Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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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

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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 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?

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 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Curlew Sandpiper from Whitchurch Marina

We love ABC Boats, all the staff where so helpful and experienced, the Boat was lovely and clean, and fully equipped for our family of 6, thank you so much

04 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Curlew Sandpiper from Whitchurch Marina

When we arrived we where greeted by Katie a very experienced and friendly member of the ABC team who ran through all the safety requirements 👍 then we went to our Barge and was greeted by Richard he asked who would be the Captain with overall charge of the Barge my husband was appointed, as he had the most experience, then our son was appointed second mate, he took them around the boat and explained all the relevant points of the what we needed to know, and technical runnings of the boat, we all found him very knowledgeable, and a very nice person, then I was asked by Liz the lovely lady who looks after all the inside and comforts of the boat if we needed extra towels etc, everyone at Whitchurch where so helpful, they made the begging of our holiday go so smoothly, we have used ABC boats for many years, we highly recommend them.

04 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Plover - Piping Plover from Kings Orchard Marina

See previous comments on boat.

04 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Plover - Piping Plover from Kings Orchard Marina

Nice boat. Well equipped and with decent insulation and good seals on the doors .Powerful engine And even unlimited wifi that actually worked! It would have been good to havea lock on teh front doors.

04 Nov 2024

Day Boat Hire from Whitchurch Marina - Day Tripper

Clean boat well equipped slightly smaller pan would have helped..

03 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Happy Wren from Blackwater Meadow Marina

We had such a relaxing time. The canal is fairly easy to navigate with not too many locks or bridges and has some pretty stopping off points such as Chirk and Llangollen. There are some narrow bits but we managed them.

02 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Happy Wren from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Lovely clean boat. Staff friendly and helpful. We were given all the information we needed to feel confident about the trip. The area is lovely.

02 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Plover - Kentish Plover from Gayton

We sailed from Gayton to Warwick. The weather was against us so ended up a little later than we expected. Locks everyday which took it's toll on our younger crew. Bascote staircase lock was fun however Weedon flight was heavy and hard going.

01 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Plover - Kentish Plover from Gayton

Very relaxed customer service showing you how the boat works and how to operate it. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Boat itself is very well equipped and comfortable.

01 Nov 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Archers Lark from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Nice scenic place and friendly people

31 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Archers Lark from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Boat well prepped and thoughtfully equipped.

31 Oct 2024

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

Great service and reliable, well equipped boats

31 Oct 2024