UK Canal Boat Vacations from Australia

Swap the outback for the towpath. A canal boat vacation is one of the best ways to see the UK and a truly unique experience on the other side of the world.

Drift through rolling countryside, stop at centuries-old pubs and wake up to a different view every morning. It's slow travel at its finest, and ABC Boat Hire makes it easy to get started.

Why choose a canal boat vacation?

A canal boat vacation gives you something no tour bus or hotel ever could:, total freedom. You set the pace. You pick the stops. And you don't have to pack and unpack every time you move on. Your accommodation travels with you, which means more time exploring and less time stressing.

Experience the great British countryside in a truly unique way. Enjoy cruising down the rivers and waterways taking in the scenery. Don’t just take our word for it – read our gold trusted feefo reviews.

Fairytale scenery

The UK's canals pass through countryside so beautiful that it almost doesn't look real. Think cobblestone villages, arched bridges covered in moss and fields that stretch on for miles. It's like stepping into a novel or a classic film.

The scenery changes through the seasons, but the feeling stays the same. Just pure, unhurried peace.

Rest and relaxation

There's no schedule to keep, no alarms to set and nowhere you need to be. Just the gentle hum of the engine and water lapping against the hull.

Mornings start with a brew on the deck, and afternoons are for exploring the place where you’ve decided to moor. Evenings are for mooring up near a country pub or reading a book under the British sunset.

Experience the UK’s rich history

The UK's canal network was built during the Industrial Revolution, and that history is woven into every mile of water. You're not just cruising past pretty scenery, you're travelling the same routes that once carried coal, pottery and goods across the world.

Moor up near a medieval castle before breakfast, then walk through the grounds of a stately home after lunch. These aren't detours, either, they're right on the route. The canals themselves were at the heart of Britain's industrial boom, and that story is still visible at every turn.

Got British roots? There's something powerful about cruising the same waters your family might have worked on generations ago. The canal boat families who lived aboard these vessels shaped a whole way of life, and you can retrace it first-hand.

Local culture and cuisine

One of the best things about a canal boat vacation is how close it brings you to real British life. Not the tourist version, but the proper, locals-only stuff you'd never find on a guided tour.

Tie up near a village and wander into a canalside pub for a pint of real ale and a Sunday roast. Grab fish and chips wrapped in paper and eat them on the deck. Pick up fresh bread from a local bakery. It's as authentic as it gets.

You can also find a handful of canal side food boats here.

What is there to see and do?

There is plenty to keep occupied with along Britain’s canals. The UK's waterways connect you to historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the country's most iconic landmarks. Here are a few highlights along our routes, including some of the 7 wonders of the waterway.

• Edinburgh: Cobbled streets, hidden passageways and one of the most famous skylines in Britain. Don't miss Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyrood House. 
  Route: Edinburgh and Glasgow return from Falkirk

• Bath: Roman baths, Georgian architecture and streets that feel like a time machine. A must for anyone who loves history.
  Routes: Bath and Return from Aldermaston Wharf, Bristol and return from Hilperton Marina.

• Stratford Upon Avon:Shakespeare's hometown and just as charming as you'd expect. Catch a show at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or stroll along the River Avon.
  Routes: Stratford and Return from Alvechurch Marina, Stratford and Return from Worcester Marina.  

• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: Britain's longest and highest aqueduct, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crossing it by boat is a bucket-list moment.
  Route: Llangollen and return from Wrenbury Mill.

How much does a UK canal boat holiday cost?

It depends on a few things: the size of boat, the time of year and how long you want to go for. Peak season (school holidays and summer) costs more than off-peak. A shorter midweek break costs less than a full week. And a boat for two is cheaper than one that sleeps twelve.

To see the price of your canal holiday, fill out the form that’s at the very top of this page.

Is this vacation suitable for you?

The short answer is yes. Canal boat vacations suit just about everyone, whether you've got kids in tow or you're looking for a quiet getaway as a couple.

Families with children

Kids love it. Operating locks and steering the boat keeps them busy, and there's always a duck or a swan to spot. No Wi-Fi battles, no ‘are we there yet’, just proper family time.

Couples and retirees

There's something special about sharing a bottle of wine on the deck while the sun goes down. No crowds, no queues, just the two of you and the open water.

Getting here

Several Australian airports offer direct flights to the UK, making your journey relatively straightforward. The UK's extensive rail network ensures convenient travel from the airport to your chosen marina.

While there is currently just one direct flight between the Australia and the UK (Sydney to London). You can travel from your closest Australian airport to Singapore, Dubai, or Doha for international connections.

Alternatively, you can fly into mainland Europe and then take a short-haul flight to the nearest airport to your marina, such as Birmingham, Bristol, or Manchester.

Planning your journey

We’ve listed all of our marinas below along with the closest airport and train station to help you plan your journey. 

Need more help?

There are a number of tools that can help you plan your journey, for flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights and for rail times and journey planning use the trainline app. For more inspiration on where to go on your canal boat vacation see our featured routes, or to find out more contact our helpful team today.