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 Weaver - Village Weaver from Aldermaston Wharf

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

Your recent holiday on Perfect Day from Whitchurch Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Weaver - Village Weaver from Aldermaston Wharf

Very friendly helpful. Clean boat.

09 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Perfect Day from Whitchurch Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Tawny Eagle from Blackwater Meadow Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Tawny Eagle from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Everything according or better than our expectations. Nothing negative

09 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Perfect Day from Whitchurch Marina

Perfect Day, on Perfect Day the Narrow Boat.

08 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Perfect Day from Whitchurch Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

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

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

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

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Grey Partridge from Wrenbury

Friendly informative staff.

08 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Yellow Warbler from Hilperton

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