Canal Boat Hire Berkshire England
Berkshire's historic waterways, including the stunning River Thames and Kennet and Avon Canal, offer some of England's most stunning sights. These waterways meander through the heart of Royal Berkshire, past Windsor Castle, charming riverside pubs, and rolling countryside that's made this county a favourite retreat for centuries.
Canal Holidays Berkshire
Our Aldermaston Marina is based in Berkshire, and has 12 Twelve boats available across different styles and lengths capable of sleeping 2 to 12 people.
Why Choose Our Canal Boat Holidays?
No Experience RequiredYou don't need a licence or previous boating experience to hire our canal boats. We provide thorough, hands-on training before you set off, covering everything from steering and mooring to operating locks safely. |
Fully Equipped Narrow BoatEvery boat is thoughtfully equipped for a comfortable stay, with a full kitchen including a fridge, cooker and all the cooking essentials you’ll need. There’s a cosy seating and dining area to relax in, along with hot water and heating throughout. Fresh bedding and towels are provided, plus free Wi-Fi, a power outlet and other practical touches to make your trip easy and enjoyable. |
Perfect for International VisitorsWe’re always welcoming boaters from around the world. Any of our marinas can be reached easily from the airport, you’ll also get free parking for your entire stay. If you have any questions, our lines are open 7 days a week, so call us on +44 1905 610660 and we will be happy to help. |
Popular Canal Routes in Berkshire
Featured routes from Aldermaston Wharf
Bath & Return
Battlefields, an ancient forest, Celtic mounds and mysterious crop circles, steam engines, city shopping and historic locks characterise this route mixed with trade and royalty. This is a boating holiday packed with treats.
MORE INFORMATIONLimehouse and return
If you have more time to explore into London then this route will take you up onto the River Thames, past Henley, Marlow, Hampton Court Bridge, Teddington, then onto the Grand Union Canal up to Little Venice, London Zoo and Camden market.
MORE INFORMATIONOxford and return
Join the River Thames at Reading and cruise to Oxford, the city of dreaming spires.With its mix of ancient and modern there is plenty to do in Oxford.
MORE INFORMATIONThe Grand Ring
Take in the delights of the southern waterways including Oxford, Banbury, Leighton Buzzard, but then follow a similar route to Limehouse and return for another aspect.
MORE INFORMATIONWindsor and return
A short cruise to Reading, where you join the Thames and cruise downstream through the rowing town of Henley, the charming town of Marlow, where Shelley and T.S. Eliot once lived, and Cookham, home to the Stanley Spencer art gallery.
MORE INFORMATIONFeatured Locations in Berkshire
Windsor and EtonSee Windsor Castle's ancient walls, one of the favourite royal residences for over 900 years. Walk through Windsor Great Park, visit St George's Chapel where royal weddings take place, or explore Eton College's famous grounds. |
Henley-on-ThamesFamous worldwide for its Royal Regatta, Henley offers elegant Georgian architecture and excellent riverside dining. Browse independent shops along Hart Street. The town's compact size makes it perfect for a gentle afternoon's exploration. |
CookhamThis artistic village inspired Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows, and it was also featured in the English painter Stanley Spencer's most famous works. Visit Spencer's gallery and walk the same riverbank paths that inspired Grahame's novels. |
MarlowA stunning Georgian town nestled in a bend of the Thames, the town's suspension bridge makes for a perfect photo backdrop, while the Macdonald Compleat Angler hotel offers luxury afternoon tea with river views. |
Family AttractionsLegoland Windsor - perfect for families with children Bekonscot Model Village - world's oldest model village in nearby Beaconsfield, showing 1930s England in miniature detail. River & Rowing Museum, Henley - interactive exhibits about Thames life, rowing history, and Wind in the Willows gallery. |
What Our Guests Say
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Your recent holiday on Warbler - Blackpoll Warbler from Aldermaston Wharf
Great communication and customer service. All the staff very very friendly and gave us clear instructions on boat procedures and equipment.
30 Mar 2026
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Your recent holiday on Warbler - Blackpoll Warbler from Aldermaston Wharf
This was a one way trip from Alvechurch to Gayton - great trip with lots of locks and a few tunnels - just what we wanted.
30 Mar 2026
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Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf
Excellent holiday, all of the staff were very helpful, this includes the housekeeping, reception and everyone who helped us set off on our journey. The boat was well equip, clean and all technical processes were well explained to us. I have recommended this to friends and family and will definitely be coming back. Thank you ABC boat hire for a memorable experience.
02 Nov 2025
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Your recent holiday on Woodpecker - Green Woodpecker from Aldermaston Wharf
Enjoyable - but towards Newbury you have go a long way to get water free of charge......
02 Nov 2025
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Your recent holiday on Woodpecker - Green Woodpecker from Aldermaston Wharf
Staff were friendly and generally very helpful, and the Green Woodpecker was exactly as advertised. However, there’s no transparent way to verify how fuel usage is calculated — customers are entirely reliant on ABC’s figures, which isn’t ideal in today’s world. Without prior notice, and just as we were ready to set off, I was also asked to sign a full page of tiny-print terms and conditions printed white on pink — almost impossible to read. I had no idea what I was signing, but the ABC representative seemed grateful that I didn’t try! Finally, a lock towards Henley was closed for repairs, forcing a last-minute change of route. That’s something everyone needs to accept can happen, especially towards the end of the season, but it would have been helpful to have been told in advance.
02 Nov 2025
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Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf
Excellent holiday, all of the staff were very helpful, this includes the housekeeping, reception and everyone who helped us set off on our journey. The boat was well equip, clean and all technical processes were well explained to us. I have recommended this to friends and family and will definitely be coming back. Thank you ABC boat hire for a memorable experience.
02 Nov 2025
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Your recent holiday on Dove - Turtle Dove from Aldermaston Wharf
Excellent as always, this was our 9th trip with ABC Boat Hire, never had any issues.
23 Oct 2025
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Your recent holiday on Dove - Turtle Dove from Aldermaston Wharf
No problems at all. great.
23 Oct 2025
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Your recent holiday on Swift - Tepui Swift from Aldermaston Wharf
We had a brilliant time, the boat had everything you could need and our instructions from Ashley were great, would highly recommend this company, great memories made, thank you
18 Oct 2025
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Your recent holiday on Swift - Tepui Swift from Aldermaston Wharf
Loved every minute of our first adventure on a canal boat
18 Oct 2025
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Your recent holiday on Swan - Trumpeter Swan from Aldermaston Wharf
Boat all ready on arrival. clear and helpful instructions on handover. Advice regarding the route, mooring spots and places to eat.
07 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf
From start to finish, friendly, efficient and accommodating service from the whole team.
07 Oct 2025
Featured Boats
Featured boats from Aldermaston Wharf
Six to eight berth Boats
Two to Five berth Boats
Up to twelve berth Boats
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a canal boat in Berkshire?
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Prices vary based on several factors. Peak summer weeks cost more than off-season periods. Larger boats accommodating 6-12 people naturally cost more than smaller 2-4 berth vessels.
Do I need a licence or experience to hire a canal boat?
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No licence or previous boating experience is required to hire a canal boat in the UK. We provide comprehensive training covering steering, mooring, and lock operation before you set off.
Can I bring pets on board?
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Yes, well-behaved pets are welcome on our canal boats free of charge. However, we reserve the right to charge for any additional cleaning or repairs required as a result of your pets being on board during your holiday.
