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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 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The guys at Aldermaston Wharf are very helpful nothing was to much trouble
02 Jun 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great holiday- so lucky with the weather too
02 Jun 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Returning customer of many years-think this says it all
02 Jun 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We had another great weekend away thanks to ABC boats, everything was ready when we got there and the boats were all what we have come to expect, this was our 7th year using ABC and we will be back.
02 Jun 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Simple easy operation of the boat
01 Jun 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We did the Four Counties Ring in 2 weeks. A great experience for us. Always excellent service and facilities. Their staff are great to work with and always ready to assist. If there are any problems with the boat, they respond quickly and arrange to conveniently meet you if needed.
31 May 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Staff are excellent to work with, from making reservations, responding to questions, and servicing the boat. Returning is very easy and handled efficiently. Have hired from other ABC locations and found the same excellent service at those locations as well.
31 May 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It was a beautiful trip on beautiful canals.
31 May 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Couldn't fault the team, the marina or the boat. Beautiful holiday on beautiful canals.
31 May 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very quick, efficient check in meant that we were able to get in our way earlier than we expected. Boat was well equipped. The only negative really was the new style flat hose reel which was fiddly and came apart. Also think that something to clean the shower/sink with would have been good. Other than that we had a great holiday.
30 May 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very friendly staff, very easy transition onto a lovely clean boat. The only negative for us is that the Warbler design has changed from previous hirings, probably to include larger showers but now has a lot less storage space and the lower table in the lounge makes it harder to see outside when seated! We much preferred the older design!
30 May 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thoroughly enjoyed the route on the Llangollen Canal, amazing scenery and views and the Aquaduct is stunning - especially if you manage to see it in the sunshine!
30 May 2025