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!

VIEW ALL BOATING VIDEOS

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.

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

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
ABC Boat Hire Brochure 2026

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

View all Routes

Special Offers

View offers

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

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 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.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2024 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf

Excellent holiday, all of the staff were very helpful, this includes the housekeeping, reception and everyone who helped us set off on our journey. The boat was well equip, clean and all technical processes were well explained to us. I have recommended this to friends and family and will definitely be coming back. Thank you ABC boat hire for a memorable experience.

02 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Woodpecker - Green Woodpecker from Aldermaston Wharf

Enjoyable - but towards Newbury you have go a long way to get water free of charge......

02 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Woodpecker - Green Woodpecker from Aldermaston Wharf

Staff were friendly and generally very helpful, and the Green Woodpecker was exactly as advertised. However, there’s no transparent way to verify how fuel usage is calculated — customers are entirely reliant on ABC’s figures, which isn’t ideal in today’s world. Without prior notice, and just as we were ready to set off, I was also asked to sign a full page of tiny-print terms and conditions printed white on pink — almost impossible to read. I had no idea what I was signing, but the ABC representative seemed grateful that I didn’t try! Finally, a lock towards Henley was closed for repairs, forcing a last-minute change of route. That’s something everyone needs to accept can happen, especially towards the end of the season, but it would have been helpful to have been told in advance.

02 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf

Excellent holiday, all of the staff were very helpful, this includes the housekeeping, reception and everyone who helped us set off on our journey. The boat was well equip, clean and all technical processes were well explained to us. I have recommended this to friends and family and will definitely be coming back. Thank you ABC boat hire for a memorable experience.

02 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Marbled Wren from Worcester

Very helpful when picking up the boat , this was from Worcester boatyard, although the signage to find the yard was a big sketchy. They are very knowledgeable and went thru all the points of the boat Not overally happy with communication from the actual holiday reps as they don’t seem to communicate if there is a problem on your trip . We had to postpone at quite short notice

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - House Swift from Springwood Haven Marina

Maria and staff were pleasant

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Marbled Wren from Worcester

Very personable and helpful

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - House Swift from Springwood Haven Marina

ABC boat hire are great but the Ashby canal isn’t very picturesque and some of the points we moored at were quite rough. It was our first time so maybe we didn’t visit the right places.

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Very professional friendly and thorough. The explanations before we set out were excellent, and clear very well-written file was left with us, which contained that information and more. The boat itself was very clean comfortable and well-equipped. Everything worked.

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Fantastic holiday we’ve fallen in love with narrow boating. The wildlife was stunning as was the route we took on the canal.

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Stunning scenery, so peaceful and good for the sole. The children and dog also really enjoyed. We’ve fallen in love with canal and narrow boating.

01 Nov 2025

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Friendly, professional with high standard narrowboats. Diesel engine, but very smooth and not smelly!

01 Nov 2025