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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!
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
View Two to Five berth boatsThese boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
View Six to eight berth boatsWith 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 boatsYes - 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great service, helpful staff
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We had a really lovely day trip. The staff were extremely helpful
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★
Kennet & Avon not really to our taste. Especially annoying the disrespect of visitor moorings time limits west of the summit (i.e. Pewsey and Honeystreet).
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★
Problems arose with the heating system after hours and could not be attended to before the following day. Not really satisfactory with outside temperature around 5 C. Otherwise excellent service.
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat and good service.
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Perfectly presented boat. Spacious and lovely and clean. One of the best boats that we have ever hired!
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Good service and experience.
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Well equiped boat with good kitchen utensils on board. TV not always good but that is the norm on a narrowboat. Helpful advice from ABC on heating system minor issue which resolve d by having engine on when switching on. Good handling.
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff were very friendly and helpful. As absolute beginners we were guided on how to use the boat and nice places to stop.
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent helpful and friendly service from all the team at Aldermaston Wharf. Boat was prepared early for us so we could reach our planned destination on day 1. Our Boat “Turtle Dove” was clean and had everything necessary for a good trip on the Kennet & Avon canal
21 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I would definitely buy a day trip again.
19 Oct 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great day out for all 6 of is. The instruction was 1st class, explaining everything very clearly. I would recommend ABC to anyone who hasn't tried a canal boat yet.
16 Oct 2024