Blog | ABC Boat Hire

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Canalside Pursuits

Great News for Canal Holidays: £6.5 Million Government Investment in UK Canals

If you’ve been thinking about a canal boat holiday, there’s never been a better time to book. The UK...

Captain's Choice

When is the Best Time to Book a Holiday for 2026?

The best time to book a holiday for 2026 is earlier than many people expect, and depends on how you plan to travel, where your dest...

Llangollen Canal Breach

You may have seen recent media coverage regarding the breach on the Llangollen Canal. We are deeply saddened by the incident and by the impact it has had on...

Captain's Choice

Why a Canal Boat is Ideal for Multi-Generational and Large Family Holidays

If you’re planning to travel as a large family, bringing different generations and age groups together on...

Explorer's Guide

Where Were the Peaky Blinders TV Series and Movie Filmed?

The six-series BBC drama Peaky Blinders became globally recognised for its industrial backdrops, mysterious canal scenes an...

Explorer's Guide

What To Do on Your Canal Boat Trip to Stratford-upon-Avon 

There are countless interactive things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon once you’ve moored at Bancroft Basin or along the ca...

Captain's Choice

What is a ‘Coolcation’? 3 Cooler UK Holiday Destinations for Summer

A coolcation is a holiday in a destination with a milder summer climate. As heatwaves become more frequent ac...

Captain's Choice

6 Reasons People Fall in Love with Canal Boat Holidays (and Keep Coming Back)

People fall in love with canal boat holidays for all kinds of reasons: the slower pace, the sense of es...

Life on the Water

Where Do ABC Boat Hire’s Canal Boat Names Come From?

Ever noticed how so many of our boat names start with ‘Alvechurch’? That’s not a coincidence.   Alvechurch is the home of wher...

Explorer's Guide

11 Best Canal Cities, Towns & Villages to Visit in England

There are thousands of towns and villages across England, but only a few are truly tailor-made for canal boat holidays, wi...

Explorer's Guide

A Canal Boat Holiday Guide to the Black Country Ring Route

Planning a canal boat trip on the Black Country Ring? This guide breaks down the route and must-see attractions so you can...

Explorer's Guide

Can You Visit The Traitors’ Castle and Other Alternatives

Dreaming of gothic architecture, misty mornings and slow, cinematic backdrops after watching The Traitors? That’ll be Ard...

Explorer's Guide

How Deep Are Canals in the UK?

There is no singular figure for how deep canals are in the UK, but most cruising canals are around 1-1.2 metres deep in the main channel. However, som...

Explorer's Guide

Best Canal Routes for Families with Kids

You want a canal route that’s easy, safe and fun for kids, without long days of locks or constant cries of “I’m bored”. That’s why we’ve han...

Explorer's Guide

Where to Find Floating Cafés and Food Boats on your UK Canal Holiday

Among the 35,000 canal boats on the UK’s waterways, independent food boats and cafés are thriving. While pubs a...