Blog

Are you looking for your next canal boat holiday? Perhaps you already have one planned, and want to make sure you know how to drive a narrowboat beforehand? Our helpful guide will give you advice on steering a narrowboat as well as top safety tips to remember when you’re out on the water.  How to steer a narrowboat   The prospect of steering a narrowboat is relatively simple – however, there...

Have you always wanted to explore an entire city or town in the UK without cramming too many activities in a day or weekend?   A long canal boat holiday allows you to explore an area in England or Wales at your pace while taking in the sights and sounds of the town or city you are visiting. Do you prefer to chill out on your holiday, or do you love an adventure? Our long boat routes have somethin...

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or a casual observer, the canals provide a perfect backdrop for this relaxing activity whilst delving into the scenic UK wildlife. In our helpful guide, we will be discussing the best ways you can spot birds on the canals and the UK bird species that you may potentially see on your adventures!    What You Will Need to Go Bird Spotting     Binoculars: A...

Whether you’re mooring up for a luxurious dinner or looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a quick bite, canal-side restaurants promise tasty dishes with beautiful views. In addition to these delightful dining options below, it’s worth noting that the ABC Leisure Group acquired the Weighbridge Pub at Alvechurch Marina in 2001, adding to the local charm and dining experience. Here's a guide to some of th...

Planning a canal boat holiday is a unique and exciting experience, but understanding the costs involved is essential. With ABC Boat Hire, the price to hire a canal boat can vary depending on several factors. Whether you're looking for a short break or a longer adventure, here's a breakdown of what you can expect when hiring a canal boat.    Factors Influencing Canal Boat Hire Costs    Duration...

Family getaways are a wonderful way to celebrate milestones, reunite with loved ones, and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for a unique and fun experience, consider a family boat trip! This blog unpacks how group boat holidays can serve as the perfect backdrop for family celebrations and reunions.    Why Choose a Family Boat Trip?    A Unique Experience  A boat trip offers a refresh...

Solar powered boats are an exciting innovation in the boating world, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to enjoy the water. Unlike traditional boats that rely on diesel or petrol engines, solar powered boats use solar panels to gain energy from the sun, providing a clean and renewable source of power.    How Do Solar Powered Boats Work?    Solar powered boats are equipped with sol...

When planning your canal boat holiday, you may have questions about mooring your boat. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from locating the best mooring spots to providing essential tips for safe and hassle-free mooring. With our experienced advice, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a smooth and relaxing holiday on the canals.  Where can you moor a canal boat? You are permitted to moor alm...

The average UK canal depth varies from canal to canal, and lock to lock. However, most of the UK’s canals were initially constructed to take fully-laden freight carrying vessels of six-foot draft – as, originally, canal boats were in fact horse-drawn. Learn more about the history of canal boats in the UK from our detailed guide.  Although the depth of canals varies throughout the nation, there ar...

Known as one of the UK’s heritage cities, Lancaster is steeped in culture – both past and present. With historic buildings, museums, theatres and a castle, there is plenty to discover and experience for everyone.  So, whether you are travelling to Lancaster via the waterway as a beginner, in a group, as a couple or a family – we’ve narrowed down our top five things to do in our guide.   For Coup...