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Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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0330 333 0590

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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, 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!

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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.

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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

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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

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Crowned Eagle from Aldermaston Wharf

Upplägg och Upplevelse

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Grebe - Hooded Grebe from Springwood Haven Marina

The boat layout is perfect for two people with a large rear deck and the galley at the rear of the boat.

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Grebe - Hooded Grebe from Springwood Haven Marina

The boat was ready to go, clean and restocked at the appointed time. Handover was done effectively and we enjoyed two weeks aboard Hooded Grebe. The boat had the galley at the rear of the boat and was excellent for the two of us as we did not have to keep passing through the boat to get drinks and food. We had one small issue with the fridge door but this was fixed within an hour by a very pleasant guy who came to find us. We moored at the boat ysrd on our last night and the staff were brilliant giving us directions to a good takeaway.

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Wren - Cactus Wren from Falkirk

The canal was beatiful with a vast array of widlife.

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Wren - Cactus Wren from Falkirk

From ordering to the handover, everything was easy and proffesional. The boat itself was well equipt, clean and well kept.

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Crowned Eagle from Aldermaston Wharf

Har fått rekommendation gällande båttyp som passade vårt behov

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Swan - Tundra Swan from Gayton

Boat was in excellent condition, all the amenities were present and worked well. Thank you ABC!

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Aquatic Warbler from Worcester

This was our second time doing the Tardebigg from Worcester. It was exhausting but also great fun. There were a few bruises but that is all part of the challenge and adventure. The boat was well equipped and clean as usual. The staff were all really lovely and helpful. We had a wonderful time. Thank you.

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Aquatic Warbler from Worcester

This is our 5th time of using ABC Canal Boats. We were very excited and they didn’t disappoint. The service and the boat was excellent as usual.

01 Jun 2023

Your recent holiday on Swan - Tundra Swan from Gayton

Excellent service as always, pre-leaving the boat was in good order, we were given the briefing with the knowledge we'd been on the canals previously, the boat was well furnished and everything worked fine on board.

01 Jun 2023

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

The boatyard folks were friendly and efficient, and we were away quickly on the first afternoon. Return procedure was also straightforward.

31 May 2023

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

Quite a challenging canal, beautiful scenery but really good experience. We were lucky with the weather which added to a super holiday. The equipment on the boat were ideal and a nice touch of a tea tray prepared for our arrival. The only complaint I have was my mattress required replacement as the springs were so noisy every time I turned. I did inform the staff on our return.

31 May 2023