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Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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Canal boat hire

Cast off and leave your cares behind with a canal boat holiday from ABC Boat Hire.

Canal boat hire like you've never experienced before. With 16 starting locations across the waterway network and canal boat sizes to accommodate 2 to 12 people. You, your family or friends can afford to kick back and relax as you enjoy watching Britain's most stunning countryside drift by. See for yourself just how relaxing and enjoyable a canal boat holiday can be - watch our boating videos if you don't believe us!

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS!
LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?

Let's Chat

Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team

0330 333 0590

(Free UK calls)

WATCH
OUR VIDEO

Find your next canal boat adventure!

VIEW ALL BOATING VIDEOS

Our Canal Boat Holiday Locations

Explore our beautiful canal boat hire locations across the country – from the stunning Welsh countryside to the bustling lifestyle of Scotland’s lively cities.

View all locations

Download
A Brochure

Our latest brochure makes choosing your boating holiday as easy as ABC. Inside it you'll discover advice on how to plan your trip, find comprehensive boat layouts and details, plus maps, guides and handy tips to help you make the most of our beautiful waterways on your canal holiday.

BROCHURE DOWNLOAD

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group, we've a range of beautiful hand-built canal boats to hire for your narrowboat holiday.

Two to Five berth

Accommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday

View Two to Five berth boats

Six to eight berth

These boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups

View Six to eight berth boats

Up to twelve berth

With space for up to 12 people, if you're planning a multi-family boating holiday or big celebration, these are the boats for you.

View Up to twelve berth boats

Over
140 Routes
available

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Special Offers

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Maps & Guides

View guides

Canal Boat FAQs

Can I hire a boat just for the day?

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Yes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com

How much does it cost to rent a canal boat?

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The price of renting a canal boat varies depending on the location and length of your holiday, as well as the canal boat you choose. We provide a range of special offers, including a 2-week discount, 2nd holiday discount, multi-boat discount, loyalty discount and early bird discount. We also allow you to spread the cost of your holiday with our easy payment plan. Contact a member of our friendly team to find out more about the costs of our canal boat holidays.

Where is the best place for a canal boat holiday?

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It all depends on the type of canal boat holiday you’re looking for! We have locations across England, Scotland and Wales such as Anderton Marina, Falkirk Canal and Goytre Wharf. Not sure where to spend your next canal boat holiday? Check our locations, routes and boats for inspiration. Alternatively, contact a member of our knowledgeable team who will offer invaluable canal boat holiday advice.

Can I still book if I haven't 'driven' a boat before?

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No previous experience is necessary, as our boats are extremely easy to handle and full tuition is given at the start of every holiday. Comprehensive cruising information is in a manual on the boat and details are sent out with the holiday documents to introduce you to the theory of locks and the 'rules of the road'. We provide our own 24hr emergency helpline. 

Do you need a license to drive a boat?

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You do not need a driving licence for a canal boat or narrowboat and the boat itself is licenced by us for CRT waterways. There are a few waterways outside their jurisdiction for which you will need to purchase an additional licence as you enter them, such as the Scottish Canals, Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. Our start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat. Aldermaston boats have a Thames license.

The maximum number of people allowed on board is restricted to the number of berths.

Can we bring pets aboard?

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This really is a holiday the whole family can enjoy together. We do not charge for any of your pets - however there is normally a maximum of 2 allowed. We obviously request that the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition and reserve the right to refuse pets or charge for any additional cleaning or repairs required as a result of pets being on board during your holiday.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023

Your recent holiday on Owl - Long Eared Owl from Gayton

Top service from start to finish

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Marbled Wren from Worcester

The staff at Worcester Marina were friendly and helpful. Our planned route was out of action due to a broken lock, and they were very helpful with alternative routes.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Tailed Finch from Goytre Wharf

If I'm going to be really picky, the beds weren't the most comfortable we've ever slept on, and the inability to get a proper coffee back at Goytre Wharf on our return before 10.30am was disappointing. But these were minor issues compared to how fabulous everything else was.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Swallow - Red Sea Swallow from Goytre Wharf

Sehr netter und guter Service.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Owl - Long Eared Owl from Gayton

Excellent service from ABC, special thanks to James, Jody , Al and Zoe. Highly recommended.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Magnolia Warbler from Wrenbury

Boat was 100% Ready and the instructions given in an efficient way so we could start our holiday quickly. Technical state of the boat 100% and fully clean. Friendly staff with helpful tips. Will probably hire again for this place.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Swallow - Red Sea Swallow from Goytre Wharf

Einfache Bootübergabe , gut ausgestattetes Boot, problemlose und schnelle Rückgabe.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Magnolia Warbler from Wrenbury

Easy to hire and good details to prepare for the trip. Good value for money

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Tailed Finch from Goytre Wharf

Superb holiday. You lack for nothing (apart from, obviously, space!) on the boat. It is so well equipped. Staff were all so helpful and friendly. They enabled two novices to cope (ahem) "admirably" with their first canal cruise. Great being able to take the cat on her first holiday! Pre-trip advice all very helpful, including the app.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Marbled Wren from Worcester

We had a very lazy weekend, Eagle & Sun and return from Worcester with a quick turnaround to Diglis and back for fun. The sun shone, the boat was lovely as always, and I slept very well on my comfy bed. Narrow boats holidays are the perfect escape!

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

We had a long delay getting the barge on handover. This did have an impact on our first day plan.

19 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

The service from ABC is excellent and the barge we had was in perfect condition. The onboard equipment makes life on board home from home.

19 May 2024

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