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0330 333 0590

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Canal boat hire

Cast off and leave your cares behind with a boating holiday from ABC Boat Hire.

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!

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

See for yourself how relaxing a canal boating holiday can be!

VIEW ALL VIDEOS

Our Canal 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

South Wales

Goytre Wharf
View all locations

Request
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 REQUEST

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group number, 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

View all Routes

Special Offers

View offers

Maps & Guides

View guides

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

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 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.  



Don't take our word for it...

Feefo average score: 4.6 out of 5.

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Owl - Scops Owl from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Overall good, a few snags on boat

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Bay Wren from Falkirk

Only one problem. We asked if we would need a pump out midweek and we're assured not. By Tuesday night the loo was full and luckily for us Scottish Canals had a pump out a hour in front of us. Wonderful service from them.

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Greater Spotted Sandpiper from Wrenbury

Otroligt bra service, trevlig båt och gott sällskap gjorde vår resa till en oförglömlig semester. Detta ska vi nog göra om :-)

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Bay Wren from Falkirk

The canal assistant guys at locks and Wheel were great. BOAT was very good.

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Duck - Tufted Duck from Springwood Haven Marina

All staff welcoming and very helpfull

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Owl - Scops Owl from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Great friendly service as usual

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Arctic Warbler from Aldermaston Wharf

The staff at ABC Aldermaston were first-class - helpful, efficient and friendly. The booking system, picking up and returning the boat all worked well. The boat itself, Arctic Warbler, was a bit tired - could do with a repaint - but it was mechanically sound, handled well and was spotlessly clean inside. The three of us had an excellent week on the Thames and K&A and would certainly use ABC again.

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Greater Spotted Sandpiper from Wrenbury

Bra båt med allt som behövs!

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Thrush - Dusky Thrush from Anderton

ABC staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. The boat was clean and fully ready to take out. We have used ABC many times before and have always been impressed with them and would recommend them to others.

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Duck - Tufted Duck from Springwood Haven Marina

It was our first time, the welcome and hand over was clear and detailed, we re only left once we felt confident in handling the boat. we had a great trip and enjoyed each day even the one wet day. we will be going again

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Grasshopper Warbler from Gayton

We have used ABC Boat Hire 4 times now and they have always impressed us. From the ease of booking and excellent communication from the administration team. To the standard of equipment, and cleanliness of the boats. The hand over instructions are very clear and useful. We had Chris doing our hand over and he was charming and helpful. It was a very simple procedure when handing the boat back. We had a wonderful long weekend and are very keen to do it again next year. I would recommend this firm to anyone.

30 Jun 2022

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Dartford Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Hi accessibility, hi service level and a helpful attitude.

30 Jun 2022