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)
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?
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 3 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.
★ ★ ★ ★
little bit tricky to get hod of you after the initial online booking
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat, fully equipped and lovely route to Chester and back
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Llangollen canal this time, beautiful and dramatic
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Have used many times before. As always, great boat, friendly people, well stocked clean boat.
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Picturesque and relaxing and brilliant
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Well, Just got back from a week on the river and oh my God. What a fantastic holiday it was. ABC boating were brilliant. The boat was super comfy and would definitely do it again.
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent staff, friendly and helpful. Good instructions on the running of the boat given in clear words.
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Staff friendly and helpful, cheerfully answering questions. Given full instructions about the boat in plain words. A manual left on board and any help only a phone call away.
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Highly recommended narrowboat hirer! Great service from start to finish and always on hand if there was a problem.
27 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat and everything you needed for a lovely holiday.
26 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Loved every minute of it on tree swift.it was 49ft very easy to handle and relatively quiet and economical.
26 Aug 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
The service was excellent, we were kept well informed once book , the only downside was on arriving at the boat yard we checked in and the young lady behind the counter said she would ring when the boat was ready unfortunately she didn't inform anyone else and we were stood waiting when the boat was ready. The safty and handling instructions were excellent. The boat was dated but well equipped. The cannal is suffering from a lack of maintenance in place but on a all the locks , tunnel and bridges were brilliant. Definitely do it a again
26 Aug 2025