Blog

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...

Can I drive a canal boat at night? If you own a canal boat, it is not illegal to drive your canal boat in the dark – however, if you are renting from a canal boat supplier, such as ABC Boat Hire, these hire boats are not permitted to be driven at night. Here at ABC Boat Hire, our boating hours are from dawn to dusk – meaning these times change throughout the year, depending on what time the su...

Looking at booking your first family break with a new baby? If you’re researching holiday ideas with babies, you might be wondering what preparations you’ll need to take before you go away, or you might just be wondering if a narrowboat holiday is suitable for a baby. In this helpful guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about travelling on a narrowboat with a baby.     Can you take a...

Aqueducts are structures that carry water and viaducts are structures that carry road or railway traffic. What is an aqueduct? Aqueducts are structures that carry a large quantity of flowing water across a valley or a hollow. They are artificial channels typically in the form of a bridge, often found on canals. It uses gravity to keep water moving from its source to its main distribution point....

Standedge Tunnel is the longest, highest and deepest tunnel here in the UK. Situated beneath the Pennines, Standedge Tunnel is 5,210 meters in length and tunnels for over 3 miles. The tunnel originally took 16 years to construct and cuts through solid rock. Positioned at number four on the 7 wonders of the waterway, it’s a renowned narrowboat hotspot for avid boaters and a must-see for first-time...

A romantic cruise on the canals could be in store for you this summer as many more people look for UK staycations. If you are fancying a calming holiday on the canals – you’re in luck! This blog, we will recommend the dreamiest canal getaways for couples.   Best UK canal routes for couples The UK is full of picturesque seaside and bustling cities – perfect for any couple holiday. In addition to...

This year, Birmingham will be hosting the prestigious 2022 Commonwealth Games – meaning there will be a flurry of excited spectators and athletes alike visiting the area over the summer. With bars, restaurants and clubs expected to be bustling as usual, some may be wondering what impact the games will have on the British waterways around the area. Find out what to expect when embarking on one of...

The canals used to be a central part of Britain – responsible for transporting mass goods from one city to another. However, with the rise of the railways, investment in the canals slowly started to decline, causing them to deteriorate. In this blog, we will be reminiscing about the canals of bygone eras and how they met their timely abandonment. Britain’s lost canals Grantham Canal Since its c...

With the UK’s push to become carbon neutral by 2050, many motoring sectors are looking within themselves to assess how they can become environmentally friendly. The canals sector is no different – in this guide, we will be looking into how electric narrowboats operate and how cruising can become more eco-friendly. What is an electric narrowboat? An electric narrowboat is not powered by a convent...