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Header photo credit: Canal & River Trust

Midweek breaks in Wales

Looking to escape to the valleys and explore some of the Welsh countryside for your next trip? Wales has a lot to offer – from golden sandy beaches and sand dunes to explore, to a wealth of Welsh countryside to discover, you’re likely to find a trip to satisfy everyone. Whether you’re travelling with a loved one and looking for a romantic getaway, as a group or friends, or if you have the whole fa...

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Things to do on August bank holiday in the UK

celebrity 5 go barging

Thinking of things to do this August bank holiday? With the bank holiday weekend fast approaching, it’s wise to collate some ideas of things to do, places to go and adventures to explore. From romantic spa breaks for two to canal boat holidays on the water, learn our top August bank holiday ideas from this detailed guide. August bank holiday weekend breaks Our much-needed bank holiday break in A...

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Guide to Birmingham’s canalside restaurants

Thinking of booking a Birmingham boating holiday? Or simply want to know more about what Birmingham’s canal district can offer? Our detailed guide has you covered. Birmingham canals With 100 miles of canals (more than Venice!), Birmingham’s canal district is renowned for being one of the most intricate canal networks in the world. The hub of this district is the renowned Gas Street Basin – which...

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Boating holidays in Scotland

Searching for the perfect boating holiday in Scotland? Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with a special someone, a fun-filled family adventure on the waters or celebrating with a group of friends; Scotland is the perfect destination. Learn more about ABC’s boating destinations in Scotland for your next trip along the canals. Holidays in Scotland Edinburgh holidays When choosing a...

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Weekend breaks with dogs in the UK

Looking to get away on a weekend break with the dog? Treating yourselves to a long weekend away is always a good way to unwind from the daily hustle and bustle – but we can often feel guilty for leaving behind our beloved four-legged friends. That’s why we’ve put together our favourite UK holiday ideas with dogs – from canal side holiday cottages to seaside escapes where your furry friend can enjo...

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The history of canal boats in the UK

couple learning how to drive a canal boat

Most of the UK have some knowledge about the canal system and how it used to operate, but nowadays the British Waterways are more commonly known for canal boat holidays or day trips. Beginning as working boats used for transportation of goods, narrowboats have an interesting history dating back to the 18th century. From beginning their journey as horse-drawn canal boats to the evolution of using c...

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Where to go on an Easter holiday

With Easter just around the corner, you may be wondering where to go for an Easter break. With copious amounts of chocolate in tow, make sure you’re heading off to the perfect destination for the weekend. Whether you’re spending Easter weekend just you and a loved one, with a group of friends or the whole family, our ideas for the best Easter breaks have you covered! Easter weekend breaks Lookin...

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Celebrity Britain by Barge: Then & Now

best canals in uk

Similar to the much-loved ‘Celebrity 5 Go Barging’ we saw on our screens in summer 2019, Channel 5 are welcoming a new edition to the television schedule – in the form of Celebrity Britain by Barge. The series kicked off on February 14th, 2020 at 9pm, and has 4 episodes in total over the coming weeks. So, what makes Celebrity Britain by Barge so special? Who are the celebrities? Made up of four...

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Cruising the Cut – Win a Canal Boat Holiday!

Teaming up with YouTube Content Creator, Cruising the Cut, ABC Boat Hire are offering the chance to win a canal boat holiday! This fantastic prize will be available from any of our 16 start locations and it will be up to the value of £1800 – plus the competition is completely free to enter. Sounds good, right? How do I enter? Simply go to our Cruising the Cut competition page – this explains the...

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Best canal walks in the UK

Love a good hike? Perhaps you’re looking for an excuse to dust off the walking boots and get some fresh air amid beautiful British countryside? A canal walk is the perfect way to do just that. From canal walks in England to Welsh and Scottish walking trails, find our 5 best canal walks in the UK to explore on your next narrowboat holiday. Top 5 canal walking routes in the UK 1. Grand Union Canal...

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