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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 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything first class is can thoroughly recommend this company
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent boat rental support
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
We had a 68ft boat. It is very long and a challenge to navigate. Difficult to find turn around locations. Also the Grand Union Canal has many locks which we found quite tiring. ADVICE: Choose your canal and routes carefully keeping in mind the number of locks you are comfortable with.
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great service and superb experience.
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The customer experience from Handover to handback along with the recommended stopover points was exceptional. Will definitely hire again.
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A very warm welcome when we arrived to pick up the boat. Thorough explanation of the boat. Good facilities onboard. No comp[laints at all
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything that is needed was on the boat.
03 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent people to deal with, and boat was excellent.
03 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If I could give ABC Boat Rental - Aldermaston 10 stars, I definitely would. Very good communication in advance of the rental period. Very nice lady who met us at Aldermaston Warf and had all the paperwork ready. We got a great tour of the boat from one of the employees "wicked"😉 We also got good help and instruction through the lift bridge and lock in Aldermaston from one of the other staff. Absolutely great. The boat worked great during our entire trip. I definitely recommend ABC Boat Rental - Aldermaston and will choose them again on our next trip. Again, thank you very much for a great experience👌👌
02 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Having been narrowboating since 2008 we discovered ABC in 2012 and have been using them ever since. No matter which marina we use they have always been professional and the standard of their boats just gets better. Thoroughly recommend.
02 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Awesome trip along some stunning canals. Peaceful and relaxing. wildlife was plentiful.
02 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Have used this company many times in the past. The service received on this occasion was second to none. Check in was great quick, efficient, comprehensive and cheerful. The boat handover was the same and the chap was very knowledgeable about our route giving us some great stop of points along the way (the bakery is awesome). The boat was first class throughout. The only disappointment was that the holiday came to an end well here’s to next time we will be back. Thanks guys
02 Jul 2025