A guide on how to plan and book your canal boat holiday from overseas

Are you dreaming of a UK vacation which isn’t just sightseeing or coach tours surrounded by groups of other people? If you’re looking to holiday in Britain and want to see the unfiltered beauty of the country – think winding canals, charming villages, historic landscapes – a canal boat trip could be just what you’re after. 

This 8-step guide is designed for international travellers who want to plan and book a narrowboat holiday with ease. We’ll help you navigate everything from choosing your route to arriving at the marina, so you can focus on slowing down, soaking it in, and making memories on the water.  

Sceptical about what a canal boat holiday is like or how we operate? Browse our Gold-trusted Feefo reviews, or read our guide to a week-long British waterways vacation, here.  

Just want to book? Complete the booking form, or add your trip details to the top of the homepage.  

Are you ready to find your dream UK adventure? 

• Step 1: Choose your experience 

• Step 2: How to book your boat from abroad 

• Step 3: How to get to your floating home 

• Step 4: Currency and payments in the UK 

• Step 5: Attractions and activities 

• Step 6: The check-in process 

• Step 7: Getting ready for life on the water 

• Step 8: Essential tips for international canal boat travellers 

Step 1: Choose your experience

Who’s travelling? 

Whether you’re travelling as a couple or in a group, ABC Boat Hire has a boat to suit all needs. 

• Up to 5 

• Up to 8 

• Up to 12 

What do you want to do and where would you like to go? 

There are so many sights to see, towns to explore, and activities to get stuck into. Not to mention the array of local cuisines and cultures. You might have interests in the outdoors, such as bird spotting, golfing, or hiking, which makes a canal boat vacation a great choice. Or perhaps you want to uncover what makes the British countryside such a picturesque place.  

You might also have in mind particular places to visit. Some landmarks or places of interest you can visit by canal include:

• Harry Potter filming locations 

• The longest and tallest aqueduct in Britain 

• 7 wonders of the waterway 

• The top 5 stately homes by canal 

• The best castles to visit near the water  

Whatever you’re into, there are plenty of options outside your floating home, as well as inside it. The way of life on a narrowboat is calmer, quieter, and allows you to breathe in fresh country air on a tranquil slice of Britain’s waterways.  

How long would you like your trip to last? 

Would you like to book a traditional narrowboat for the whole of your time in the UK? Or would you prefer it to just be part of the experience while you’re here? ABC Boat Hire offers various journey lengths to cruise through the waterways. Check out some of the most suitable routes in England, Scotland and Wales:  

• A few nights (up to 4) 

• 7 nights plus 

If you’re unsure about what to do on your trip or where to go, browse our hand-picked routes which include the most popular canal boat routes, family-friendly routes, and routes for older couples. Or, if you have any specific questions or queries, contact our friendly team where we can help you plan your best holiday yet.  

Step 2: How to book your boat from abroad with ABC Boat Hire  

After choosing your location and route, the length of your vacation, and the number of people travelling, you need to input this information at the top of our homepage, or call one of the team to book over the phone – remember to consider international calling charges. 

Deposit 

We require a 25% deposit at the time of booking, which is calculated from the total price before discounts are applied. The rest of the balance is payable 8 weeks before your vacation date. 

Payment plan 

Want to spread the cost of your holiday for no extra charge? If you’re based in Europe, you may be able to pay using our Easy Pay plan. This provides you with a payment plan through direct debit. We recommend contacting your bank to check if you have this capability. 

Booking from Australia? Read our guide, here. 

Booking from the USA? Read our guide, here. 

Step 3: How to get to your floating home 

While booking your ABC Boat Hire narrowboat holiday, there are a few other things you’ll need to consider.

• Visas and entry requirements – you can check if you need a visa, here 

• Travel insurance 

• Passport validity – make sure it’s in date! 

• Train and/or flight tickets – SkyScanner and Trainline are best 

We’ve listed all of our marinas below along with the closest airport and train station to help you plan your journey.   

Step 4: Currency and payments in the UK 

Before you travel to the UK, you need to decide how much spending money you’d like to bring. This all depends on the activities you’d like to do, how much self-catering food you’ll buy and if you’ll dine out, and any souvenirs you might purchase. 

Exchange rate 

Once you’ve got a figure in mind, the next step is to look at the exchange rate to Great British Pounds (GBP)/Sterling. You must ensure the company you choose is FCA authorised in the UK for consumer protection.  

Cash or card? 

The most convenient way to spend money in the UK is with credit or debit cards. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are the most popular, but you can also purchase prepaid cards or multi-currency cards. Some banks in your country may have overseas charges, so it’s best to check with your personal bank for the most up-to-date information. 

The UK accepts both cash and cashless payment, but it differs from town to town. And if you’re likely to travel in rural areas, it’s best to have cash on your person, too. Ensure your wallets, purses, and phones – if paying with mobile transactions – are safe and secure at all times. 

Budgeting for your adventure 

Whether you’ve got a savings pot to splurge or you’d prefer to have a tighter budget, there’s a perfect trip for you at ABC Boat Hire.  

There are plenty of shops, historic villages, and unique markets to explore on your travels. You can create your own itinerary to get the most out of the areas you’ll stop by, or instead, go with the flow after cruising the canals and navigating the locks. 

Step 5: Attractions and activities on the canal 

Are you into heart-racing, thrill-seeking, sun-soaking activities? Well, you could canoe along the Llangollen canal, or visit the tallest aqueduct in the UK. Or, if you’d prefer to catch the rays from a deck chair, or experience fine dining on the water, why not explore the best restaurants along the canals and the best bars on boats to visit.  

In case you fancy a rest day, make sure you pack some games or crafts for on-board entertainment! Bring along your hobbies like knitting or crochet or be inspired by the artwork of the canals and paint the quaint landscapes of the waterside.  

Each location has a breakdown of what you could get up to if you book a canal boat vacation with ABC Boat Hire. 

Step 6: The check-in process 

Before you come aboard, you’ll be sent a check-in video with the details of your boat and route.  

Step 7: Getting ready for life on the water with ABC Boat Hire 

Before you rush to grab your suitcases and set off for your narrowboat journey, it’s worth taking the time to make sure you’re prepared. From packing tips to onboard essentials, there’s a lot to think about. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you get started, whether you’re new to canal boating or just need a refresher. 

You’ll find information about how to drive, moor and secure the boat, a packing checklist, and more tips on boat choice and budgeting.  

Step 8: Essential tips for international canal boat travellers  

Here are a few general considerations to make your journey to the UK as smooth as possible: 

Language barrier 

While English is the primary language in the UK, the accents and regional dialects vary. But don’t worry, our ABC Boat Hire team is used to welcoming visitors from all over the world, and you’ll receive clear guidance at check-in. You’ll soon pick up some of the odd words and funny phrases from the cities and towns you’ll meander through! 

Staying connected 

We recommend checking with your mobile provider about international data and roaming plans. Alternatively, you can purchase a UK SIM card on arrival to help you keep in touch with your travelling companions or to send social snaps to family and friends back home. Our marinas and boats have WiFi, but coverage may vary depending on your location when cruising.   

Emergency contacts 

We provide our own 24-hour emergency helpline, so you’re never on your own on the waterways. Our offices are open 7 days a week, between 8:30am–6pm on weekdays, and 9am–5pm on weekends.

Travel adaptors 

The UK uses a Type G plug with three rectangular prongs. Don’t forget to pack a couple of these for your journey so you can keep your electronic devices charged.  

Book now and make memories to last a lifetime! 

Explore Britain from its beautiful waterways when you book with ABC Boat Hire. Whether you’re coming from near or far, we’re here to help every step of the way.