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Looking for a picture-perfect getaway down the waterways? Then the Kennet and Avon canal routes is an ideal escape. Here, you will find a great balance of beautiful greenery and wildlife as well as thrilling things to do. This route is perhaps one of our most versatile, as you can experience both bustling cities and quiet market towns. Check out our Kennet and Avon canal map to start planning your...

To many people, barges and narrowboats seem like the same thing. Both travel on water and both are long, narrow vessels which are typically used for transport. But there are definitive key differences between barges and narrowboats which mostly comes down to size. Read on to find out more and learn about how to book your next canal boat holiday with us. Narrowboats vs barges The main difference...

Boasting some of Britain’s finest scenery, charming towns and an ancient canal network, Yorkshire is a fantastic destination for a canal boat holiday. Whether you want to cruise along the Pennine waterways or stop off at some cities along the way, ABC Boat Hire has you covered with the best things to see and do. Here’s our guide to canal boat holidays in Yorkshire. What to do in Yorkshire From f...

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...

Interested in booking your next canal boat holiday? Or perhaps you’re considering living on a canal boat? Find out exactly what a canal boat marina is, and what you can expect to find there – including services such as plumbing, fuel, gas, water and more! What is a marina? A marina is a specifically designed harbour with moorings for boats. A canal marina is a common staple on the British waterw...

Are you looking for a change of pace in your retirement? A life of idly floating down the waterways might be the lifestyle for you. Let our guide on the pros and cons of living on a narrowboat in retirement help make your decision. How to live on a canal boat Deciding to pack your old life up and exchange it for one of blissful sailing is a big decision, and one that you may find hard to navigat...

Looking to book your next narrowboat holiday, but wondering what you should consider before you embark? From preparing your route to respecting others on the canal, find our top 5 tips to help you comply with canal boat etiquette, moor safely and properly and, of course, how to drive your canal boat. 5 Tips for narrowboat holidays 1. Prepare for your trip beforehand One of the most important ti...

The canals have become a quintessential part of British culture and history. Maybe you live in a city and walk along the canal to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Or maybe you live in the countryside and you use the convenient footpath along the canal to get to the closest village. Either way, a walk along the canal has become a staple part of British life. No one alive can rememb...

Looking for canal boat holidays in the Cheshire region? Whether you’re wanting to start from one of our Cheshire marinas, or if you’d like to cruise around The Cheshire Ring, your next trip with ABC Boat Hire has you covered. Read more from our guide on canal holidays in Cheshire now. What to do in Cheshire As well as being home to some of the UK’s most integral canal networks, there are ample t...

Those who live on a canal boat will tell you that one of the hardest aspects of the narrowboat layout is finding room for all your stuff. That’s often why people often opt for narrowboat holidays rather than living on canal boats. However, every boat owner will have their own methods of saving space – but we have a compiled a list of the very best ones to help you minimise your clutter if you’re...