Canal Boat Holidays

a slower pace of life

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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!
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Feefo

AWARD WINNING
BOAT HIRE

Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2026 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2024

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Chimney Swift from Gailey Wharf

Lovely relaxing trip. Not many locks on this one which was good for novices like us

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Dove - Rock Dove from Worcester Marina

Very friendly staff, the boat was amazing- exceptionally clean with everything you could need. The on board wi-fi was absolutely brilliant, it never let us down. This must have been the first holiday that I have never turned the TV on.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Tern - Sandwich Tern from Alvechurch Marina

I have been using ABC for over 30 years. They have never let me down. As with all things mechanical there have been small issues on each occasion they have been dealt with promptly and efficiently. Which is why I keep coming back. Lovely staff well appointed comfortable boats.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Dove - Rock Dove from Worcester Marina

It doesn't get any better than this.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Sand Partridge from Hilperton Marina

We had to go a couple of days and return twice as our ideal trip had to be altered

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Sand Partridge from Hilperton Marina

Very good service, however it would have been nice to have been told that the route that we had planned was not available due to bridge damage. Also the sheets were not big enough for the double bed size.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - Chimney Swift from Gailey Wharf

Immaculate and clean boat with everything we needed onboard . Really helpful staff . Great experience overall

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Rock Wren from Whitchurch Marina

We had beautiful weather for 4 days and our trip was perfect. But once the weather turned we decided to head back to Whitchurch early. Due to rain for the rest of our time.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Tern - Sandwich Tern from Alvechurch Marina

Great trip comfortable well equipped boat.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Rock Wren from Whitchurch Marina

Everything was lovely. All staff very helpful and friendly. George showed us how everything worked. He was great. Reason for 4 ⭐️ is after booking and before our holiday. It was hard to find information and due to the breach in the canal last year, we were a little concerned. Customer service could have been better. Apart from that we would definitely choose ABC again.

20 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - Plain Swift from Alvechurch Marina

Brilliant service from beginning to end

19 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Marsh Warbler from Wrenbury Mill Marina

Great boat. Well kitted and fitted. Castles and Roses decals gave a romantic finish. Best boat that we've hired. Would hire again. Would appreciate waterproof mats for the outside seats. Next time, I'll bring an old sleeping mat, cut to size.

19 Oct 2026

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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.

Berkshire

Aldermaston Wharf

Cambridgeshire

March Marina

Worcestershire

Alvechurch Marina

Cheshire

Anderton Marina

Shropshire

Blackwater Meadow Marina

Staffordshire

Gailey Marina

Forth and Clyde

Falkirk Canal

Monmouthshire

Goytre Wharf
View all locations

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
ABC Boat Hire Brochure 2026

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group size, we have 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

Dog-Friendly
Trips

Your furry friends can join your UK canal cruise for free. Simply add them to your booking - up to three pets per boat at no extra cost.

Pet-Friendly Holidays

What's
on Board?

All of the key essentials have been included. There's central heating, an oven, fridge, charging points, TV and even free-wifi. Bedding and towels are provided, and the boat is fully serviced before handover.

See What's on Board

International Visitor Information

View our locations and within our location pages, you’ll be able to see routes to the airport.

Our Locations

Over
140 Routes
available

View all Routes

Special Offers

View offers

Maps & Guides

View guides

Canal Boat FAQs

Can I book a canal boat holiday for 2027?

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Yes, 2027 canal boat holidays are available to book now from all 16 of our starting locations. Booking early gives you the widest choice of boats and dates, and you can spread the cost with our easy payment plan. Contact our friendly team or use the search above to check availability.

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 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.