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 2024 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - River Warbler from Anderton

ABC was communicative through the process, and the handover and turn-in of the canal boat was easy and quick. We enjoyed our time on the canals, and look forward to exploring more canals in the future

23 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Wide Beam - Sanderling from Falkirk

All the staff were friendly and helpful from the office staff to the boat team

23 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - River Warbler from Anderton

Being our first time renting a canal boat, there was some apprehension before our arrival. The experience far exceeding our expectations, and we had a wonderful time. The only knock is the cleanliness of the bathroom showers. There was a bit of mold in both showers in the corners, and could use a good scrubbing or replacement of the grout.

23 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Wide Beam - Sanderling from Falkirk

All the staff were friendly and helpful, including the office staff and the boat team We were well prepared by them for what was a new waterway.

23 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Common Swift from Alvechurch

The boat had everything we needed for our holiday.

23 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Common Swift from Alvechurch

We had a wonderful, challenging holiday. The staff at the Alvechurch ABC Boat Hire were very helpful throughout our holiday. The boat was in excellent shape and perfect for our needs.

23 Jun 2025

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

So picturesque and lots of lovely towns and villages to stop by

22 Jun 2025

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

Well equipped boats, excellent handover

22 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Dartford Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Very friendly and knowledgeable without making us feel like old duffers on our boat handling capabilities!

21 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Dartford Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

So much to do on a short trip,tunnels,locks,pubs,aqueducts,pubs,sightseeing ,pubs,meeting so many tourists from far afield,America,Japan, China and Australia.It was such a friendly environment and a great experience. Did I mention the pubs ?.....

21 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Lark - Rudd's Lark from Wrenbury

Vi fick fantastisk hjälp med precis ALLT ! från A till Ö av ABC´s svenska säljagentur i Marstrand, Swede Charter & Staffan Francke.

21 Jun 2025

Your recent holiday on Lark - Rudd's Lark from Wrenbury

Vi fick fantastisk hjälp med precis ALLT ! från A till Ö av ABC´s svenska säljagentur i Marstrand, Swede Charter & Staffan Francke.

21 Jun 2025