Canal Boat Staycations
a slower pace of life

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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Special Offers

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Maps & Guides

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Canal Boat FAQs

Can I hire a boat just for the day?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.  


ABC BOAT HIRE REVIEWS

Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2023 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2024 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Hill Partridge from Anderton Marina

Used ABC several times and are always consistently good. Boats clean, well prepared and staff friendly.

12 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Hill Partridge from Anderton Marina

Consistently good, used several times and staff helpful.

12 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Lark - Sun Lark from Hilperton

We loved our holiday with ABC Boat hire.

11 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Lark - Sun Lark from Hilperton

The whole process was easy and painless, even the boat orientation instructor was very good and explained everything to us and answered all our questions. I would use ABC boat hire again in the future

11 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - African Swift from Hilperton

Not ABC's fault that all visitor moorings on River Avon taken up by "permanent boat owners" therefore two previously booked dinners in pubs had to be cancelled.

10 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Navas Wren from Wrenbury

God service, god oplevelse

09 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Navas Wren from Wrenbury

God service og meget fin, hyggelig og veludstyret båd. Lidt svært at gennemskue hjemmefra, hvor det er smart at starte sin tur ud fra hvilke ting, man gerne vil opleve…. Vi nåede desværre ikke aquadukten, fordi vi ikke havde tid nok, hvilket vi havde troet vi havde, ud fra beskrivelsen på hjemmesiden.

09 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Finch - Red Billed Finch from Goytre Wharf

A really lovely canal to boat along. The canal boat had everything needed for the trip and was well equipped. We would have preferred a larger boat with more comfortable sleeping arrangements, but none were available for the week booked, but this was reflected in a much cheaper price, so value for money.

08 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Carolina Wren from March Wharf

Excellent service from the staff at Foxes boat yard in March, who operate on ABC’s behalf. The shower hose split half way through our trip and they came to the boat and replaced it within a few hours. When we needed a pump out they advised exactly where we could find the facility. The boat was clean and well resourced.

08 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Wren - Carolina Wren from March Wharf

We had a lovely holiday. Cambridgeshire was a great place to explore. Cambridge and Ely were beautiful and fascinating places to visit. Mooring up at the end of Wicken fen and walking round the wildlife sanctuary is definitely worth doing. We saw so much wildlife on the trip, including a grey seal! Much quieter waterways than the Llangollen canal. So peaceful.

08 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Swift - Alpine Swift from Blackwater Meadow Marina

It was a nice stay at the boat, they were friendly. A good tour before we got off. The boat was very clean, they really thought of everything

08 Aug 2025

Your recent holiday on Wide Beam - Sanderling from Falkirk

We quite simply were thrilled with the service we received from everyone and with the Sanderling.

08 Aug 2025