Blog

Header photo credit: Canal & River Trust

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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5 fun things to do for Valentine’s Day

valentine's day couple sitting on boat

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to get your romantic thinking-cap on and start planning a surprise getaway for your loved one. But where to take them? Perhaps you’ve exhausted the “nice meal and a bunch of flowers” in previous years – for something a little different, read our detailed guide on the five most fun things to do for Valentine’s Day this year. Valentine’s Day tr...

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Half term break ideas in the UK

boating holidays in scotland

Struggling for half term ideas? Whether it’s February, May or October half term, taking some time out from the monotony of daily life is essential. Let the kids wind down from their studies and book off some annual leave for family time, or time with a loved one. So, what are some of the best ideas for half term breaks? What to do in half term Looking for half term short break ideas, or perhaps...

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Birthday getaways for any age

birthday getaways for any age

Looking for birthday break ideas? Whether you’re planning for yourself or surprising the other half, our ultimate guide on the best birthday getaways for any age has you covered! So, if you’re looking for birthday break ideas, from celebrating your birthday on a canal boat holiday to celebrating in adventurous style with an activity holiday, we can help. Birthday trip ideas Instead of simply goi...

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Canal boat holidays from Union Wharf

Looking to book a canal boat holiday? Whether you already reside in Leicestershire or you’re travelling from different parts of the UK, a Leicestershire holiday from ABC Boat Hire is the perfect way to relax and unwind on the waters. From exploring bustling city centres to rural quaint countryside towns, find out the best places to visit from Union Wharf now. Holidays from Union Wharf When you b...

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6 best canal cities in Europe

Looking to get away on a midweek city break? Visiting canal cities is top of many boaters’ bucket lists when it comes to exploring – especially through Europe. But what are the best canal cities to visit? Whether you’re visiting by narrowboat with ABC Boat Hire’s help or you’re flying overseas, find our list of the best canal cities in Europe to explore this year. Best canal cities 1. Venice Wo...

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Midweek breaks for couples

midweek breaks for couples on canal boat

Whether it’s taking to the waters on a romantic canal boat holiday with your loved one; relaxing in a luxury spa; or exploring London’s world-renowned West End theatres, find the perfect ideas for midweek breaks for couples from our handy guide. Short midweek romantic breaks 1. Romantic spa breaks Fancy a midweek romantic break with your partner? The perfect option to relax and unwind, take to...

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Short midweek breaks for the family

Whether it’s one of the half terms, the never-ending summer holidays or the Christmas festivities are upon us, ensuring the kids are entertained is essential. And what better way to keep their attention than with a midweek getaway for the whole family to enjoy? From canal boat adventures to camping under the stars, find our top five short midweek breaks. 5 best midweek family breaks 1. Theme par...

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