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Staycations on 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 15 starting locations across the waterway network and canal boat sizes to accommodate 2 to 12 people, you and 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 how relaxing and enjoyable a canal boat holiday can be - watch our videos if you don't believe us!

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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

See for yourself how relaxing a canal boating holiday can be!

VIEW ALL VIDEOS

Our Canal 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.

Berkshire

Aldermaston Wharf

Cambridgeshire

March Marina

Worcestershire

Alvechurch Marina

Cheshire

Anderton Marina

Shropshire

Blackwater Meadow Marina

Staffordshire

Gailey Marina

Forth and Clyde

Falkirk Canal

South Wales

Goytre Wharf
View all locations

Request
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 REQUEST

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group number, 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

View all Routes

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

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 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.  


Don't take our word for it...

Feefo average score: 4.6 out of 5.

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Bunting - Black Headed Bunting from Whitchurch Marina

Sehr flexibel, hilfsbereit und freundlich.

25 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Weaver - Mottled Weaver from Hilperton

Service generally OK although the boat wasn't quite ready on our arrival. Somewwhat disappointed with the boat itself as it was well worn and rather 'tired' compared with other hire companies' craft.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Weaver - Mottled Weaver from Hilperton

Adequate. Boat was a bit scruffy. Canal was busy so finding moorings was a bit of a problem.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Spotted Wren from Gayton

We were asked on arrival if we had an idea of where we were going. We were then given relevant details of lock restrictions, to help with our planning.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Lucy's Warbler from Whitchurch Marina

Whitchurch was a lovely location, clean and tidy boatyard. The boat was in vg condition. Excellent service from delightful staff. They were most helpful with my husband who is disabled.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Spirit - Atholl Brose from Falkirk

Staff were very friendly and helpful, and we received a good briefing before we set off. We found the app very informative.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Lucy's Warbler from Whitchurch Marina

See above, cannot fault them.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Spotted Wren from Gayton

From the initial booking of the holiday, to handing back the boat it was a very good experience. Even though we were unable to settle the fuel usage on the day of hand back, it was sorted on the following day, which was a Sunday. The handover was thorough and the on board manual very comprehensive.

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Spirit - Atholl Brose from Falkirk

The boat was clean, very well kitted out and very comfortable. We put the heating on one evening and found it extremely efficient Falkirk marina was a great place to start our boating holiday

24 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Inca Wren from Whitchurch Marina

Excellent service by all staff. Very friendly and patient. Boat was immaculate and very well equipped. Look forward to booking again soon.

23 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Inca Wren from Whitchurch Marina

We had an amazing time. Staff were awesome. Boat was wonderful.

23 Sep 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Shore Lark from Aldermaston Wharf

Bra bemötande när vi fick skjuta upp vår resa pga pandemin. Alltid snabba svar vid förfrågningar. Vi fick bra hjälp när vi hämtade båten och även vid första slussningen. Saknade dock information om bunkring av livsmedel. Lite mer information av vad som gäller tilläggsisolera g när det var trångt på angivna platser och hur man skulle göra då.

23 Sep 2022