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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!
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LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?
Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team
(Free UK calls)
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 DOWNLOADAccommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday
These boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
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.
Yes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The service at the marina was excellent, the narrowboat was well-appointed and everything worked on it, and we had a great few days!
05 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Boat condition was good. Staff were very helpful. Specific information was required as we were to use the Falkirk Wheel immediately on setting off - this was handled well. On returning home, we realised we had left our waterproofs on board. We phoned to tell the ABC team, and they were kind enough to check the boat on its return at the end of the next week. They found them, posted them back to us, and declined to accept any payment. Really good service.
05 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
Almost everything was really good. It would have been even better if the moorings on the Union Canal had been better placed. The canal is beautiful, but the towpath is almost always obstructed by reeds, meaning that the normal (on the English and Welsh canals) opportunity to moor wherever you like isn't available. Since the prepared moorings tend not to be in attractive places the canal misses a trick. Another comment on the Union Canal .... We moored in Edinburgh just short of the lift bridge, as most people do. Boaters need easy access to the towpath, both for activities on the boat and for walking into town. At this point, however, the towpath is extremely busy with pedestrians and with cyclists. It would be very helpful if the towpath could be segregated into lanes for pedestrians (that lane should be next to the canal) and cyclists - different colours of tarmac work well. My experience is that cyclists obey such lane instruction, but, without it, their current behaviour is often feral and dangerous. (I was hit by a cyclist on a footpath a few years ago, and I have no wish to repeat the experience.)
05 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very good....................................
05 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything first class is can thoroughly recommend this company
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent boat rental support
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
We had a 68ft boat. It is very long and a challenge to navigate. Difficult to find turn around locations. Also the Grand Union Canal has many locks which we found quite tiring. ADVICE: Choose your canal and routes carefully keeping in mind the number of locks you are comfortable with.
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great service and superb experience.
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The customer experience from Handover to handback along with the recommended stopover points was exceptional. Will definitely hire again.
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A very warm welcome when we arrived to pick up the boat. Thorough explanation of the boat. Good facilities onboard. No comp[laints at all
04 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything that is needed was on the boat.
03 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent people to deal with, and boat was excellent.
03 Jul 2025