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With 15 starting locations across the waterway network and canal boat sizes to accommodate 2 to 12 people, you and 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 how relaxing and enjoyable a canal boat holiday can be - watch our 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 REQUESTAccommodating 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
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 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 Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. Our start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat.
Currently due to COVID-19 you will need to purchase additional licences online rather than via a lock keeper.
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
good service but there was no water in the tank when we received the boat
24 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
First canal boat holiday - loved it so so relaxing - we had our 3 grandchildren with us ages 10, 8 and 6 - they never looked for phones or ipads while we were on the boat such a fantastic experience with them watching the world go by - and our dog who was delighted as well
24 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
it was good we enjoyed the experience
24 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff were lovely friendly and so very helpful
24 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★
Very good service as usual.
22 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★
Beautiful part of the world to cruise.
22 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★
A good boat and a professional service as, usual.
22 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★
Wood Warbler was well laid out and well prepared for our trip. Boatyard staff were very helpful. We found that the mattresses on this boat were extremely soft . We have not experienced this on any other boats we have hired (ABC and other fleets).
22 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We travelled on the Llangollen Canal as far as Ellesmere and back, there were plenty of places to stop, lots of lovely walks, especially at Whixall Moors, Colemere, Ellesmere and Whitchurch is a lovely town to visit too.
21 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The handover was clear and precise, boat was lovely and clean, staff very friendly and helpful.
21 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Staff, handover and barge was First Class, A1. Staff helped us plan our route and travelling times to get where we wanted to be. Handover was very thorough and I can’t say enough how friendly all the staff at ABC boat hire were. Went above and beyond, even giving our party of 8 a lift into town on our last night after they had finished work
21 May 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brilliant weekend away, we were able to leave early Friday afternoon.
21 May 2022