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 Nene - Bragi from Gailey Wharf

In spite of the wet conditions at the start we had an excellent time

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Nene - Bragi from Gailey Wharf

Fast and efficient handover boat well maintained and comfortable. Although the weather was a bit on the wet side we had an enjoyable trip. Efficient return of the boat at the end of the trip.

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Plover - Grey Plover from Wrenbury

Super friendly staff and a lovely boat. Excellent holiday. Booked again For next year already.

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Plover - Grey Plover from Wrenbury

Super friendly staff and a lovely boat. Excellent holiday. Booked again For next year.

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Goose - White Fronted Goose from Hilperton

It was the weather not the boat.

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Goose - White Fronted Goose from Hilperton

the staff were all very helpful.

11 Oct 2024

Day Boat Hire from Goytre Wharf - Rooster

Boat was ready on time, good information at the start, good handover back to them and deposit promptly returned. Couldn't recommend higher

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Tern - Fairy Tern from Anderton

Great boat. 70’ long, enjoyed

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Tern - Fairy Tern from Anderton

Second boat hire trip through ABC Boat Hire. Good boat, well maintained. Local marina support good. We had a technical issue with a lock during the trip, their technical support was very responsive when after hours support was called

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Purple Sandpiper from Gayton

Gayton Marina has a lovely feel to it. Facilities were excellent. Staff very friendly.

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Purple Sandpiper from Gayton

Gayton Marina was a lovely marina. Facilities very good. Staff were very helpful and polite. Boat was a lot bigger than i was expecting but after some tuition was made to feel in control. The boat itself was first class. Facilities on the boat were excellent. Had a 4 night hire in October. Heating on the boat was lovely. Thoroughly recommend a holiday on their canal boats.

11 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Dune Lark from Wrenbury

3 stars for the trip, ABC gets 4 stars. We were a bit unprepared for this trip. It's a lot of work, especially in the cold and rain. No heat at night, and we only went as far as Chirk rather than Llangollen and we had hoped.

11 Oct 2024