Canal Boat Holidays

a slower pace of life

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0330 333 0590

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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!
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BOAT HIRE

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

Everything was perfect **

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Tree Swift from Whitchurch Marina

We have just come back from a second week long trip. Last year we did Goytre to Brecon & this time we did Whitchurch to Llangollen. The boats are clean, well stocked & maintained. All the people at the marinas from the receptionist, the maintenance guys & the cleaners are all very friendly & helpful. Planning a 3rd trip next year.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Biscutate Swift from Wrenbury Mill Marina

Good boat well presented and very friendly staff

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Swift - Biscutate Swift from Wrenbury Mill Marina

This is the second time I have hired from ABC and have found them to be very friendly helpful in all aspects of booking hireirng and hand over. The boats are well presented and very well fitted, all you could ask for in a canal boat to have that makes your trip enjoyable and comfortable. I would reccomend them to anyone whether expierienced on novice.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Shore Lark from Aldermaston Wharf

Aldermaston to Windsor,... its a long way at 4 mph. Beautiful around Cliveden.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Lark - Shore Lark from Aldermaston Wharf

Great company to deal with. Good communication. Nice touchs on the boat to make our lifes on board easier. Handover was smooth at the start and end of our holiday.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Duck - Musk Duck from Gailey Wharf

Good boat - we were lucky with the weather

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Duck - Musk Duck from Gailey Wharf

Well equipped, comfortable boat. Booking easy and good handover.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton Marina

The trip along the Kennett and Avon was easy to navigate with helpful boaters along the route. Fabulous views. Lots of herons, swans and ducks. Peaceful. People to teach you how to do the locks. We cruised to Bath from Hilperton stopping at Bradford on Avon and Dundas aqueduct.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Wren - Eurasian Wren from Hilperton Marina

We chose Eurasia Wren which was perfect for our needs. Things that stood out were the comfy beds and fabulous shower plus really quick heating! The route we took was along the Kennett and Avon to Bath. Along the route we were shown how to manage the locks by experienced boaters and the swing bridges were easy to manage. The peace and quiet was fabulous plus seeing so many herons ! A lovely boat and a lovely adventure. Recommend stops at Bradford on Avon, Dundas aqueduct and Bathampton.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Spirit - Lochan Ora from Falkirk Marina

Great way to spend a week travelling with a family group.

11 Oct 2026

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Your recent holiday on Spirit - Lochan Ora from Falkirk Marina

The staff were really helpful and their maintenance staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable holiday.

11 Oct 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.