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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.

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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

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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 - Arabian Lark from Hilperton

Good professional service from beginning to end, with good communication throughout. Our boat was very clean & well equipped, with an onboard folder with all relevant information needed. Would definitely use ABC boat hire again.

19 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Lark - Arabian Lark from Hilperton

We had a great weeks holiday, spending a few days in Bath, visiting Bradford on Avon along the way and a few of the local pubs!

19 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Swallow - Red Chested Swallow from Goytre Wharf

If only the sun had shone!

18 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Swallow - Red Chested Swallow from Goytre Wharf

Everything was spot on, we did feel that after the information chat and loading the boat we didn't leave until 4pm which didn't give much time that day for cruising, to then have to return the boat by 9 and be off by 9.30 . Perhaps the informative chat could be earlier so that departure could be 2.30?

18 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Wide Beam - Sanderling from Falkirk

Great holiday, lovely boat! Big and slow to steer, but we had a fabulous time nonetheless.

16 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Wide Beam - Sanderling from Falkirk

Their service was excellent at all times - always friendly, responsive and helpful. Instructions were clear and helpful. The boat was huge and very comfortable to stay in. We had a wonderful holiday, despite the freezing rain, and we'll definitely do another ABC Boat Hire holiday again in the future.

16 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Blue Wren from Hilperton

Everyone I spoke to or felt with was first class and helpful. Will be booking again soon.

15 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Owl - Scops Owl from Blackwater Meadow Marina

abc at blackwater marina where really helpful and knowledgeable, and did all the could to accommodate our needs.

15 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Mist - Scotch Mist from Falkirk

From arrival to departure and to the return of the barge, the team was great - thank you.

15 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Rufous Wren from

The boat was excellent, exceeded our expectations.

15 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Rufous Wren from

Service could not be faulted. Polite friendly and helpful

15 Apr 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Blue Wren from Hilperton

Brand new boat and first class service, what more could you ask for?

15 Apr 2024

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