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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!
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LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?
Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team
(Free UK calls)
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 DOWNLOADAccommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday
View Two to Five berth boatsThese boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
View Six to eight berth boatsWith 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 boatsYes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent from start to finish and so relaxing!
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ABC Boat Hire - Alvechurch Marina - Golden Plover - April 2024 We have recently returned from a wonderful two week boating holiday on the Golden Plover narrow boat from Alvechurch Marina. It’s the first time we’ve booked a holiday with ABC Boat Hire and it certainly won’t be our last! We were most impressed with every aspect of our holiday and it far exceeded our expectations. From start to finish, the staff dealing with our holiday were polite, friendly and very knowledgeable. We were kept well informed of all booking arrangements promptly by email and phone and were provided with comprehensive information regarding our forthcoming holiday. On arrival at Alvechurch Marina, Katie and the other staff in Reception were very polite, helpful and welcoming. We were provided with a comprehensive guide book, which included full operating procedures for our boat, together with contact numbers in case of any queries or emergencies. We were then given a tour of our boat and informative boat induction before using our boat for the first time. We were very impressed with our boat, Golden Plover, which was modern, clean and immaculate. It was well equipped and furnished throughout to a very high standard. We were very lucky with the weather during our two week holiday and had a wonderful time meandering along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, then the Stratford Upon Avon Canal, relaxing and watching the world go by. During our holiday we experienced various locks and tunnels and also visited a few local pubs en route, which provided excellent food and drink. After two weeks, we were totally chilled out and relaxed! Just perfect! We would thoroughly recommend ABC Boat Hire and have already booked another boating holiday with them next year! Many thanks to all the team for helping to make our holiday so memorable and fun! All the best, Gary and Julia
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Friendly, helpful, efficient
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The boat, canal rout and towns could have been more enjoyable! We spent 7 nights on the Llangollen canal and we felt it was the perfect time to get away and relax on the canal. The boat was extremely well equipped and we had an amazing time. We received the boat in amazing condition inside and out. ABC Boat Hire takes great care in maintaining their boats.
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ABC Boat Hire made our first canal boat holiday an amazing experience. All of the staff at Whitchurch Marina were prompt, polite, knowledgeable and made the experience even better! The boat was extremely clean and well maintained. The handover process was thorough and informative. I could not have asked for a better experience!
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I had a really relaxing few days with my grown sons. It was a first time experience for them and I am confident they will want to repeat.
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The whole experience was easy and stress free, from picking up the boat to returning it. There was no fuss about minor breakages or any significant additional charges for fuel.
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
boat clean and tidy and drove well
20 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Top service from start to finish
19 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff at Worcester Marina were friendly and helpful. Our planned route was out of action due to a broken lock, and they were very helpful with alternative routes.
19 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If I'm going to be really picky, the beds weren't the most comfortable we've ever slept on, and the inability to get a proper coffee back at Goytre Wharf on our return before 10.30am was disappointing. But these were minor issues compared to how fabulous everything else was.
19 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Sehr netter und guter Service.
19 May 2024
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