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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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It was fun pottering up the canal and back
01 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
It was a great day thanks to the lovely people at ABC
01 Apr 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Every thing went very smooth , and they got us though our safety talk to get us on our way , as 4 pm check in is quite late in the day to get anywhere and we had a table booked for a birthday dinner, and days still draw in early this time of year .
31 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff were very good and friendly and got us on our way
31 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Trip was great, time to view the sights and wild life, travelled through Stockton, Bascote, and Braunston locks on this trip.
30 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We had a rvery relaxing and enjoyable holiday on quiet canals
30 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Efficient and friendly throughout
30 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fast friendly service from all staff, hire boat was clean, fully fitted with everything we required and easy to manage.
30 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
no problems with the boat, the staff were very friendly and helpful. top service all round
30 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We had a great week early on in the season.
30 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
As above............................... Also one of the toilet sinks was blocked all the time and was very slow to empty.
27 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Staff were friendly and helpful, and, after some checks and instructions, we were able to set off quite quickly. The boat was clean, comfortable and very well appointed. We were alarmed, though, that one of the toilets registered as having the tank full after 5 days, and the other one registered full after 6 days. This was with only 4 crew, when the boat was made for 6. We just about managed, having to share one toilet, and being sparing with our use (!) so I don't know how 6 would have coped!! A great holiday, though.
27 Mar 2025