ENJOY A 15% EARLY BIRD EASTER DISCOUNT - EXTENDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!
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Canal boat hire like you've never experienced before. With 15 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?
Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team
(Free UK calls)
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 DOWNLOADAccommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday
These boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
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.
Yes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Staff at all the bases we’ve hired from (and there have been quite a few) have always been friendly and helpful. If there’s a problem they will do their utmost to solve it.
01 Apr 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My car broke down on the way to the holiday and I had to be recovered by the AA and get a hire car so we were late arriving. Part way through the holiday the gear cable on the boat broke and the engineer had to come out and repair it. Then i slipped and fell lick died and twisted my hip, knee, ankle and even my big toe. The holiday was still great!
01 Apr 2023
★ ★ ★ ★
Nice easy trip down to Bath, enjoyed by all.
31 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★
Smooth handover and return. Enjoyed the experience, especially our doggie crew.
31 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff were fantastic when we picked up the canal boat and dropped it off. All told we had a fantastic holiday
31 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We really enjoyed the trip over to Llangollen and back
31 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Good service and experience
30 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very much enjoyed the long weekend
30 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was our 2nd year booking a Canal holiday with ABC Boating and we're already planning our next one. It's a super easy booking process and the very helpful and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help with any queries or issues you may have. The boats are always very clean and well stocked with everything you'll need for your holiday. Thank you for another amazing holiday, highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
29 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was our 2nd year booking a Canal holiday with ABC Boating and we're already planning our next one. It's a super easy booking process and the very helpful and knowledgeable staff at Whitchurch are always on hand to help with any queries or issues you may have. The boats are always very clean and well stocked with everything you'll need for your holiday. Thank you for another amazing holiday, highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
29 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We have had exemplary service from ABC from making our booking, through to collection of hire boats at Whitchurch marina, a wonderful week on an immaculately clean well furnished boat and a very helpful and efficient return process of the boat
29 Mar 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Every element of the service provided by ABC was outstanding and the boat was exceptionally tidy. Phil our instructor had great people skills.
29 Mar 2023