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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!
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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.
★ ★ ★ ★
The canal banks were badly overgrown and canal was not deep at the banks so finding mooring places was an issue. Also the lock gates are not well maintained so it was difficult to open them occasionally. We loved the holiday which was for two weeks. Really relaxing.
09 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat. Perfect size with lots of inside and outdoor space. Clean and quiet. Great check-in process. Beautiful scenery from Whitchurch Marina.
09 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very friendly helpful. Clean boat.
09 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We just had a fabulous day hiring a day boat from Whitchurch Marina. The boat was new and really clean with everything we needed onboard. The boat was electric too so really quiet. The gentleman who checked us in called Laurie was lovely and super helpful too.
09 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Clean and tidy boat together with good and nice easy-going service from the process of renting to the return of the boat. Top training/info before sailing.
09 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything according or better than our expectations. Nothing negative
09 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Perfect Day, on Perfect Day the Narrow Boat.
08 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was great service, from booking, being taught how everything works and safety features, to returning back to the marina, the boat was practically brand new and easy to sail.
08 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat, very poor service at marina in getting boat ready. 2 hours later than delay and no apology or reason given
08 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat well maintained , no problem at all. Very slow departure from marina, about 2 hours later than planned and no apology, quite a disappointing start
08 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Friendly informative staff.
08 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
we enjoyed a perfect family holiday. The size of the boat was ideal for our family. The team at Hilperton Marina were the best.
08 Jul 2025