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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 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?

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

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

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

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

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

Your recent holiday on Heron - White Faced Heron from Hilperton

Nice easy trip down to Bath, enjoyed by all.

31 Mar 2023

Your recent holiday on Heron - White Faced Heron from Hilperton

Smooth handover and return. Enjoyed the experience, especially our doggie crew.

31 Mar 2023

Your recent holiday on Wren - Happy Wren from Blackwater Meadow Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Wren - Happy Wren from Blackwater Meadow Marina

We really enjoyed the trip over to Llangollen and back

31 Mar 2023

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Tailed Finch from Goytre Wharf

Good service and experience

30 Mar 2023

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Tailed Finch from Goytre Wharf

Very much enjoyed the long weekend

30 Mar 2023

Your recent holiday on Heron - Night Heron from Whitchurch Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Heron - Night Heron from Whitchurch Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Wren - Song Wren from Whitchurch Marina

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

Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton

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