Canal Boat Holidays

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)

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?

Feefo

AWARD WINNING
BOAT HIRE

Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2026 Feefo - Platinum trusted service award 2025 Feefo - Gold trusted service award 2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Meadow Lark from Aldermaston Wharf

We actually were not able to leave from Aldermaston Wharf, because of physical problems on the canal. Our trip left from Alverton Marina.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Tern - Little Tern from Aldermaston Wharf

Pleasant staff who responded to most the issues we encountered on the boat.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Plover - Ringed Plover from Hilperton Marina

Hilperton staff were very friendly like a family

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Plover - Ringed Plover from Hilperton Marina

I find it hard to believe that the sewage tank needed emptying after 8 days when there was only 3 on board on a boat that could take 5

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Tawny Lark from Hilperton Marina

We were welcomed on site and shown around the boat. All the staff were extremely amenable both on arrival and departure. The vessel was lovely and clean.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Tawny Lark from Hilperton Marina

Our destination of Bristol was unfortunately curtailed due to a broken lock paddle at Bath. We therefore turned around and made a very relaxed trip the other way. We bought a map in the Marina office, but there were no canal guides which we had used before and had been excellent. The maps were rather sparse on information. Apparently the Guides had been unavailable due to printing issues and this was a shame. We had trouble with the temperature controls on the showers on the boat. Both this and the Guides issue we have reported to the Marina and had a kind response from them.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - Chimney Swift from Gailey Wharf

Boat in excellent condition and very weak equipped. Very helpful ABC team. A very enjoyable week cruising the Shropshire and Staffordshire canals.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Kestrel - Common Kestrel from Gailey Wharf

Had a great time. Would recommend

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Kestrel - Common Kestrel from Gailey Wharf

Great service from all staff, boat was very nice. Had a great week.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - Chimney Swift from Gailey Wharf

Very clean and well equipped boat. Very helpful staff.

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Pine Warbler from Kings Orchard Marina

Unfortunately we were unable to travel the route we had planned due to water shortage but had a pleasant time going in the opposite direction. Sadly despite using the CRT website we were unaware of this so didn’t have the correct books and maps for all of this area

15 Sep 2026

★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Tern - Little Tern from Aldermaston Wharf

We usually have great trips but unfortunately this boat (Little Tern, which we after a slew of issues we rechristened with a more fitting name) had a number of issues which meant that our weekend was not smooth sailing. In the rear bathroom there was a leaking toilet which meant both the bathroom floor and the rear cabin's floor were wet, the basin plug was wedged closed and very slow to drain, the filter drinking water was not working so we had to use bottled water, the leaky toilet stopped flushing on the Sunday afternoon (due to a fault rather than a full tank) , and the engine coolant bottle sprang a leak. Given the cost of the boat for a weekend it wasn't a great experience.

15 Sep 2026

Feefo

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.

Berkshire

Aldermaston Wharf

Cambridgeshire

March Marina

Worcestershire

Alvechurch Marina

Cheshire

Anderton Marina

Shropshire

Blackwater Meadow Marina

Staffordshire

Gailey Marina

Forth and Clyde

Falkirk Canal

Monmouthshire

Goytre Wharf
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
ABC Boat Hire Brochure 2026

Choose your canal boat

Whatever your group size, we have 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

Dog-Friendly
Trips

Your furry friends can join your UK canal cruise for free. Simply add them to your booking - up to three pets per boat at no extra cost.

Pet-Friendly Holidays

What's
on Board?

All of the key essentials have been included. There's central heating, an oven, fridge, charging points, TV and even free-wifi. Bedding and towels are provided, and the boat is fully serviced before handover.

See What's on Board

International Visitor Information

View our locations and within our location pages, you’ll be able to see routes to the airport.

Our Locations

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 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.