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 Wren - Grass Wren from Kings Orchard Marina

Well equipped boat that met all our needs for our 4 day trip. Booking process and handover smooth and without any delays or hassle.

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Duck - Freckled Duck from Gailey Wharf

Great boat and holiday would recommend

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Duck - Freckled Duck from Gailey Wharf

Great relaxing holiday had trouble with the electric first night rang up the office and they talked us through it step by step with no issue would recommend to anyone 10/10.

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - Common Swift from Alvechurch Marina

Very nice and helpful staff. The boat was nice and tidy when we received it.

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Swift - Common Swift from Alvechurch Marina

Very nice and comfortable

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wagtail - Forest Wagtail from Worcester Marina

Good service, really nice service very good instructions

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wagtail - Forest Wagtail from Worcester Marina

Good service, nice friendly staff, clear instructions clean well fitted out boat. Loved the experience.

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Sedge Wren from Hilperton Marina

Just very relaxing and easy going. Even with a dog and only us 2 crew everything worked perfectly

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Booking process was smooth and efficient. Appreciated that our loyalty as a previous customer was rewarded with a discount. Useful information provided before our hiring and thorough and helpful handover of the boat. Everything was in a very clean state and the boat was well equipped with all that we needed for our 4 day trip.

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Sedge Wren from Hilperton Marina

Such an easy transfer to and from the boat. Friendly helpful staff. Boat fully equipped and manual detailed and easy to follow. Thanks also to CRT volunteers at Bath locks that made it more simple for our two person crew and dog!

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Eagle - Spotted Eagle from Whitchurch Marina

Great time, relaxing canal trip, really helpful friendly staff.

15 May 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Your recent holiday on Wren - Happy Wren from Blackwater Meadow Marina

Beautiful scenery. All the boaters we met were very friendly. Some lovely canalside pubs all dog friendly.

15 May 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.