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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!
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LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?
Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team
(Free UK calls)
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 DOWNLOADAccommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday
These boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
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.
Yes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
★ ★ ★ ★
good clean boat and handover thorough
28 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
very clean boat, handover thorough, great staff not keen on new modern layout as kitchen cupboard doors hit each other and less room to move trough cabin - the only fault
28 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Friendly efficient and caring at check in and on return. Our service call was handled immediately
27 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Perfect. Many itinerary options available from Alvechurch. The one we chose for our trip with our 9 year granddaugter allowed canal side visits to Cadburys, the Black country museum (excellent) and Lego Land, as well as the experience of living on a narrowboat, working the locks, and taking the boat through the center of Birmingham.
27 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent, very helpful staff, explained everything.
26 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Really good fun, very enjoyable.
26 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nice Team, fast and nice Service, perfect Holiday
26 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nice Team, fast and nice Service, perfect Holiday
26 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
Great time had by all the family
25 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Staff were friendly and informative.
25 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great service from start to finish. Very friendly staff. The boat itself was far superior to another one we've hired through a different company, and we were very pleasantly surprised. Would book again with this company.
25 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Well laid out boat. Bedroom at the front but you can still get out through doors onto a sitting area and to jump off for tying up etc. Decent shower. Compact kitchen (at rear) but has what you need. Sitting/dining area comfortable. We liked the layout which flowed easily
25 Apr 2025