Blog

London’s canals date back to the early 19th century to bring goods into the city from other locations  like Birmingham and Manchester. The first waterways in London connected the River Lea, River Thames and connects to the Grand Union Canal. This canal network was the backbone of the industrial revolution. Nowadays, London’s canals offer an opportunity to explore the city at a more leisurely pace....

Castles are a tourist staple in the UK. Whether large and imposing or small and perfectly formed, Castles across the UK all have a unique story to tell. In this guide, we’ll list some of the best castles across the UK that are reachable by canal boat. Warwick Castle by canal First on our list is Warwick Castle. Originally a fort built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the castle has seen many...

Bridges are structures built for people to cross over bodies of water, like rivers and canals. In the past, bridges were made of logs and other natural materials, but as people learned more about engineering, they were able to build bigger and more impressive bridges. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of canal bridges, we’ll highlight some of the most exciting canal bridges you can exp...

If you’re thinking about booking your next trip in the UK and want to experience some of the fantastic wildlife that the UK has to offer, then look no further. The waterways are one of the best ways to experience UK wildlife while cruising along and enjoying the atmosphere. Your journey may take you past some rarely seen creatures such as otters, stoats and even barn owls which you can read about...

Llangollen is a picturesque town located in the northwest of Wales. The town sits on the banks of the River Dee at the base of the Berwyn mountain range. As well as its status as a world heritage site, Llangollen has something for everyone. It offers the perfect mix of activities and entertainment for both thrill seekers and those interested in a slower pace of life. With central mooring and acces...

Locks are located on a stretch of waterway known as the Grand Union Canal. The state-of-the-art locks were originally built in Hatton to fight off tough competition from the roads and railways. The Hatton flight of locks coined its local nickname, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, due to what workers felt was a hard ascent to the top of the steep Hatton lock flight, followed by relief with an easier journey t...

The City of Bath is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for it’s Roman Baths. Since the first century AD Bath’s been a top destination for holidaymakers. Relax in the hot springs, explore the city’s ancient history and Georgian architecture. In this guide, we’ll list our top picks of things to do in Bath by canal. Take in the water The Roman Baths With over 2,000 years of history the Rom...

Whether you are new to boating, an enthusiast looking to see some wonders of the waterway or simply want a UK family getaway – there is something for everyone. From pet friendly trips in a lush Welsh hideaway to a romantic canal cruise in Bath with fine dining and historic scenery, there are many canal routes to explore. Top experience for beginners Lymm and return from Anderton Marina First on...

Looking for a spooky break this Halloween? Here at ABC Boat Hire, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re interested in the stories of the many ghosts on the waterways or looking for Halloween fun activities for the family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Famous ghosts on the canal The waterways are said to be home to lots of supernatural goings on, from Victorian ghosts, Roman centurion...

Just like the rules of the road, there are rules of the waterway that you should be aware of. In this helpful guide, we’ll explain some of the do’s and don’ts of canal boat etiquette to help you have the most fun on your boating holiday while avoiding any etiquette pitfalls. If it’s your first time on board a narrow boat – don’t worry! For all our bookings here at ABC Boat Hire, we’ll provide you...