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Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team

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Canal boat hire

Cast off and leave your cares behind with a canal boat holiday from ABC Boat Hire.

Canal boat hire like you've never experienced before. With 16 starting locations across the waterway network and canal boat sizes to accommodate 2 to 12 people. You, your family or friends can afford to kick back and relax as you enjoy watching Britain's most stunning countryside drift by. See for yourself just how relaxing and enjoyable a canal boat holiday can be - watch our boating videos if you don't believe us!

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS!
LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?

Let's Chat

Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team

0330 333 0590

(Free UK calls)

WATCH
OUR VIDEO

Find your next canal boat adventure!

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Our Canal Boat Holiday Locations

Explore our beautiful canal boat hire locations across the country – from the stunning Welsh countryside to the bustling lifestyle of Scotland’s lively cities.

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Download
A Brochure

Our latest brochure makes choosing your boating holiday as easy as ABC. Inside it you'll discover advice on how to plan your trip, find comprehensive boat layouts and details, plus maps, guides and handy tips to help you make the most of our beautiful waterways on your canal holiday.

BROCHURE DOWNLOAD

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group, we've a range of beautiful hand-built canal boats to hire for your narrowboat holiday.

Two to Five berth

Accommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday

View Two to Five berth boats

Six to eight berth

These boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups

View Six to eight berth boats

Up to twelve berth

With space for up to 12 people, if you're planning a multi-family boating holiday or big celebration, these are the boats for you.

View Up to twelve berth boats

Over
140 Routes
available

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Special Offers

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Maps & Guides

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Canal Boat FAQs

Can I hire a boat just for the day?

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Yes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com

How much does it cost to rent a canal boat?

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The price of renting a canal boat varies depending on the location and length of your holiday, as well as the canal boat you choose. We provide a range of special offers, including a 2-week discount, 2nd holiday discount, multi-boat discount, loyalty discount and early bird discount. We also allow you to spread the cost of your holiday with our easy payment plan. Contact a member of our friendly team to find out more about the costs of our canal boat holidays.

Where is the best place for a canal boat holiday?

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It all depends on the type of canal boat holiday you’re looking for! We have locations across England, Scotland and Wales such as Anderton Marina, Falkirk Canal and Goytre Wharf. Not sure where to spend your next canal boat holiday? Check our locations, routes and boats for inspiration. Alternatively, contact a member of our knowledgeable team who will offer invaluable canal boat holiday advice.

Can I still book if I haven't 'driven' a boat before?

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No previous experience is necessary, as our boats are extremely easy to handle and full tuition is given at the start of every holiday. Comprehensive cruising information is in a manual on the boat and details are sent out with the holiday documents to introduce you to the theory of locks and the 'rules of the road'. We provide our own 24hr emergency helpline. 

Do you need a license to drive a boat?

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You do not need a driving licence for a canal boat or narrowboat and the boat itself is licenced by us for CRT waterways. There are a few waterways outside their jurisdiction for which you will need to purchase an additional licence as you enter them, such as the Scottish Canals, Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. Our start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat. Aldermaston boats have a Thames license.

The maximum number of people allowed on board is restricted to the number of berths.

Can we bring pets aboard?

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This really is a holiday the whole family can enjoy together. We do not charge for any of your pets - however there is normally a maximum of 2 allowed. We obviously request that the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition and reserve the right to refuse pets or charge for any additional cleaning or repairs required as a result of pets being on board during your holiday.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023

Your recent holiday on Nene - Bragi from Gailey Wharf

Excellent service freindly staff

13 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Nene - Bragi from Gailey Wharf

Excellent service good instruction pleasant and courteous staff

13 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Heron - White Faced Heron from Hilperton

We enjoyed our ABC trip on the Kennet and Avon Canal

12 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Heron - White Faced Heron from Hilperton

We had an lovely week on the canal

12 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Dartford Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

delighted with the week's holiday and to make it even better we were blessed with good weather - obviously lucky and out of anyone's control. Boat was very long which made turning around a bit of a challenge but it was all doable.

11 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Dartford Warbler from Blackwater Meadow Marina

The staff were very helpful and accomodating. Advice and support were good. Only question would be charge for excess fuel at the end of the trip.

11 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Cape Warbler from Springwood Haven Marina

We had a great trip we were just hampered by the weather which meant we had to change plans at short notice. Other than that, great

11 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Cape Warbler from Springwood Haven Marina

This is a very friendly and efficient marina. We had a great week on our boat from the ABC Crew at Springwood. Boat was lean and well set up with everything we needed. The Staff were great at getting us started and suggesting where we could go to eat and where to moor. The only thing they couldn't fix was the weather!

11 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Swift - American Black Swift from Blackwater Meadow Marina

We travelled from Ellesmere through to LLangollen and back where we spent a total of four nights on the boat. Even with the shorter days after having the clocks just go back to winter times it was still comfortably achievable.

10 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Swift - American Black Swift from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Can’t praise this company enough and would definitely recommend them. From the initial visit to the office,the collection of the boat right through returning it on our last day they were superb.

10 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Dove - Turtle Dove from Aldermaston Wharf

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to Henley because the canal and Thames wasn’t safe due to the weather. However Newbury was lovely, with plenty of locks to keep us busy

10 Nov 2023

Your recent holiday on Dove - Turtle Dove from Aldermaston Wharf

It was a challenging time with the weather but we were kept very well informed of the situation. We were given lots of advice.

10 Nov 2023