Canal Boat Holidays

a slower pace of life

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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!

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BOAT HIRE

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★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Grasshopper Warbler from Gayton Marina

Navigation restrictions (not under ABC's control) made a four-day midweek break shorter than we would have liked.

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Rock Wren from Whitchurch Marina

I’ve added my review above.

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Rock Wren from Whitchurch Marina

The narrowboat was comfortable and exceptionally well equipped. The boat handled pretty well for novices and the handover was smooth.

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Hill Partridge from Anderton Marina

Staff were amazing explained everything and rescued us when we drained the battery on the first night. They were helpful and courteous throughout.

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Foxy Lark from Springwood Haven Marina

Despite the weather we had a lovely time.

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Lark - Foxy Lark from Springwood Haven Marina

Great booking experience, they were helpful over the phone which questions I had about the boat and the route we might take. Springwood Haven Marina was well maintained and they had trolleys and parking spots for loading/unloading the boat. The staff were friendly and helpful. When we had a minor mechanical fault an engineer came out straight away to where we were stopped, and resolved the issue. The boat itself was great, plenty of space, good cooking facilities, and very good central heating. Despite stormy weather the whole time we had a lovely holiday.

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Partridge - Hill Partridge from Anderton Marina

Had an excellent weekend away iin the middle of two storms (got to love the English weather) the staff were amazing the boat was comfortable and well equipped. This is not something we have ever done before but I highly recommend it and will definitely be looking to do it again … hopefully in better weather 😁

30 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swan - Tundra Swan from Blackwater Meadow Marina

A lovely boat that coped well with 10 of us on board. Two bathrooms was a boon and the boat generally was very well equipped.

28 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swan - Tundra Swan from Blackwater Meadow Marina

A very easy company to deal with. All staff we came into contact with, from booking to returning the boat, were cheerful, professional and friendly.

28 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Woodpecker - Syrian Woodpecker from Aldermaston Wharf

The boat was Cleasby and neat, with everything we needed. The be linen was fresh, and plenty of towels for us. The kitchen was well equipped.

28 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Woodpecker - Syrian Woodpecker from Aldermaston Wharf

Linda at check in was really friendly and welcoming, and the boat was ready and waiting for us. Everything was near and clean, with lovely fresh bedding. We had a great week on the boat despite the weather, and the provided waterproofs and umbrellas came in handy. Our return to bad was hampered by a broken swing bridge, compostela it off ABC's control, yet they bent over backwards to help, keeping us informed of updates from the canal and river trust. When we learnt we could go no further, Linda sorted out a lift back to the boat yard to collect our car so we could return to the boat and unload

28 Oct 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Solitary Sandpiper from Gailey Wharf

Fantastic they gave us clear instructions of how to use the boat in and out , took time to show us how to use the locks and gave us a little boat training before we went on our way. Had a fantastic time. Many thanks.

27 Oct 2026

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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.

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

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Maps & Guides

View guides

Canal Boat FAQs

Can I book a canal boat holiday for 2027?

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Yes, 2027 canal boat holidays are available to book now from all 16 of our starting locations. Booking early gives you the widest choice of boats and dates, and you can spread the cost with our easy payment plan. Contact our friendly team or use the search above to check availability.

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.