Blog

Picture this: you and your pup gaze through the porthole window of a narrowboat. They’re fascinated by the ripples in the water and the tweets of the morning birds. You’re surrounded by nature and a world away from the rushed roadside walks. With ABC Boat Hire, you don’t have to choose between adventure and your furry friend – they can come along, too.  Whether you’re planning in advance or this...

Looking for a peaceful yet stunning getaway floating down the waterways? No route could be more perfect than the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, or the Mon and Brec canal for short! But what makes this Welsh route so tranquil? Unlike any other waterways in the UK, the Brecon Beacons canal is not connected to the main canal network – which makes it significantly quieter than other canals with less...

Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in England, well known for its University and colleges, it’s boat race with rival Oxford and the River Cam. In this guide we’ll explain some of the best things to do in Cambridge if you’re visiting via the waterways.  University Experiences Established in 1209, Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities in the world, and is ho...

Are you looking for ways to keep the whole family amused on your canal boat holiday? Dive into board games, join in with narrowboat bingo or snap some memorable moments for your journey scrapbook. Embrace the slower pace and win over your crew with our entertainment ideas below.  Ways to have fun on the water ‘All aboard’ games  Boat bingo  Age range: 5+  Number of players: 2-8  Write a list...

If you’ve ever strolled next to a canal, you might have noticed each boat has unique paintwork. Bold colours, funky patterns and intricate designs envelop each one.  As more people choose to live on narrowboats, the artwork expressing their lifestyle choices has also evolved. Some people go for dark and mysterious designs, others camouflage into the countryside with greens, pinks and browns. Howe...

Are you a first-time boater or looking for information about adventures by canal? Read our guide below to find out the essentials:  how to hire a narrowboat what a narrowboat holiday is and choosing the right one for you  what you need to know before booking how to plan and budget your trip  drive, moor and secure your boat  what to take onboard    How to hire a narrowboat   Are you l...

Are you thinking about going on a water sports adventure? Do you also want to explore new places? ABC Boat Hire has just the place for you. Llangollen in Wales is a beautiful location full of fun activities and serene views. In this blog, we’ll explore the best types of water sports activities you can enjoy on the Llangollen Canal, making it the perfect location for your next water sports holiday...

As winter settles in, the thought of sunny summer days might feel far off, but winter is actually the best time to book your summer canal boat holiday. While it might seem early, there are plenty of advantages to booking your summer break now, from getting the best availability to saving money. Here’s why booking your summer break during winter is a smart move:  1. Access to the Best Availability...

Award-nominated services  Nantwich Canal Centre, one of ABC Boat Hire’s northern locations, is a finalist for Self Catering Accommodation of the Year in Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2025.  The awards recognise and applaud those who fuel Cheshire and Warrington’s tourism sector, which attracts more than 50 million visitors yearly and contributes £3.4 billion to the region’s economy.   There...

In this guide, we’ll cover the best boating safety tips and the boat safety equipment you need to protect yourself and others while cruising the canals. Let’s dive into how you can make your boating experience both safe and fun!  10 Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Canal Boat Journey 1. Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings  One of the key safety tips when steering a narrowboat is to be aware of wh...