Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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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

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Canal boat hire

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!
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

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.

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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

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group, 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

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Special Offers

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Maps & Guides

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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

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 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.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2024 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025

Your recent holiday on Spirit - Lochan Ora from Falkirk

The service was excellent, from pre-trip contact through to final goodbyes.

22 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Spirit - Lochan Ora from Falkirk

The boat was excellent - easy to handle and comfortable accommodation for four adults.

22 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Plover - Kentish Plover from Gayton

ABC and boat excellent sadly not all of the canal was up to standard

22 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Green Sandpiper from Falkirk

The handover was brilliant. they even tested us on our steering skills before letting us loose on the canal. the staff helped us all the way through the locks. the Falkirk wheel looking a bit intimidating , staff on hand to guide us on. Administration office were helpful from the start, helping store our suit cases, waiting on handover.

22 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Green Sandpiper from Falkirk

during our trip from Falkirk to Edinburgh , 1 shower only had cold water. the toilet showed a red light on the flush button. we had to phone for a pump-out. this curtailed our trip to Edinburgh. Also the man sent to pump us out at Ratho did not know the name of the boat he was there to help.

22 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Plover - Kentish Plover from Gayton

fast efficient service and getaway upon arrival. very new boat so in excellent condition.

22 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Tern - Common Tern from Wrenbury

every staff member we met was very friendly, smiling, and couldn't have been more helpful. wonderful staff at wrenbury and whitchurch where we stopped for a pump out.

21 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Heron - Humblots Heron from Wrenbury

Excellent trip, wonderful route up to Llangollen.

21 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Heron - Humblots Heron from Wrenbury

Great holiday at a very reasonable price. Equipment was all top notch and we had no problems operating the boat at all. Great fun and all the staff were very helpful.

21 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Tern - Common Tern from Wrenbury

Great trip , fantastic scenery, and lots to do on the canal- tunnels, staircase, viaducts . hired a bigger boat this year and a bit worried about that but it turned out fine, would use it again.

21 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Tailed Finch from Goytre Wharf

Great boat great canal great service

20 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Lark - Sand Lark from Wrenbury

We have used ABC Leisure for many years and have always been Very Impressed with the Standard of the Boats and the Service we always get and this year was no Exception we got a Very Warm Welcome from the Staff at Wrenbury.

20 May 2025