31st July 2025
Looking for a refreshing alternative to overseas travel? Planning a UK staycation has never been easier – or more exciting. Whether you’re keen to save on flights, avoid crowded airports, or simply explore more of what Britain has to offer, a canal boat holiday could be just the experience you need.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan the perfect British staycation – and why a canal boat adventure with ABC Boat Hire might just be your best holiday yet.
A staycation is a ‘vacation’ – or holiday – but without your passport. It’s about becoming a tourist in your own country, exploring nearby regions, towns, and hidden gems you may have overlooked.
UK staycations have surged in popularity in recent years. Industry reports predict domestic tourism will contribute around £24 billion to the UK economy in 2025. While the pandemic, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis have played a role, a 2019 Barclays report already showed a growing appetite among Brits to explore locally. The trend is here to stay – and your next great escape could be just around the corner.
With over 2,000 miles of picturesque canals and countless historic sights, the UK offers wonders right on your doorstep. With ABC Boat Hire, your perfect staycation is closer than you think.
Before you plan your trip, ask yourself: What kind of holiday do I really want?
A canal boat staycation is perfect if you want to unwind at your own pace, soak up nature, and explore the UK from a completely new perspective. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with kids, or in a group, it’s a flexible and rewarding way to holiday.
With a narrowboat holiday, the journey is the experience. You’ll learn how to navigate the waterways, steer your boat, and handle canal locks – all while soaking up the ever-changing scenery.
Once moored, head out to:
Whether you want a quiet retreat, a family adventure, or something completely different, canal boat holidays offer unforgettable memories. For inspiration, explore our guide to the best routes for beginners.
While classic hotspots like Cornwall or Brighton attract the crowds, some of the best British staycation destinations lie along the canal network.
From Worcestershire to Wiltshire, Cheshire to Shropshire, our marinas open up a world of local discovery. Explore buzzing towns and rolling countryside – all from your floating base.
Top routes from ABC Boat Hire include:
All routes are easily accessible from ABC Boat Hire’s nationwide marina locations.
Forget the clichés of gloomy British holidays – a canal boat break lets you experience the UK in a whole new light. Wake up on the water, surrounded by wildlife. Cruise at your own pace and discover Britain’s beauty from a unique floating base.
The benefits?
From our bases in Worcestershire, Staffordshire, and Northamptonshire, you can explore the industrial charm of the Birmingham Canal Ring or the history of Stratford-upon-Avon.
For breathtaking scenery and incredible engineering, head to our Cheshire and Shropshire marinas - home to the Anderton Boat Lift, the Llangollen Canal, and the world-famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct. You can even trace the route of the world’s first sea-to-sea canal in Scotland.
To make the most of your UK canal boat holiday, here are some practical planning tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Decide how long you’d like to cruise. ABC Boat Hire offers short breaks and week-long holidays to suit all budgets.
Our marinas are easily accessible by car and public transport, making it simple to find the right starting point.
Each of our routes includes estimated cruising time and lock counts, so you can create an itinerary that balances boating and exploring on land.
The British weather is famously unpredictable! Our packing checklist ensures you’re ready for sun, rain, and everything in between.
Your perfect canal boat adventure starts here. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family escape, or a slow-paced solo journey, our friendly team at ABC Boat Hire is here to help. You're only a few clicks away from booking the perfect UK staycation!
