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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 3 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very freindly staff, and good instruction, will definately go again as have done for the last 6years
09 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Our group of four have be going every year for the last 6 years with ABC and have the best of times in these very well equiped boats with no complaints.
09 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
idyllic views, great interaction with the bridges for the little ones
09 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
great service, all ready to go when we arrives, clear instructions , beautiful boat, well equipped
09 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★
As above mentioned in section 1
09 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★
Some of the bedding was missing and this delayed our start as it was after you closed and someone had to come back to sort it out. One of the toilets showed a red warning light after 3 days and when we phoned the office it wasn't very helpful
09 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff were great explaining to us all about the boat. Steering, tieing up to a bank, which side of the canal you should be on and so much more. The facilities like the cooker, shower, toilet, bed in the dining area. Nothing was too much trouble. All of the staff were very helpful.
08 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
The boat was well appointed, but the outside (front and rear decks) have not been cleaned for some time and we had no mop or brush to do so. Also the side deck near the hatch was green, so had not been cleaned for months. However, the inside was ok.
08 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Always wanted to hire a canal boat and finally searched and found one in Abergavenny. Was one of the most relaxing things I have ever done! You feel so far away from the world to relax with beautiful scenery, sounds and smells. Can’t wait to do it again!
08 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The experience was wonderful
08 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great holiday. Very relaxing. Met lots of people from different countries at the locks and bridges.
08 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
Boat was great except for out side areas. Everything you needed was in the galley. Could do with a clock in the dining area and a mirror in the centre cabin. Surprised there was no under bed storage as on most boats.
08 Oct 2025