Blog

Anyone who has spent an afternoon relaxing on the waterways will be able to understand why they’ve become inspiration for great works of literature over the years. Both in classic literature, contemporary fiction and even children’s books. In this article, we’ll explore some of the books we recommend as essential reading for your next canal boat holiday.   The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graha...

The Green Man is an ancient pagan signal of rebirth and of nature’s cycles. On Kennet and Avon Canal in England’s South West, there have been reported sightings of a green-faced man as well as celebrations of the Green Man in folklore. Our blog explores the Green Man’s origins in Folklore along with the legend's significance to the canal route.   The Green Man Legend The Green Man may be a popul...

The Industrial Revolution brought about the use of canal boats to transport goods across the country, and as this network of canals developed, people began to live on the canals as it allowed them to stay close to their work. In this blog, we’ll explore canal boat family history, what life was like for families living on the canal in the 18th and 19th centuries and the legacy they’ve left behind....

Throughout the year, canals up and down the UK are host to a variety of festivals and events from floating markets, international music and food. So, if you’re looking for a festival to attend on your trip through the waterways – we’ve narrowed it down to help make your choice easier. Rickmansworth Canal Festival The Rickmansworth Canal Festival takes place on the third weekend of May, every yea...

Designed in 1768, the bustling Coventry canal was originally built to assist with supplying coal from Warwickshire’s coalfields into Coventry. Today, this tranquil waterway situated in the heart of the city offers rich heritage, marvellous canal architecture, fascinating wildlife and plenty of scenery and culture to explore.   For Couples Established in 2013, The Tin Music and Arts centre is loc...

One of the highlights of exploring the waterways is the picturesque towns and villages you’ll cruise past on your journey. But, how do you know which towns to stop off at? We’ve listed our top canal-side towns and villages to visit on your next canal boat holiday.   Stratford Upon Avon The home of Shakespeare, this picturesque market town in Warwickshire is the perfect stop for your next canal...

In recent years canal art trails have popped up across the UK in order to celebrate the local art scene, culture and creativity. Canal art trails often feature a diverse range of art forms like murals, sculptures and installations. In this guide, we’ll share some of our favourite canal art trails across the UK as well as the routes where you can see them. Leicester art trail The Leicester Canal...

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs you may encounter while cruising along the waterways. By learning about the types of signs to look out for, you and your crew will be more aware of any potential dangers and navigational rules. Lock signs If you’re navigating any hilly areas via canal, you’ll likely need to travel through a lock. This might seem daunting if it’s not somethi...

Looking for your ideal narrowboat holiday but not sure where to start? Here at ABC Boat Hire, we have seen our fair share of narrowboats and have a keen eye for what the ideal narrowboat looks like, along with some of the best featured routes and short breaks to choose from. Read our guide learn more. Narrowboats Narrowboats typically fall into three categories: Traditional – provides enough...

The Leicester Line is comprised of two canals bought by the Grand Junction Canal 1894 - The Leicestershire & Northamptonshire Union Canal and the ‘Old’ Grand Union Canal. Today, the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is a popular destination for holidaymakers and boaters. With plenty to see and do - the city is full of history, culture and greenery to explore. For Boaters Foxton Locks Known as th...