick something off your list of things to do in March in London.

Why March is the perfect month for outdoor activities in London

go boating in Canary Wharf London

Things to do in London at Canary Wharf: GoBoat

March sits at that sweet spot between winter and summer as the heavy crowds haven’t arrived just yet, but the weather is lovely.

Choosing an outdoor activity in March allows you to:

  • Make the most of longer daylight hours
  • Avoid peak-season crowds
  • Enjoy the fresh air without the summer heat
  • Reset after the colder months

For those who want to find a flexible and fun outdoor activity this spring, try out GoBoat.

A unique way to explore London this spring

Unlike traditional sightseeing, a self-drive GoBoat experience puts you at the helm on your own private boat. After a short safety briefing, you captain your own electric boat with no prior experience needed. This independence is what makes GoBoat stand out from the rest.

There is no rush! You can cruise at your own pace, pause and take in the scenery and spend uninterrupted time with your friends and family. The city skylines, surrey greenery and Little Venice make the perfect backdrops to your adventure.

The benefits of being on the water

goboating with friends this march

Things to do this March: GoBoating in Thames Ditton

Spending time on the water has a calming effect at this time of year, the reflections are clearer and everything feels peaceful before the busier summer period.

Spring boating offers:

  • A quieter and more relaxed environment
  • A natural scenery beginning to bloom
  • A refreshing break from indoor settings

Perfect for March birthdays and celebrations

March birthdays can be tricky to plan but GoBoat is easy to book and flexible to you. It feels celebratory without requiring intense planning, making it one of the best ideas to celebrate any occasion on the water.

All of our sites offer different views to celebrate around:

  • Canary Wharf offers a beautiful sail around the docklands, with a mix of historic and modern architecture. Canary Wharf GoBoat also offers a butler service so you will not have to lift a finger as the birthday person
  • Kingston offers an adventure along the River Thames sailing past, and depending on the duration of your slot, you can stop off at the different riverside pubs to enjoy a celebratory drink on and off the boat. This is best for a 3 hour booking or more.
  • Paddington offers a calm and peaceful trip through Little Venice with beautifully decorated narrowboats lining up the canal. You can go under cool bridges and see London Zoo right from the boat! This is an alcohol-free site.
  • Thames Ditton offers tranquility, beautiful birds and wildlife drifting past you. And the showstopper of this site is that you can see Hampton Court Palace from your boat, making you feel like royalty.

A GoBoat booking provides:

  • A private space for your group
  • Memorable photo opportunities
  • A scenic and special atmosphere

A Family-Friendly day out

showing that it is family friendly activity

Family boat trip in Kingston this March

Parents often search for family-friendly activities that don’t rely on screens or crowded indoor venues. A self-drive electric boat encourages shared family time and feels like a mini adventure for the children and parents.

The boat is stable, easy to steer and designed for comfort. Children love the novelty of being on the water and everyone loves to try something new. If you are looking for a wholesome thing to do in March with the family, experience fun and relaxation at the same time with GoBoat. You can fit up to 8 people per boat, so bring along the whole family.

A relaxed spring date idea

It is a beautiful time for low-pressure and meaningful dates. Instead of the usual restaurants or loud bars, a GoBoat creates space for genuine conversation and a well-needed alone time.

You are surrounded by beautiful views at all our locations and gentle movement which naturally slows the pace so you live in the moment. For couples searching for unique date ideas, a GoBoat adventure is romantic without being over the top. Dress comfortably, enjoy our picnic packages and some intimate time with the person you love.

An inspiring corporate away-day option

As business moves into spring planning, many teams look for corporate activities in London that feels modern and engaging. A boat experience offers a refreshing alternative to traditional meetings and a chance to really connect with your team.

Fresh air and the ever-changing scenery can spark creativity and encourage new conversations. For small teams especially, it’s an opportunity to strengthen connections outside the office environment. GoBoat can accommodate small groups and larger groups with their multiple boat bookings and corporate activities.

Making the most of pre-summer calm

GoBoating on a Winter Pod at Canary Wharf this March

By late spring and early summer, outdoor experience naturally become busier. March provides a window to enjoy the London’s waterways before peak demand begins.

Booking in March allows you to:

  • Experience quieter surroundings
  • Enjoy greater availability
  • Taking advantage of comfortable cruising

For those who prefer a more peaceful environment, early spring is arguably one of the best times of the year for a boat trip.

FAQ's

  • Do I need experience to hire a GoBoat?

No experience is required. The boats are designed to be easy to operate and no boating or driving license is needed. Before you set sail you receive a safety briefing and driving lesson.

  • How many people fit on a GoBoat?

Each boat holds up to 8 people. This includes children of all ages, making it perfect for families, friends, dates or smaller group outings.

  • How much does a GoBoat cost?

Prices do vary depending on the location, day and length of hire BUT you rent the entire boat, rather than paying per person, which makes it a great value group activity.

  • Is GoBoat suitable for kids?

Yes! GoBoat is a family-friendly activity. Lifejackets are compulsory for anyone under the age of 16, we provide the lifejackets at the kiosk and for adults, the lifejackets are in the boat but are optional.

Start spring the right way

March represents new beginnings. It’s the moment where winter fades away and seasonal depression has gone. Choosing to spend time outdoors, especially on a GoBoat, helps you mark the transition in a memorable way.


Whether you a planning to celebrate, enjoy some quality family time, arranging a relaxed day or just looking for unique things to do, a self-drive GoBoat experience offers something flexible and genuinely enjoyable.

March is short so make it count and start the season on the water at either Canary Wharf, Kingston, Paddington or Thames Ditton.

Book Now!

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