Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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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 Goose - Blue Goose from Hilperton

Super family holiday in a 8 berth boat

09 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Goose - Blue Goose from Hilperton

Check in and check out was swift and the friendly staff gave us all the information we needed for our first canal boat trip. The boat was spotless and well prepared, everything we needed! Thank you West Country ABC boats

09 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Swan - Trumpeter Swan from Aldermaston Wharf

Fantastisk god mottagelse med positive personer

08 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Swan - Trumpeter Swan from Aldermaston Wharf

Fin båt gode løsninger og mye utstyr

08 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Rock Partridge from

We are returning customers benefitting from significant discounts. ABC is a super friendly company with top end boats in many locations. Reservation is easy, the staff without exemption are courteous and helpful. Safety is paramount with a thorough briefing before departure. Wilson at Nantwich marina was excellent, taking us out of the marina, ensuring we were competent. The boat was fitted out perfectly. There were four of us with two double beds en suite and the galley perfectly placed at the stern. We went south to Market Drayton, a superb unspoilt rural idyllic. Audlem well worth visiting. Corkscrew and scissors on board were cheap and didn’t work but this is our only criticism On return Carl was happy for us to return through the marina in reverse to the berth. Great fun

07 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

A very professional set up. Booking was easy and the App very useful. Reception and particularly handover was first class. The boat was only a year old and in immaculate condition. My only criticism would be that the hose to refill the water had pinholes which soaked crew and passersby alike. ABC really need to find an alternative type which is up to the job. Otherwise perfect!

07 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

Whitchurch to Llangollen and back in a week brought back very happy memories of a holiday many years ago. The weather certainly helped as it was the an exceptionally dry and warm week at the end of April but the boat was everything we expected and more. Water levels were good and the canal was not too busy. Scenery was everything I remember from before, stunning.

07 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Rock Partridge from

A perfect short break through wonderful countryside and in perfect weather. Winding hole beyond Mkt Drayton was not open (now privately owned) This wasn’t made clear but warned at Mkt Drayton. The advise before setting off is to look at Pearson’s (canal guide) on line to find potential recent problems that might affect your route, as in our case. Audlem a fantastic village well worth exploring. We really enjoyed The Shroppy Fly pub

07 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Swan - Mute Swan from Hilperton

Beautiful canal, peaceful. Weather glorious which helped as we were able to sit outside while travelling.

07 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Swan - Mute Swan from Hilperton

Three wonderful nights with 8 people and dogs. The weather was great which made it even more special. Very well equipped. Staff were very friendly and helpful when we arrived. The information given to us at the start was excellent.

07 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Barred Warbler from Alvechurch

Very efficient and friendly staff .

06 May 2025

Your recent holiday on Wide Beam - Sanderling from Falkirk

Hjälpsam & trevlig personal. Lätt att komma igång med resan & bra bemötande vid olika frågeställningar

06 May 2025