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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
View Two to Five berth boatsThese boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
View Six to eight berth boatsWith 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 boatsYes - 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
In spite of the wet conditions at the start we had an excellent time
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fast and efficient handover boat well maintained and comfortable. Although the weather was a bit on the wet side we had an enjoyable trip. Efficient return of the boat at the end of the trip.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Super friendly staff and a lovely boat. Excellent holiday. Booked again For next year already.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Super friendly staff and a lovely boat. Excellent holiday. Booked again For next year.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★
It was the weather not the boat.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★
the staff were all very helpful.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Boat was ready on time, good information at the start, good handover back to them and deposit promptly returned. Couldn't recommend higher
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great boat. 70’ long, enjoyed
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Second boat hire trip through ABC Boat Hire. Good boat, well maintained. Local marina support good. We had a technical issue with a lock during the trip, their technical support was very responsive when after hours support was called
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Gayton Marina has a lovely feel to it. Facilities were excellent. Staff very friendly.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Gayton Marina was a lovely marina. Facilities very good. Staff were very helpful and polite. Boat was a lot bigger than i was expecting but after some tuition was made to feel in control. The boat itself was first class. Facilities on the boat were excellent. Had a 4 night hire in October. Heating on the boat was lovely. Thoroughly recommend a holiday on their canal boats.
11 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★
3 stars for the trip, ABC gets 4 stars. We were a bit unprepared for this trip. It's a lot of work, especially in the cold and rain. No heat at night, and we only went as far as Chirk rather than Llangollen and we had hoped.
11 Oct 2024