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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...

Earlier this month travel bloggers Gone With The Wynns embarked on their latest adventure as they explored Llangollen via canal from Blackwater Meadow Marina. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the couple and their guide, David from Cruising the Cut and if you want to follow in their footsteps, we’ll share everything you need to know about their route.   Gone with the Wynns Gone with the Wynns...

Similarly, to Cambridge, Oxford is a city in the South of England established by its famous University. Originally an important port on the River Thames, Oxford expanded and connected to the midlands through a network of canals in the 18th century. Today Oxford’s waterways are a popular tourist attraction with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing and other recreational activities. In this...

The Coronation of King Charles III Camilla on Saturday the 6th May is set to be the event of summer, as the country comes together to celebrate the first coronation in more than a generation. While the Coronation itself takes place at Westminister Abbey in London, on Sunday 7th May there will be a live coronation concert at Windsor Castle along with plenty of opportunities for people to come toge...

Built during the industrial revolution, canals in the UK are steeped in history. Many of the canal routes built during this time cut through the land of wealthy landowners, meaning that many of the country’s most opulent palaces and stately homes are easily accessible via the waterways. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of our favourite stately homes you can visit from the canal. 5. West...

As one of Britain’s greatest heritage cities, Chester has plenty to discover and explore with something for everyone. Full of historic treasures, such as the oldest racecourse still in use, as well as home to the most complete City Walls in Britain that date back to the Roman occupation – Chester intertwines history and present day, with sights rich in culture and scenery. Things to do in Chester...

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...

Whether you’ve travelled by canal boat previously or not, you’ll have likely seen a canal lock as you pass the canal or walk along the towpath. You might be wondering what they’re used for and how they work, and this guide has you covered! What are canal locks used for? Canal locks are used to solve the problem of moving boats across different levels of elevation. You can’t move water uphill so...

Operating from Kings Orchard Marina on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield in Staffordshire from 3rd April, we are launching our new all electric day hire narrowboat, the first electric boat to join the fleet. ‘Perfect Day’ A 36-foot day boat that accommodates up to ten people, has been in development for 18 months. The boat is fitted with lithium batteries which power a 48 volt Beta Marine 10Kw m...