DescriptionChristie & Co are delighted to present Wyvern Shipping, a long-established canalside boating business occupying a prominent position on the Grand Union Canal in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.
Founded in 1969, Wyvern Shipping is a renowned operator within the UK inland waterways sector, offering canal boat hire, boat sales, servicing, moorings and boatyard facilities. The business occupies a substantial canalside site with direct access to the Grand Union Canal and benefits from a loyal customer base and strong reputation.
The opportunity includes extensive moorings, operational facilities and a six-bedroom riverside house. The current owner has also filed a planning application to build 5 detached houses where the workshops currently are, with the decision currently outstanding.
Benefiting from excellent road and rail connectivity, Wyvern Shipping represents a rare opportunity to acquire an established leisure boating business together with a significant waterside asset offering future growth and development potential STPP.
LocationWyvern Shipping occupies a prominent canalside position on the Grand Union Canal in Leighton Buzzard, one of the UK's most popular inland boating destinations. The location provides direct access to an extensive cruising network connecting London, Milton Keynes and Birmingham, making it an ideal base for leisure boating and canal tourism.
The property combines an attractive waterside setting with excellent connectivity, being close to Leighton Buzzard town centre, the A505 and A4146, and within easy reach of the M1 motorway. Regular rail services from Leighton Buzzard station provide direct links to London and Birmingham.
Key Location Benefits
• Direct access to the Grand Union Canal
• Popular destination for leisure boaters and canal enthusiasts
• Extensive cruising routes between London and Birmingham
• Close to town centre amenities, pubs and visitor attractions
• Excellent road access via the A505, A4146 and M1
• Direct rail connections to London and Birmingham
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Waterside CottageIncluded in the sale is Waterside Cottage, an impressive six-bedroom home positioned on the banks of the Grand Union Canal within the grounds of Wyvern Shipping. Currently operating as a successful self-catering holiday retreat, the property accommodates up to 11 guests.
Offering a peaceful waterside setting, it provides the perfect place to unwind while enjoying views of traditional narrowboats passing by and the daily activity of the historic Wyvern Shipping boatyard.
The OpportunityWyvern Shipping Co. Ltd is a long-established inland waterways tourism business located on the Grand Union Canal at Linslade, Bedfordshire.
Established in 1953 and family-owned since 1961, the company has developed a strong reputation for quality narrowboat holidays, attracting both first-time and experienced boaters.
The business generates income through the hire of a fleet of holiday narrowboats and the letting of Waterside Cottage, a six-bedroom self-catering holiday property situated within the grounds of the boatyard. Other complementary revenue streams include moorings, dry dock and wet dock for extensive boat repairs.
Success has been driven by the business's excellent canal-side location, established brand, loyal customer base, high levels of repeat trade and strong reputation for customer service and well-maintained vessels.
There is scope to further enhance the business through additional visitor accommodation, hospitality and leisure facilities, corporate events, and other tourism-related ventures. Subject to planning permission, the site may also offer wider development opportunities.
The business is likely to appeal to leisure and tourism operators, holiday park groups, marina operators, private investors, lifestyle purchasers and developers seeking an established business with proven income, a unique waterside setting and future growth potential.
StaffThe business is run by the owner with the assistance of a small team who are expected to transfer across under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE).
Trading InformationThe total Adjusted Net Profit for 2025 is £298,077.
Full financial details can be disclosed to interested parties.
Canal Boat Fleet Hire
The Wyvern Shipping Company have a fleet of 16 narrowboats for hire ranging from 2 to 8 birth and available for short breaks or week-long holidays.
Further information is available via the company website.
The Workshops - Boat Repairs and Servicing
The business also currently generates income from boat repairs and servicing which it conducts from the multiple onsite workshops.
Services include, boat painting, servicing and cleaning.
Further details can be found on the business website.
Planning PermissionsThe current owner has submitted a planning application for the erection of 5 houses and the demolition of the outbuildings associated with the existing boat yard.
A decision is expected on the application by the end of July 2026.
Further details can be viewed via the Central Bedfordshire Planning portal under planning application number CB/26/01858/PIP
Business RatesWaterside Cottage has a Rateable Value of £5,000
Wyvern Shipping has a Rateable Value of £38,000
Source: (VOA website 2026 List). Prospective purchasers should confirm actual rates payable with the local billing authority (
