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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!
SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS!
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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
From a tart to finish perfect. Great boat, great hand over process.
21 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Relaxing and perfect distance to Bath for weekend
21 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Easy booking, efficient and helpful staff, well equipped boat, ready on time and all in all great value for a day out
18 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Straightforward booking process, a couple of telephone enquiries handled promptly and efficiently. Boat ready on time, in very good condition and well equipped for a day on the Kennet and Avon canal. All things considered great value for money
18 Mar 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A fabulous day out! We'd never driven a canal boat before, but picked it up after the thorough tuition. We'll definitely do it again, but probably in the summertime -- it gets pretty chilly in the winter!
25 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everyone I dealt with was super-helpful, polite, and friendly. Fab team!
25 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic day. Lovely staff.
12 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What a fantastic day at a reasonable price. Staff very helpful and friendly when we arrived. Boat was lovely even thou the original boat I had booked broke down, they made sure the replacement boat we had when we arrived had blankets as it was quite chilly. Would recommend it to anyone. Many thanks.
12 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Absolutely wonderful day. Shown how to steer, etc. Friendly and efficient. Bought for my parents Xmas present, they loved it.
12 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic service, wonderful boat, friendly staff, great holiday! Even when our boat had an issue they found us another to work within our dates. We really enjoyed it and would all love to go again.
02 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great holiday, lovely boat, great condition, all facilities clean and ideal. Staff very helpful.
02 Feb 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent very helpful, lovely staff
19 Jan 2025