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!
LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?

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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 Tern - Common Tern from Wrenbury Mill Marina

The staff at the marina were terrific and the boat even better than expected, with seating probably the only potential issue. There were only 7 of us on board, but with a full complement of 10 there would certainly be a shortage of comfortable seating for everyone. However beds were very comfortable and the galley was great, with plenty of storage and an unexpectedly good fridge. Bathrooms and showers were excellent. Our only minor gripes were that mooring ropes could have been better quality and the water filler hose wasn't the best so it took around 30 minutes each day to fill up.. All in all though, of the 5 canal boats I've been on, this was easily the best and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for a large family group like ours.

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Inca Wren from Whitchurch Marina

Really brilliant holiday and great service! Big thank you to Richard who showed us how to operate the boat on the first day, he put us completely at ease and got us off to a great start!

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Duck - Musk Duck from Gailey Wharf

A perfect trip from start to finish!! we can’t fault the service provided by ABC!

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Flappet Lark from Anderton Marina

We have come to find that ABC Boat hire Boats are well equipped, maintained and designed. This year's boat was clean and we had no engine problems.

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Duck - Freckled Duck from Gailey Wharf

Excellent service throughout

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Duck - Freckled Duck from Gailey Wharf

From booking to the end of the holiday the service was excellent. A good technical briefing was given and the details of what was and wasn't proved on the boat was clear and correct. The Black Country ring itinerary was a good enjoyable on, and as expected a little challenging at times for beginners.

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Marsh Sandpiper from Gayton Marina

Just very nice people greeted our family with a warm and pleasant smile

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Marsh Sandpiper from Gayton Marina

Very professional and polite pleasant staff greeted with a smolie smile

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton Marina

Everything went smooth and efficiently

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton Marina

Lady on reception very helpful with us and also trying to sort a problem with people in front of us.

11 Jul 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Flappet Lark from Anderton Marina

We travelled from Anderson to Chester which gave us a scenic run, not too many locks and a small amount of industrial works. The Canal and River Trust need to ensure there are sufficient waste disposal places to limit the amount of rubbish boaters must keep on their boat.

11 Jul 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Inca Wren from Whitchurch Marina

Really brilliant holiday and great service! Big thank you to Richard who showed us how to operate the boat on the first day, he put us completely at ease and got us off to a great start!

11 Jul 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 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.