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0330 333 0590

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Canal boat hire

Cast off and leave your cares behind with a boating holiday from ABC Boat Hire.

With 15 starting locations across the waterway network and canal boat sizes to accommodate 2 to 12 people, you and 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 how relaxing and enjoyable a canal boat holiday can be - watch our 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

See for yourself how relaxing a canal boating holiday can be!

VIEW ALL VIDEOS

Our Canal 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

Request
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 REQUEST

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group number, 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

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 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 Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. Our start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat.

Currently due to COVID-19 you will need to purchase additional licences online rather than via a lock keeper.

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.  



Don't take our word for it...

Feefo average score: 4.6 out of 5.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Yellow Warbler from Hilperton

good service but there was no water in the tank when we received the boat

24 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Sky Lark from Falkirk

First canal boat holiday - loved it so so relaxing - we had our 3 grandchildren with us ages 10, 8 and 6 - they never looked for phones or ipads while we were on the boat such a fantastic experience with them watching the world go by - and our dog who was delighted as well

24 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Yellow Warbler from Hilperton

it was good we enjoyed the experience

24 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Sky Lark from Falkirk

The staff were lovely friendly and so very helpful

24 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Duck - Musk Duck from Gailey Wharf

Very good service as usual.

22 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Wood Warbler from Gailey Wharf

Beautiful part of the world to cruise.

22 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Duck - Musk Duck from Gailey Wharf

A good boat and a professional service as, usual.

22 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Wood Warbler from Gailey Wharf

Wood Warbler was well laid out and well prepared for our trip. Boatyard staff were very helpful. We found that the mattresses on this boat were extremely soft . We have not experienced this on any other boats we have hired (ABC and other fleets).

22 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Grebe - Great Crested Grebe from Whitchurch Marina

We travelled on the Llangollen Canal as far as Ellesmere and back, there were plenty of places to stop, lots of lovely walks, especially at Whixall Moors, Colemere, Ellesmere and Whitchurch is a lovely town to visit too.

21 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Grebe - Great Crested Grebe from Whitchurch Marina

The handover was clear and precise, boat was lovely and clean, staff very friendly and helpful.

21 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Owl - Short Eared Owl from Whitchurch Marina

Staff, handover and barge was First Class, A1. Staff helped us plan our route and travelling times to get where we wanted to be. Handover was very thorough and I can’t say enough how friendly all the staff at ABC boat hire were. Went above and beyond, even giving our party of 8 a lift into town on our last night after they had finished work

21 May 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Owl - Hawk Owl from Aldermaston Wharf

Brilliant weekend away, we were able to leave early Friday afternoon.

21 May 2022