Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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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

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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
ABC Boat Hire Brochure 2026

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 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.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2024 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025

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

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

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

Incredible experience in a gorgeous, traditional narrowboat

16 Oct 2025

Your recent holiday on Tern - Sandwich Tern from Alvechurch

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

Your recent holiday on Tern - Sandwich Tern from Alvechurch

The boat was modern and in excellent working order. The staff at Alvechurch marina were extremely helpful and professional.

15 Oct 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Great Dusky Swift from Springwood Haven Marina

Lovely boat perfect for our holiday.

15 Oct 2025

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

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

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Grey Partridge from Wrenbury

Very good service all round.

15 Oct 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Great Dusky Swift from Springwood Haven Marina

First class service excellent communication.

15 Oct 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

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

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

Brilliant weekend, first experience would do it again

15 Oct 2025

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Grey Partridge from Wrenbury

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

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Savi's Warbler from Gailey Wharf

We went from Gailey to Stourport and return. All went well .

15 Oct 2025