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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 Lark - Sand Lark from Wrenbury

Boat was clean and well presented. The staff at Wrenbury Marina were lovely. Nothing was too much trouble. Used ABC many times over a lot of marinas and cannot fault them.

10 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Sand Lark from Wrenbury

I have already said this in the first paragraph

10 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Grebe - Western Grebe from Wrenbury

The maintenance of the boat wasn't up to the usual ABC standard that we have had on previous ABC boats.

09 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Grebe - Western Grebe from Wrenbury

A set of duff batteries from when we picked up the boat leaving us unable to flush the toilet in the morning; rudder was extremely stiff to use; unable to open the weed hatch. After the batteries were replaced all was OK.

09 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Osprey Eagle from Wrenbury

Great all round experience. Wonderful reception lady and clear information

08 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Osprey Eagle from Wrenbury

Excellent!Great all round experience. Wonderful reception lady and well presented boat. One week Llangollen canal trip offered beautiful scenery, enough locks and bridges without being tiresome and plenty of pub stops 🙂 Wouldn't hesitate to recommend ABC based on our experience.

08 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Barred Warbler from Alvechurch

Great beds on this boat - the most comfortable that we have had on the numerous trips that we have made from different hire companies. Our only thought was we felt there was not so much storage space in the kitchen area compared to other boats that we have been on. We were having our evening meals at pubs, so had food and drink for the rest of the time. We struggled to put it all away.

07 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Barred Warbler from Alvechurch

Very efficient and friendly service. Scott, who shared us around our boat was knowledgeable. There was a problem with the boat, but he wasn't flustered, just got it fixed and off we went...We have been on a number of boats over the years and we also said that the beds and mattresses were the best to date...

07 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Crested Lark from Blackwater Meadow Marina

ABC Boat Hire could not have been more helpful. As first time leisure travelers for the UK, we were unfamiliar with many things. The folks at ABC were extremely helpful in planning our trip and making recommendations to get us to and from the Marina. We had a great time on the Crested Lark and felt very equipped to take this fun journey down the Llangollen Cansl. It was a very special trip!

06 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Crested Lark from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Received great training and the staff was just as friendly as can be. It was a very special trip!

06 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Warbler - River Warbler from Anderton

Excellent company to go with, very friendly, helpful and attentive. We hired a 70 foot boat which was very well presented and well equipped indeed. Nice tidy boatyard, secure and ample car parking whilst away as well. I wound````n `t hesitate to recommend them. Many thanks to you all.

05 May 2024

Your recent holiday on Wagtail - Mountain Wagtail from Hilperton

Although this was a last minute change to our intended destination due to high water levels the ABC team delivered and we all had a great time.

05 May 2024

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