So don't take our word for it, see what thousands of our customers are saying about us!
Everything about the trip was excellent
25 Apr 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you found the ABC team so friendly, informative, and extremely helpful, and that the boat was presented clean, tidy, and fully equipped with everything you needed. It’s fantastic to know you had a great holiday and felt that every aspect of your trip was excellent. Your kind words mean a great deal to us, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
Canal was lovely & able to access both Linlithgow & Edinburgh for a day each. Canal was very quiet & easy to travel. Boat was not up to standard.
24 Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are pleased you enjoyed your route on the Scottish Canals. I have forwarded your feedback to the Marina Manager at Falkirk to investigate the issues you have raised. We would like to thank you for bringing this to our attention to help us improve our service here at ABC Boat Hire.
26 Apr 2026
Staff welcoming & knowledgeable. Boat however was tired with many things not functioning well. The shower tray leaked & soaked the carpet( we did have the shower pump on), the grill would not stay on without someone standing & holding the button in, one of the rings did not work, there was never adequate hot water & the radiators all needed bleeding so the heating was inefficient.
24 Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are pleased you enjoyed your route on the Scottish Canals. I have forwarded your feedback to the Marina Manager at Falkirk to investigate the issues you have raised. We would like to thank you for bringing this to our attention to help us improve our service here at ABC Boat Hire.
26 Apr 2026
We had an excellent experience renting from ABC Boathire at the Blackwater Meadow Marina. The check in process was smooth and the boats were even available a bit earlier than advertised. David checked us out on the boats operation and he was knowledgeable and efficient. Would rent from them aqgain.
24 Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your excellent review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience renting from us at Blackwater Meadow Marina and that the check‑in process was smooth and stress‑free. It’s great to know the boats being ready a little earlier added to your enjoyment. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind comments to David he’ll be pleased to hear that his knowledgeable and efficient handover made a difference to your trip. Thank you for choosing ABC Boat hire, and we’re so glad to hear you’d rent from us again. We look forward to welcoming you back for another enjoyable time on the water. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
The check in process was smooth and the boats were even available a bit earlier than advertised. David checked us out on the boats operation and he was knowledgeable and efficient. Would rent from them again..
24 Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your excellent review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience renting from us at Blackwater Meadow Marina and that the check‑in process was smooth and stress‑free. It’s great to know the boats being ready a little earlier added to your enjoyment. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind comments to David he’ll be pleased to hear that his knowledgeable and efficient handover made a difference to your trip. Thank you for choosing ABC Boat hire, and we’re so glad to hear you’d rent from us again. We look forward to welcoming you back for another enjoyable time on the water. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
Beautiful scenery on the channel towards Bath.
24 Apr 2026
Thank you for your 4-star review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip towards Bath and were pleased with the service provided at Hilperton Marina. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back again in the future. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
Great service. The boat brief was full of contextual anecdotes which told a story but extended the briefing time..
24 Apr 2026
Thank you for your 4-star review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip towards Bath and were pleased with the service provided at Hilperton Marina. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back again in the future. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
Only reduced to 4 Star due to the high levels of moored boats on the K & A, lack of mooring points as a result. Boat overall great as usual, but could do with some updating.
23 Apr 2026
Thank you for your continued loyalty over the past 30 years; we truly value your support and are delighted to hear that you plan to return. We’re very pleased that you continue to receive a high standard of service throughout the booking process, arrival, handover and return. At the same time, we appreciate your honest feedback regarding the condition of the boat. Your comments on updating and general maintenance will be shared with our team to help improve our service. Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
In general the overall levels of service received from booking, to Arrival at Marina, Hand Over, Instruction and Return have been very good to excellent. However, felt my most recent actual boat experience was circa 90% as felt it was ageing and in need of some TLC and updating. Did not in anyway spoil holiday though ! Will also be back again !
23 Apr 2026
Thank you for your continued loyalty over the past 30 years; we truly value your support and are delighted to hear that you plan to return. We’re very pleased that you continue to receive a high standard of service throughout the booking process, arrival, handover and return. At the same time, we appreciate your honest feedback regarding the condition of the boat. Your comments on updating and general maintenance will be shared with our team to help improve our service. Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
Well, our barge could go no further on our fourth day as the gates would not fill due to overflow on the other side, etc. We contacted the ABC team at Aldermrston. They did send someone to pick up my husband and take him to our car as we were forced to leave the barge and find other accommodation for two nights. We then dragged our boxes of food, our luggage, etc. to the car unaided. When we spoke to them, they said it was the fault of the Canal Trust that our holiday was ruined. Well, as they had promised us, and we had paid handsomely, for the week on the canal, I think it was and is their duty to see that the waterways we would be using were in order. They, of course, declaimed any responsibility. We rarely complain or criticize. However, should anyone ask us about the week, I am afraid I will have to honestly say that we will never barge again in England because of this experience. We have previously rented barges more than fifteen times in England and in Ireland. We will not be doing so again in the British Isles. Susan J. Puxley
21 Apr 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you feel your holiday did not meet your expectations and that your experience was such a disappointment. ABC Boat Hire is unable to guarantee specific cruising routes from any of our marinas. The UK waterway network is subject to factors outside our control, including essential maintenance, unforeseen closures, and operational issues managed by the Canal & River Trust. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety and continued operation of the waterways. For this reason, we advise all customers to check for planned or ongoing stoppages both before and during their holiday via the Canal & River Trust notices page. With regard to your journey, we understand that while travelling towards Newbury on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a fallen tree obstructed your planned route, which was addressed by the Canal & River Trust at the earliest opportunity. You subsequently chose to travel east, where you also experienced difficulty with a lock. Following your call to the marina advising of your decision to disembark, a member of our team attended to assist with navigating the lock. However, we understand that alternative accommodation had already been arranged at that stage before allowing us the opportunity to fully resolve the matter. We have been advised by the Marina Manager that support was provided throughout your holiday, including ongoing communication and the offer of alternative accommodation aboard one of our boats at the marina for the remaining nights. We are also pleased that our team was able to assist with transport back to your car. We do appreciate how frustrating and disruptive these unforeseen events must have been, particularly given your extensive experience boating in both England and Ireland. While many aspects of the waterway network are outside our control, we do take your feedback seriously and will continue to review how we can better support customers when unexpected situations arise. We regret that this experience has led to such disappointment and appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention. We will also provide this feedback to Canal and River Trust. ABC Boat Hire
26 Apr 2026
Everything was world class
21 Apr 2026
Thankyou for sharing your 5 star review with us. We’re delighted to hear that the whole experience felt so special for you, from the lovely craft to the helpful and kind team. Knowing that nothing was wanting and that everything felt “altogether beautiful” is exactly the experience we strive to deliver. Your description of it being world class truly means the world to us. Thank you for choosing ABC and for sharing such generous feedback. We’d be absolutely thrilled to welcome you back again for another unforgettable time on the water. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
The whole experience was so very special, a lovely craft, really helpful and kind staff, nothing wanting at all, altogether beautiful!
21 Apr 2026
Thankyou for sharing your 5 star review with us. We’re delighted to hear that the whole experience felt so special for you, from the lovely craft to the helpful and kind team. Knowing that nothing was wanting and that everything felt “altogether beautiful” is exactly the experience we strive to deliver. Your description of it being world class truly means the world to us. Thank you for choosing ABC and for sharing such generous feedback. We’d be absolutely thrilled to welcome you back again for another unforgettable time on the water. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
I just told you that the ABC company failed to support us when the barge could go no further due to problems on the lock, and we could go no further on the other route due to a blockage. We did not pay to not be able to travel.
21 Apr 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you feel your holiday did not meet your expectations and that your experience was such a disappointment. ABC Boat Hire is unable to guarantee specific cruising routes from any of our marinas. The UK waterway network is subject to factors outside our control, including essential maintenance, unforeseen closures, and operational issues managed by the Canal & River Trust. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety and continued operation of the waterways. For this reason, we advise all customers to check for planned or ongoing stoppages both before and during their holiday via the Canal & River Trust notices page. With regard to your journey, we understand that while travelling towards Newbury on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a fallen tree obstructed your planned route, which was addressed by the Canal & River Trust at the earliest opportunity. You subsequently chose to travel east, where you also experienced difficulty with a lock. Following your call to the marina advising of your decision to disembark, a member of our team attended to assist with navigating the lock. However, we understand that alternative accommodation had already been arranged at that stage before allowing us the opportunity to fully resolve the matter. We have been advised by the Marina Manager that support was provided throughout your holiday, including ongoing communication and the offer of alternative accommodation aboard one of our boats at the marina for the remaining nights. We are also pleased that our team was able to assist with transport back to your car. We do appreciate how frustrating and disruptive these unforeseen events must have been, particularly given your extensive experience boating in both England and Ireland. While many aspects of the waterway network are outside our control, we do take your feedback seriously and will continue to review how we can better support customers when unexpected situations arise. We regret that this experience has led to such disappointment and appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention. We will also provide this feedback to Canal and River Trust. ABC Boat Hire
26 Apr 2026
A fantastic weekend away with friends on our first canal boat experience. The trip from Anderton Marina along to the town of Lymm was very enjoyable.
20 Apr 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review. We’re delighted to hear that your first canal boating experience was such a success and that our team’s guidance helped make you feel confident and well looked after from the start. It’s great to know the boat was presented in excellent condition and that you enjoyed a memorable weekend away with friends. The cruise from Anderton Marina to Lymm really is a lovely route, and we’re so pleased you found it enjoyable and relaxing. Thank you for choosing ABC Boat Hire, and for your kind recommendation — we’d be thrilled to welcome you back again for another great experience on the water. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
It was our first time hiring a canal boat. I thought the staff guidance was excellent and the boat was presented in great condition. I would definitely use ABC Boat Hire again.
20 Apr 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review. We’re delighted to hear that your first canal boating experience was such a success and that our team’s guidance helped make you feel confident and well looked after from the start. It’s great to know the boat was presented in excellent condition and that you enjoyed a memorable weekend away with friends. The cruise from Anderton Marina to Lymm really is a lovely route, and we’re so pleased you found it enjoyable and relaxing. Thank you for choosing ABC Boat Hire, and for your kind recommendation — we’d be thrilled to welcome you back again for another great experience on the water. ABC Boat Hire
06 May 2026
