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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AWARD WINNING
BOAT HIRE

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Your recent holiday on Warbler - Aquatic Warbler from Worcester Marina

The welcome from Cat was excellent. Dave the engineer was extremely thorough and personable. The boat was extremely clean. The only drawback is the TVs don’t seem to work! And their is only a small ice tray meaning small G@Ts😂

04 Aug 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Kestrel - Common Kestrel from Gailey Wharf

Preparation very good no issues with handover

04 Aug 2026

★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Mist - Scotch Mist from Falkirk Marina

Stressful mooring, due to lack of spaces or the boat being larger than marina specs say they can take (Winchburgh specifically on that one).

04 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Mist - Scotch Mist from Falkirk Marina

The boat itself was great, comfortable and spacious. The canal was scenic BUT due to closures on other areas of canal (to Kelpies and from the Kelvin aqueduct) mooring at many of the suggestions was not available because it was full. This made the experience of finding somewhere to stay the night to be stressful. Also, because the water levels are low and the banks not tenses, you can't moor anywhere you like (contrary to the words of the gent who handed over the boat).

04 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Marsh Wren from Hilperton Marina

Friendly and helpful staff. Our boat was clean and tidy with all amenities required. Would highly recommend the cruise to Bristol, the Avon is breathtakingly beautiful. Dogs loved it. Comfortable bed, loved spending time sat out the front with nature

04 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Spirit - Lochan Ora from Falkirk Marina

Canals are great. A bit of rubbish in the water and on the banks.

04 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Marsh Wren from Hilperton Marina

Amazing week, travelled from hilperton marina along to Bath then Bristol, returned to Bath and back on the kennet and avon canal. Perfect week long journey with stays in both city centres and countryside.

04 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Spirit - Lochan Ora from Falkirk Marina

Excellent service. Great training give. Boat is clean, well maintained and very comfortable. The scenery is green and tranquil. Victorian engineering is mindblowing. We even saw a few birds!

04 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Kestrel - Common Kestrel from Gailey Wharf

Yes they are very helpful and boat well prepared

04 Aug 2026

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

Well organized at the alternative base

03 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Ashes Lark from Worcester Marina

Great combination of river and canal; beautiful scenery on the canal; also some lovely pubs; easy to moor up in the evenings

03 Aug 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Ashes Lark from Worcester Marina

Friendly welcome; responded to our questions; tailored intro to boat to reflect our previous experience and knowledge; everything expected on boat was there; efficient return process at end of holiday

03 Aug 2026

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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

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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

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.