Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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0330 333 0590

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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 Wren - Canyon Wren from Worcester Marina

Good service, lots of information & advice given

13 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Canyon Wren from Worcester Marina

Great fun, and good holiday

13 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Grey Wren from Anderton

Perfect and very friendly Service. Even we are late on takeover date, we get a detailed and very good take-over-tour! The boat was perfect, well equipped with everything needed during the weeks.

13 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Heron - White Faced Heron from Hilperton

Wij vonden het geweldig, de boot was keurig onderhouden, zeer schoon en verzorgt. Geen enkel technisch ongemak ervaren. Kortom echt top.

13 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Heron - White Faced Heron from Hilperton

Vanaf het moment van reserveren wordt je zeer goed geinformeerd. Via de app als ook mail wordt er informatie verstrekt. Vragen worden zeer direct en adequaat beantwoord. De ontvangst op de haven was zeer vriendelijk en hartelijk, de verschillende mensen hebben echt hun best gedaan om alles naar ons zin te maken. Ze deden dit met een enthousiaste houding van mensen met plezier in hun werk. De boot was fantastisch en wij hebben dit als een bijzondere en mooie belevenis ervaren.

13 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Marsh Wren from Hilperton

We had a great holiday. The boat performed really well and the route was fantastic. Condition of the boat interior let it down a bit though - not "5 star" as advertised.

12 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

We hired the Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch Marina for a week in May and had a fantastic time. Staff at the marina were very experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. Booking online was fast and straightforward.

12 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Hooded Warbler from Whitchurch Marina

See above …………….. ……………….

12 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Marsh Wren from Hilperton

Very friendly and warm staff at the Hilperton marina where we collected the boat. Explained everything well. The location was a great start for exploring the kennet and avon canal to the west or the east. We did both. We have hired boats from ABC boat hire in the past (x3 previous occasions), so were able to compare previous experiences. The boat was a bit disappointing. Even if it had been advertised as 4 star I would be so disappointed, but 5 star? This boat (Marsh Wren) was far from 5 star. 1. Couldn't lock the rear door hatch from the inside (catches were fitted wrong). 2. When filling up the drinking water tank, we knew it was full because excess water was coming out of a random hole in the boat (a bit of h&s issue - if water can get out - contamination can get in). 3.The interior wood panelling, including kitchen units were a bit grimy. 4. Repairs to the boat like portions ceiling replaced, new spot light - done a bit shoddily. 5. The ceiling light fittings were rusty,old and dirty. 6. The "plank" that sits on top of the boat roof - this was split and a bit unsafe for walking on. 6. There were no bowls for having your cereals.

12 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Hooded Warbler from Whitchurch Marina

Every interaction with a staff member was courteous and helpful, The boat was clean and well stocked with towels , toilet rolls, etc. The information given was helpful and went towards a great holiday, especially the discount on a meal at the Black Bear pub! When we messed up and left luggage behind the receptionist was very helpful, so a big thank you to her.

12 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

The boat was clean and had everything we needed. Route was nice and quiet. Thank you

12 Jul 2025

Your recent holiday on Gull - Common Gull from Gailey Wharf

A very nice boat. There was a problem with one of the showers. An engineer came out to fix it, but was not able to solve the problem.

12 Jul 2025