5th February 2026
If you’ve been thinking about a canal boat holiday, there’s never been a better time to book.
The UK government has announced a £6.5 million investment into England and Wales' canal network, helping to protect, maintain and future-proof the waterways that make canal cruising such a unique and relaxing experience.
For everyone here at ABC Boat Hire, this is fantastic news (and even better news for our customers!).
The funding will go to the Canal & River Trust, supporting essential work on the 200-year-old canal infrastructure, such as embankments, reservoirs and water management systems, and will prevent huge repair bills in the future.
The canal investment will also help create:
All of this helps ensure the UK’s canals remain open, navigable and enjoyable not just now, but for years to come.
If you've already travelled with us, or hope to soon, this investment helps guarantee a worthwhile staycation on the water. A canal holiday is all about slowing down, switching off, and enjoying the journey, and these three takeaways ensure just that:
With stronger investment behind the scenes, you can focus on what really matters: relaxing, exploring, and making memories on the water.
Haley Hadley, Marketing & Sales Director at ABC Boat Hire, said: “This is extremely positive news for everyone who enjoys the UK’s canals. For our customers, it reinforces confidence that the waterways are being properly cared for and remain a safe, reliable and beautiful place to holiday. Canal breaks are all about slowing down and enjoying the journey, and continued investment like this helps ensure our guests can relax and make the most of their time on the water. It’s a great moment to be planning a canal holiday.”
The UK’s canals are already world-famous for their charm, history and wildlife, and this new funding helps keep them that way. Whether you’re cruising through peaceful countryside, stopping at canalside pubs, or waking up to waterside views, a canal holiday offers a kind of escape you just can’t get anywhere else.
At ABC Boat Hire, our 'Exceptional' Feefo-rating shows that our well-maintained boats, flexible hire options and friendly support make it easy to enjoy everything the canals have to offer, especially now that their future is being actively protected.
With government backing, improving infrastructure, and another great cruising season ahead, there’s no better moment to plan your next adventure.
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