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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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic service from ABC boat hire. They answered all questions I had via email before the day. Thorough handover on the day including how to do 360 degree turn before leaving the marina which was our biggest worry. Everything included in the boat and very straight forward. Excellent route to Fradley junction and back to King's Orchard.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent service, friendly staff both in the office and boat handover.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great experience. Excellent communication throughout particularly on handover. It was very helpful that Vince came with us for a short time to ensure I was comfortable. Very well equipped boat.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great communication and support for a novice
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★
We have previously been 3 times with ABC and were looking forward again to the great service and well prepared boat. Unfortunately this was not the case this time in Aldermaston. On arrival we were told that the Kennet and Avon was blocked an we could not pass Crofton Lock because of damage and we should choose an alternative route. We later found out that this was only a temporary hitch and CRT were able to fix the lock on the same day. I feel that a little more research by the staff at Aldermaston could have qualified this. Before the handover we noticed that the ceiling was falling down because all of the screws had been removed. In fact many screws were found to be missing throughout the boat. Then we noticed that there was no spare linen which we had asked for, so we had to wait As we left Aldermaston a brief look around the boat was very disappointing. One of the toilets stank. The windows were filthy and generally speaking the cleanliness was not up to the standard we previously experienced with ABC. So, we set off up the Thames and informed the staff of our route. On reaching Henley we could not moor as a 1 day mooring would have costed £750 for one night. because of the regatta. I think we could have been advised not to go to Henley on this date by ABC. On the day of return we found that the stinky toilet had in fact overflowed although the green light above the toilet was still green, i.e. it did not change to red. the contents had spilled out over the floor and ruined my baggage. I had to leave the boat and sleep in my van on the last night. All in all my experience on this trip was not very impressive and I am in doubt concerning future bookings with ABC.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely boat. Fully equiped. All nice and clean. Great staff. Convenient parking.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
We couldn't do our planned route as water level too low but enjoyed our time on the canals.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very helpful staff and a nice boat.. Reassuring to know they will come out to you if you need them when you're travelling around the canal network.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★
The boat was not to a suitable standard that we have come to expect from ABC. There was a strong smell of human effluent in the kitchen. It was evident on our return that the boats are not being serviced to an acceptable standard
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
All good, no problems, fine.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Well equipped boat, friendly staff.
22 Jul 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
A lot of moored boats which need attention.
22 Jul 2025