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 Warbler - Dusky Warbler from Alvechurch Marina

we couldn't do the Avon Ring due to a lock closure, byt the boatyard notfied us promptly

19 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - Dusky Warbler from Alvechurch Marina

good boat layout and equipment, with pretty good storage efficient helpful service likely to book again

19 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Thrush - American Thrush from Gayton Marina

As before - a good trip, well managed.

19 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Thrush - American Thrush from Gayton Marina

Starting the holiday a really helpful admin team and yard crew. Everything was explained clearly and felt considered for what we needed. A confident start. Boat was excellent, linen and towels good and starter pack in kitchen. Bed configuration - previously discussed worked well for us. Return was straightforward - again admin easy,rubbish area was clear and available. Bill easily sorted for fuel. Couple of considerations - always happy to vacuum but cleaner inadequate so was not helpful to keep boat clean. We also found two nuts in kitchen area floor. Fine for us but customers with nut allergy would have been compromised. MArina well maintained site setting a professional image of company. Will book again using ABC boat's.

19 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swan - Mute Swan from Hilperton Marina

The service was very good they were very helpful and knowledgeable I would recommend them and use again

18 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Grass Wren from Kings Orchard Marina

The boat was beautifully clean and well presented at the start. There was a cutting board missing and we found the bowls oddly sized - we bought a board and a bowl to see us through. The hand over at the end was slow as we were not told where to moor the boat on return and had to wait while another boat was serviced

18 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swan - Mute Swan from Hilperton Marina

We thought the service we received was very good they were helpful and very knowledgeable would recommend and use again

18 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - River Warbler from Anderton Marina

Seven of us had a perfectly relaxing week on the Trent and Mersey and Shropshire Union canals. In April the canals were very quiet with no waiting at locks etc.

18 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Grass Wren from Kings Orchard Marina

As the previous report. Good boat, clean but some items missing or inadequate. Hand over at end slow as not told where to moor before we set off.

18 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Warbler - River Warbler from Anderton Marina

This was the second time of booking a hire boat with ABC, each time was simple, competitively priced with good early booking and loyalty discounts. Staff at the marinas were helpful and the boats well prepared and equipped. Pick up and return processes were simple and efficient. Secure parking facilities were provided at each base. We will definitely be hiring again in the future.

18 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Cactus Wren from Falkirk Marina

We loved cruising the canal and look forward to doing it again in another part of the UK.

17 Apr 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Cactus Wren from Falkirk Marina

Fabulous! We cruised on the Union Canal for 4 days and it was wonderful. The staff along the way were friendly and professional and made our holiday really enjoyable.

17 Apr 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.