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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 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Greenish Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

The boat had everything we needed and was very comfortable

25 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Greenish Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Fantastic holiday on the Greenish Warbler. The boat was very well equipped with everything you might need. Staff were really helpful and friendly. Will definitely be looking at booking again.

25 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Swift - African Swift from Hilperton

Bathroom a bit weak wi fi did not seem to work

23 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Swift - African Swift from Hilperton

Fairly well organised, could be better

23 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Grasshopper Warbler from Gayton

Lovely peaceful route with an amazing boat. Would recommend to anyone.

23 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Grasshopper Warbler from Gayton

The boat was amazing and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

23 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton

Great area, easy trip, lovely views

23 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton

Start of season training resulted in a delayed start, but the boat was lovely and clean and all the staff helpful

23 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Grey Partridge from Wrenbury

Love canal boating and this trip was no exception. Great boat, gorgeous scenery, lots of good pubs and lovely food

21 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Grey Partridge from Wrenbury

We’ve hired from ABC loads of times. They’re always lovely, at every location. The boats are exceptionally clean and really well appointed with good quality crockery and great pans. On this occasion we needed extra blankets as it was cold at night and the staff at Wrenbury came to find us with the blankets which was amazing This was the first time we’ve had such a new boat (3 years old). The modern changes were a welcome addition with USB points, loads of good lights and an extra TV. I’d just observe that the kitchen design changes mean that there is no longer one complete unbroken work surface for food preparation or serving cooked food. The hob has been moved to the work surface opposite the sink leaving only 3 small work surface areas none of which were sufficient to hold more than two plates. I thought the old design worked well with hob and sink on one side and a bit of worktop in the middle for tea and coffee making plus one long unbroken surface on the other. The change could have been made to make more room give the fridge door to open but I’d personally put up with less room for that in favour of worktop space.

21 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Thrush - American Thrush from Gayton

Great holiday - no concerns

21 Mar 2024

Your recent holiday on Thrush - American Thrush from Gayton

Have always been a great company to hire with and this time was no exception!

21 Mar 2024