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Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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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.

View all locations

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

View guides

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 Warbler - Barred Warbler from Alvechurch

Kind, helpful and friendly staff.

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Barred Warbler from Alvechurch

We have holidayed with ABC for the last 7 years from various marinas. We used both Alvechurch for the hire and Gailey for services this year. The staff are so friendly and helpful and did everything they could to make our holiday enjoyable. We are already planning for next year.

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Headed Finch from Goytre Wharf

They were helpful and informative, very friendly. . They had the boat cleaned and ready to go, All we had to do was the safety training and they were there and ready to do it

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Foxy Lark from Springwood Haven Marina

. Open, friendly, perceptive one a customers apprehension and gentley reassure and encourage. The team are all positive pleasant ,gently spoken staff. There was 5* customer service throughout our travels and had easy pleasant handovers. The boat was a lovely surprise in being so clean .It was above my expectations. ,i get fed up and despondent in paying hard earned good money on rare hoilday we can manage to find I have to spend at very least a few hours to make good at least kitchen,dining and bathroom areas. , I was so delighted to find with ABC we could just start to enjoy the experience of learning narrow boating. The kitchen had everything you could hope to find in a kitchen at home or aboard. Everything clean and nicely put .The fridge clean was great ample size and efficient. . Beds comfy and rooms all rooms well presented. Lounge /dining ample in size ..Deck possibly lagged behind a little but acceptable.. The only suggestion I could make and all three of the crew agree this ,given we all sat together at the back on deck while moving,when I wasn't doing clight chores and food prepping ,was if there could be some outside shower proof /waterproof pads /cushions for outdoor seating . I have fibromyalgia so that bit of comfort would have improved it for me as sittl8ng 8s tough but the others said same. .if anyway to store this. You made have the dogs so relaxed no massive rule book thrown at us at ABC. I hope people respect this relaxed approach. .This was very nice for us and hope we didn't let you down .. All in all an active interesting, peaceful, very new experience. We are grateful to you all for being a lion share of making this a happy, memorable time together. THANK YOU ALL.AT ABC. ** CHRIS AND CREW and our 2 Dogs.

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Arabian Lark from Hilperton

Great trip to Brisitol Floating harbour and back

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Arabian Lark from Hilperton

Well equipped,new boat Arabian Lark. Staff welcoming and businesslike. Only minor issue was WIFI didn't work.Called it in but we didn't followup. On first evening had to cut away large tee shirt wrapped around prop.

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Headed Finch from Goytre Wharf

Everything about the holiday was perfect from the helpful staff at the marina to the volunteers at the locks gates , Brecon was well maintained and beautiful canal .

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Foxy Lark from Springwood Haven Marina

Everything you could wish for. Perhaps take cushions waterproof pads for seationg on deck if u like need soft searlting for long periods. .

30 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

“Does as it says on the tin” (booking details)

29 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Musician Wren from Springwood Haven Marina

Clean as a whistle. Well equiped

29 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Sedge Warbler from Alvechurch

From our arrival - on time - to departure - on time - the staff were very helpful, friendly and efficient.

29 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Bunting - Corn Bunting from Hilperton

Great weekend, boat was good and friendly customer service

29 May 2024

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