UK Canal Boat Vacations from Australia

If you’re looking for an authentic and relaxing way to experience the UK, its rich history, wildlife and culture. Chartering a canal boat vacation with ABC Boat Hire could be your dream vacation.  

Why choose a canal boat vacation?

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

Enjoy the beauty of the United Kingdom through its canal system, rivers and waterways. Navigate past picture-perfect villages and amazing wildlife.

Rest and relaxation

Enjoy a slower way of life and explore the UK at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy the tranquil waters and relax.  

Experience the UK’s rich history

The UK is a popular vacation hotspot for history buffs. Many of our routes run past stately homes and castles as well as playing a huge role in the country's industrial past. If you have ancestry in the UK, you could potentially follow your ancestor's footsteps along the routes that held significance in the country’s cultural and industrial development. Learn more about the history of the canal boat families and recreate history on your canal boat vacation.

Local culture and cuisine

 Immerse yourself in the local culture on your canal boat vacations. Try Fish and Chips on the river, grab a Sunday Roast or a pint of real ale in an authentic pub.

What is there to see and do?

There’s a wealth of activities, historical sites and picturesque landscapes on the waterways, including the 7 wonders of the waterway. Some of our top picks include:

• Edinburgh: Edinburgh castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyrood House are all unmissable sights to visit in Edinburgh. The city’s rich history includes cobbled streets, twisting passageways and postcard worthy views. Edinburgh Routes: Edinburgh and Glasgow return from Falkirk.     
• Bath: Step back in time in Bath, with its Roman Bath and Georgian streets. An unmissable destination for history lovers.

Bath Routes: Bath and Return from Aldermaston Wharf, Bristol and return from Hilperton Marina.

• Stratford Upon Avon: Catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, or mess around on the River Avon. In terms of picturesque towns, Stratford has it all.

Stratford Routes: Stratford and Return from Alvechurch Marina, Stratford and Return from Worcester Marina.  

• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysllte Aqueduct is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and is one of the 7 wonders of the waterway.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Routes: Llangollen and return from Wrenbury Mill.

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.