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 Sandpiper - Marsh Sandpiper from Gayton Marina

Overall the trip was great and we were able to experience a host of the things associated with a canal trip like single locks, double locks and staircase locks. The trip was only marred by the inclement weather.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

Our boat was ready and waiting. Spotlessly clean throughout the boat. Hand over by Richard was easy. Boat layout was great. Liked the extendable "shelf" type arrangement to extend the width of the beds when set up as singles as in our arrangement. Matresses were comfortable and gave a good night's sleep.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Wood Sandpiper from Alvechurch Marina

Great area of the canal system to explore very pretty. There however a lot of locks so may not be suitable for everyone.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Wood Sandpiper from Alvechurch Marina

We have rented narrow boats from ABC for several years, , it has always been a good experience. This year was no exception, cheerful, helpful staff; clean reliable boats and telephone calls to alert us of any issues no the canal network. An added attraction is a loyalty scheme which gives us a substantial discount. We would strongly recommend ABC.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Archers Lark from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Vi hadde en fantastisk ferie, båten var 2 året på rad vi leide båt hos dem, ren og godt utstyrt. ABC Boat hadde flott oppfölging både ved bestilling og ved tilbakelevering. Abefales.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Rock Wren from Whitchurch Marina

Would highly recommend tgis trip to anyone, we had an amazing time would definetly be doing this again.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Rock Wren from Whitchurch Marina

Really good good very clean boat,very easy to understand the instuctiions given ro us, easy to book overall very good service very friendly& helpful staff. Would highly recommend .

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Marsh Sandpiper from Gayton Marina

With the exception of the weather everything was fine. The boat was well presented and the training given was appropriate to the crew's level of experience.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

Great route - scenic with of course the amazing aquaduct to cross. It was quieter this trip due to no boats being able to pass the breach at Whitchurch, so there were plenty of mooring available.

17 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Grebe - Hooded Grebe from Springwood Haven Marina

Staff helpful. Easy parking and space to liad and unload. Boat was well kitted out and clran

16 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Warbler - Pine Warbler from Kings Orchard Marina

Excellent customer service. From booking to briefing and support, everything was superb.

16 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Grebe - Hooded Grebe from Springwood Haven Marina

Very enjoyable trip. Thanks

16 Jun 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.