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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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The was the first time we had taken a canal boat holiday so were not sure of what to expect. Arrived at the marina at Wrenbury Mill and was met by a very friendly lady who took us through the check-in process and through a short training session on operating locks. After this we were taken to our boat, Navas Wren, and given time to unload our stuff from the car to the boat and put things away. One of the employees then gave us instructions as to what daily checks were required, how to refill the water tank, how the onboard facilities worked and then took us on to the canal and gave us a training session on handling the boat. After this it was up to us. The boat was very clean and tidy and all necessary equipment was provided. The holiday was really enjoyable but hard work. It does state in the handover documentation that it is an adventure holiday and we can confirm it really was. The canal side pubs along the way towards Llangollen were great and we used quite a few in the evenings. A couple to nite would be the Willeymoor Lock Tavern, the Dusty Miller at Wrenbury and The Horse & Jockey near Grindley Brook locks. Overall a brilliant experience and we would highly recommend ABC Boat Hire.
16 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic holiday, thoroughly enjoyed.
16 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
nothing to complain and first feeling = welcome
16 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
excellent pre-information, helpful hand-over and returning, very friendly people, good boat - what more do you want ;-)
16 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It was exactly the length and degree of difficulty we were looking for. Only two locks and a leisurely pace.
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
When I send some questions by e-mail in front of the journey, they where very quick to answer. Very nice staff.
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This holyday met our expectations.
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff was extremely helpful and made us comfortable with the boat
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
Lock closed because of a problem so we couldn't do the trip we planned. This was out of the control of ABC
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Due to water shortages in the reservoirs that feed the canals, and the resulting closure of several lock flights, Anderton Marina, from where we had originally booked, became virtually inaccessible by water. The ladies at ABC headquarters were very helpful and offered us a transfer to Alvechurch Marina. This saved our holiday, and we were able to enjoy a wonderful trip back to Chester, albeit with a mandatory detour via Stourton due to the closure of the Wolverhampton flight.
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very Friendly and efficient staff
15 Sep 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent boat, well appointed and when we unfortunatelt broke down the engineer was with us within 40 minutes.
15 Sep 2025