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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!
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LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?
Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team
(Free UK calls)
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 DOWNLOADAccommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday
These boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
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.
Yes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Cannot praise ABC boat hire at Goytre Wharf enough. The whole team were so friendly and really made our holiday special. The site was easy to find, with lots of parking and a beautiful setting to see a very scenic stretch of the canal. We will be back and would highly recommend ABC to anyone.
16 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Incredible experience in a gorgeous, traditional narrowboat
16 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is our second holiday this year using ABC Boats. The boats have been well maintained, modern, and spotlessly clean. The staff at both marinas were extremely helpful and pleasant.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The boat was modern and in excellent working order. The staff at Alvechurch marina were extremely helpful and professional.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat perfect for our holiday.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent customer service before the hire and on pick up, clean well prepared and boat with all the necessary equipment, excellent informal briefing before departure.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very good service all round.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
First class service excellent communication.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Amazing company ABC, used many times over the last 14years, staff, marinas always first class, barges all 1st class, apart from one year when a tree branch fell on our barge over night, but phoned emergence line and in morning crew there with chain saws getting us moving again, highly recommend this company. Absolutely brilliant.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brilliant weekend, first experience would do it again
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great boat. Even the telly worked, not that we watched it much. Nice big beds. Spotlessly clean. Proper shower cubicles. Microwave and conventional oven. Had a canal blockage which they did their best to help with.
15 Oct 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We went from Gailey to Stourport and return. All went well .
15 Oct 2025