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!

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS!
LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?

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AWARD WINNING
BOAT HIRE

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

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Sedge Wren from Hilperton Marina

Well appointed, comfortable boat.

07 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Sedge Wren from Hilperton Marina

Early, efficient, friendly handover

07 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Carolina Wren from March Wharf

I just did ! Why do I need to add more?

07 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Carolina Wren from March Wharf

In terms of planning, there was a good selection of boats available, including in our case one ideal for a couple (49ft) and with different bed configurations as an option (Carolina Wren). The boat's decor and interior was modern, light and in good condition with a good inventory of everything you would need for a 1 week cruise. Contact with the company was friendly and professional both online and in person at the office. Handover was tuned nicely to the hirer's experience ('reasonably experienced' in our case). We had a very enjoyable week and would not hesitate to use ABC/Fox again.

07 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Rock Sandpiper from Anderton Marina

Good communication, helpful reception, boat was clean, instruction how to handle the boat were clear.

06 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Warbler - Canada Warbler from Gailey Wharf

Excellent spec on boat. Very helpful staff and service

06 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Sandpiper - Rock Sandpiper from Anderton Marina

New boat! Clean, well equipped

06 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Black Lark from Worcester Marina

We did the Stourport ring anticlockwise, we’ve done it before so was less challenging than previous times but is a wonderful challenge going up Tardebigge.

06 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Black Lark from Worcester Marina

Very helpful friendly and experienced boat hire company. We had some challenges with some expected and unexpected stoppages and had good advice to assist us with our progress. Lovely clean and reliable well equipped vessel, ready prepped for us to get going straight away, and secure parking for our vehicle.

06 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Warbler - Canada Warbler from Gailey Wharf

Good mixture of cruising and locks. Delightful scenery

06 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf

No delays or stoppages. We did what we planned to do.

05 Jun 2026

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Your recent holiday on Thrush - Veery Thrush from Aldermaston Wharf

An excellent holiday as usual. The boatyard staff at Aldermaston Wharfe are a credit. The boat was a bit dated but most things worked. Great trip to Bath and back.

05 Jun 2026

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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.

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?

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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.