A Comprehensive Guide to Canal Boat Holidays

31st January 2025

Are you a first-time boater or looking for information about adventures by canal? Read our guide below to find out the essentials:

How to hire a narrowboat 

Are you looking for a staycation? Fancy a greener holiday alternative? Do you long for a break from the everyday? 

Britain’s landscapes are crisscrossed by 4,700 miles of canals. Rural towns, historic villages and canal-side secrets line up like hopscotch squares for you to explore.

Browse our featured routes and voyage through the most charming spots in the UK for cheaper than a week in Tenerife for two.

How much does a canal boat holiday cost?

Prices tend to rise in summer and on bank holidays. But what’s the value of a lazy canal-side picnic in the afternoon sun, the willows near the water’s edge swaying in the breeze and the gentle ripple of the canal adding rhythm between laughter? These are the moments that stay with you long after the season ends – and they’re priceless.

On average, our holidays range between £600 and £2,000 between 2-12 people. These prices include gas, electric, bed linen and towels, life jackets, tuition and handover, an accidental damage waiver and 24-hour emergency help – you can read more about the full inventory here.

Our boats are also pet-friendly and the first pet travels free!

We don’t take an upfront deposit and you can spread the cost of your holiday in equal instalments through our Easy Pay option on your booking form. 

Why book with ABC Boat Hire?

Unlike sun-chasing, European getaways, our holidays won’t leave you exhausted by the end. Each breath on an ABC boat is a reminder of simpler times. Savour the calm, gentle and content environment of canal cruising. 

If you still have some worries or concerns, no question is ever too silly for our friendly team, who are available to chat seven days a week. Or if we have answered all of your questions already, get ahead and book your next holiday now. 

Choosing the right narrowboat for you

You’ll be gliding across the water in your second home for up to a couple of weeks, so you’ll want there to be enough space for the things that matter. Imagine dining al fresco at dusk on Alvechurch Partridge’s front deck, or soaking up the British sunshine on the wonderous fields surrounding the canal.

Don’t worry if you haven’t driven a boat before. Many of our guests are newcomers and each one masters the controls pretty quickly.

What you need to know before booking

You don’t need a licence to steer a canal boat.
You’ll also have peace of mind while you’re out and about as we provide a 24-hour emergency helpline.
Prepare for the weather. British weather is unpredictable at best, so even if you book for the summer, it is worth packing waterproofs and being flexible with travel times.
Bank cards are useful, but you’ll need cash. Smaller villages and canal-side shops might only accept cash, especially for small buys.
Pets are welcome on all of our boats but we recommend buying them life vests. Please don’t leave them unattended or leave them too close to the boat’s edge.

Types of boats

There are three different-sized boats to choose from, depending on how many of you are travelling.

Two to five

Example layout: Alvechurch Grebe

Six to eight

Example layout: Falkirk Spirit

Up to twelve

Example layout: Alvechurch Swan

All of our boats include full radiator central heating with cold and hot running water and a double-filtered drinking water system. 

The fleet all feature a private master bedroom and bathroom, carpets in the bedrooms and saloon area, and a fully-equipped galley kitchen. Onboard amenities include a shower, free Wi-Fi, and a welcome pack of necessities for your boating holiday. 

Planning

We know how stressful planning a holiday can be, especially when you’re not sure where to start. If you want to get the best out of your boating holiday, follow our tips below.

Budget 

First on your mind is probably budget. Canal boat holidays offer the perfect way to enjoy a memorable getaway without breaking the bank.

Compared to camping and caravan holidays where you have to scour for entertainment, a narrowboat holiday is your accommodation, transport and entertainment all rolled into one. 

Another way to save is to bunk up with friends or family to share the costs. We recommend a shared boating trip for families who have children of similar ages or adults with similar interests. It makes for a great bonding experience.

Prices increase in the warmer months, so why not book a narrowboat holiday in March or October instead? Avoid the summer rush and get a cheaper break! Browse our discounted trips here.

Routes

Next, you should choose your route and how long you want to kick back and relax for. 

Would you prefer to meander through the heart of Britain’s canal network in Birmingham, where you can stop off at Cadbury World and the Black Country Living Museum? Or perhaps you’d like a calm cruise through the idyllic Cheshire countryside?

If you’re worried about traffic, you can opt for quieter and easier journeys suitable for beginners. Go lock-free and cruise for as little as four hours a day on our routes. 

Hobbies and special interests

Do you enjoy bird spotting? How about pointing out critters and creatures for your curious kids? Sounds like a wildlife route would be ideal for you. 

Or, if you have an active lifestyle, turn your water adventure to the tracks and trails of South Wales for a walk, hike or cycle.

Film or TV buffs? Visit filming locations from Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders via canal.

And don’t forget to marvel at the canal engineering on your travels. Experience the 7 Wonders of the Waterway or see if you can spot the biggest aqueducts on your route!

Know your boat: How to drive, moor and secure

Your boat will be prepared for you, such as fuel and water top ups, but it’s worth knowing the rules of the waterways and the safety checks. The Canal and River Trust’s Boater’s Handbook is a key resource for boat handling, safety and good boating behaviour.

Driving a narrowboat

Who’s the skipper? Or will you share the role between the group? While it’s important to have a dedicated driver, it can also be fun to share the responsibility or have little ones help out around the boat. Delegating responsibilities is a great way to get everyone involved.

Steering a narrowboat is simple, but there is canal etiquette to follow. Here are six tips for a smooth ride:

contrary to British roads, narrowboats drive on the right
the speed limit of British waterways is 4 mph
keep the front and rear of the boat lined up
the tiller is your steering wheel and controls the position of the back of the boat 
give yourself plenty of time to stop as boats don’t have brakes
keep your wits about you and pay attention

Mooring a narrowboat

Mooring your boat also translates to parking up. You should:

Approach slowly: As you near your mooring spot, direct the front of the boat towards the bank and stop the boat gently as it makes contact with the bank.
Secure the boat: The crew should then disembark, carrying the mooring ropes.
Tie up: Using the mooring ropes, secure the boat by tying it to bollards or rings on the bank. Position the ropes at about 45° from the boat, then loop them back onto the boat and tie them securely.

Most visitors mooring on the canals and rivers can do so free of charge. This means you’re permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal without causing an obstruction. The Canal and River Trust govern most visitors’ moorings, which means you can moor for free. Although, you may be required to pay at some feature mooring sites or private areas. 

Read more information on where you can and can’t moor your boat, and how long you can stay there.

Navigating safely

You should consider the safety and security of yourself, your passengers and other people on the water. 

Here are four safety tips:

tidy up ropes, mooring stakes and other obstacles
wear sensible, non-slip shoes on deck – especially in wet weather
never jump off the boat when mooring
use torches at night

Three crucial things to remember:

don’t leave your keys in the ignition unattended
never run the propeller when the boat is moored up
don’t leave the helm when the engine’s running

Just as you would when leaving home, a hotel or your car, you should shut and lock all accessible entry points to protect your belongings. 

Catering and food options

All our boats are equipped for self-catering – and award-nominated! Self-catering holidays offer a blend of freedom, savings and personalisation. 

From cosy dinners, made with fresh village market produce, to baked breakfasts prepared in the fully-equipped galley, you'll have everything you need. 

Whether it’s a quiet night for two or a lively lunch with family, every meal becomes part of the adventure. 

You’re welcome to bring your own appliances but do so at your own risk. Find the list of all kitchen equipment included in your package here.

If you don’t fancy washing dishes or would love a pint at the pub, there are plenty of places to dine out near our boat hire locations. Here’s a list of the best canal-side restaurants for you.

Packing

There’s more space than you think on a narrowboat, especially with hand-crafted storage space designed for you and your family to live comfortably during your canal adventure.

With your itinerary building up, we know you’ll be tempted to pack a bit more. But it’s important to think about the essentials first. 

Here’s a downloadable essentials checklist so you know you won’t forget anything.

And just in case your bags are splitting at the seams, here are seven more ways to save space.

Ready to book your next holiday on a canal boat?

Plan your adventure across Britain’s waters and explore our discounts now!