Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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)

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!

VIEW ALL BOATING VIDEOS

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.

View all locations

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

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

View all Routes

Special Offers

View offers

Maps & Guides

View guides

Canal Boat FAQs

Can I hire a boat just for the day?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023

Your recent holiday on Wren - Winter Wren from Wrenbury

We went to Llangollen, we have done the same trip 3 times before. Lovely. We went down the Montgomery canal because we haven’t been before. Lovely. We spent a couple of days in Whitchurch. Lovely . And last we went to Marbury and it was fantastic.

29 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Winter Wren from Wrenbury

We have been with Abc 16 times, 5 times from Wrenbury. I really hardly need to say anything. If I didn’t like them I would have chosen some other firm a long time ago. We are very familiar with their boats, we never have to look after anything,, everything has their own place. Nice and easy

29 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - House Wren from Gailey Wharf

Top quality friendly staff who are dog-friendly

28 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - House Wren from Gailey Wharf

Always a goiod service. This time we had a fault in the shower pump and we were quite pleased that someone came and fixed it within 2 hours. As luck would have it we were going to stop at the next village for ';brunch' so we were not held up at all.

28 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Bay Wren from Falkirk

The Union canal from Falkirk to Edinburgh was an excellent canal to travel on.

27 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Wren - Bay Wren from Falkirk

Very nice company to deal with. The boat was clean and well prepared for our holiday.

27 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Kestrel - Common Kestrel from Gailey Wharf

Boat was right size for our group of three

26 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Kestrel - Common Kestrel from Gailey Wharf

Easy to book holiday, good discount for repeat booking, all equipment needed for holiday was available on boat.

26 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Swift - Tepui Swift from Aldermaston Wharf

couldnt do the rout we were going to do as not allowed on river thames due to flooding but alternative rout was good and quiet very peasefull

25 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Swift - Tepui Swift from Aldermaston Wharf

very welcome in reception good handover plenty of help if needed

25 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Duck - Mandarin Duck from Worcester

Whilst unable to do the exact trip we had intended ( To Stratford ) as the river conditions were not suitable, we headed towards Birmingham and enjoyed ourselves.

25 Oct 2024

Your recent holiday on Duck - Mandarin Duck from Worcester

Another excellent holiday - efficient friendly staff at Worcester marina. The boat was very clean and well maintained

25 Oct 2024