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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!
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LOOKING FOR CANAL BOAT DAY HIRE?
Unsure of what you're looking for? We're here to help! Just call and talk to one of our Friendly team
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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 DOWNLOADAccommodating up to 5 people, these boats are perfect for couples or small families searching for their next boating holiday
View Two to Five berth boatsThese boats accommodate between 6 and 8 people, making for a perfect boating holiday for larger families and groups
View Six to eight berth boatsWith 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 boatsYes - we have day hire boats at several of our locations - For more information, head to our day boat hire website: www.abcdayboathire.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kind, helpful and friendly staff.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We have holidayed with ABC for the last 7 years from various marinas. We used both Alvechurch for the hire and Gailey for services this year. The staff are so friendly and helpful and did everything they could to make our holiday enjoyable. We are already planning for next year.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
They were helpful and informative, very friendly. . They had the boat cleaned and ready to go, All we had to do was the safety training and they were there and ready to do it
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
. Open, friendly, perceptive one a customers apprehension and gentley reassure and encourage. The team are all positive pleasant ,gently spoken staff. There was 5* customer service throughout our travels and had easy pleasant handovers. The boat was a lovely surprise in being so clean .It was above my expectations. ,i get fed up and despondent in paying hard earned good money on rare hoilday we can manage to find I have to spend at very least a few hours to make good at least kitchen,dining and bathroom areas. , I was so delighted to find with ABC we could just start to enjoy the experience of learning narrow boating. The kitchen had everything you could hope to find in a kitchen at home or aboard. Everything clean and nicely put .The fridge clean was great ample size and efficient. . Beds comfy and rooms all rooms well presented. Lounge /dining ample in size ..Deck possibly lagged behind a little but acceptable.. The only suggestion I could make and all three of the crew agree this ,given we all sat together at the back on deck while moving,when I wasn't doing clight chores and food prepping ,was if there could be some outside shower proof /waterproof pads /cushions for outdoor seating . I have fibromyalgia so that bit of comfort would have improved it for me as sittl8ng 8s tough but the others said same. .if anyway to store this. You made have the dogs so relaxed no massive rule book thrown at us at ABC. I hope people respect this relaxed approach. .This was very nice for us and hope we didn't let you down .. All in all an active interesting, peaceful, very new experience. We are grateful to you all for being a lion share of making this a happy, memorable time together. THANK YOU ALL.AT ABC. ** CHRIS AND CREW and our 2 Dogs.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great trip to Brisitol Floating harbour and back
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Well equipped,new boat Arabian Lark. Staff welcoming and businesslike. Only minor issue was WIFI didn't work.Called it in but we didn't followup. On first evening had to cut away large tee shirt wrapped around prop.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★
Good induction and training, however, it would have been nicer to be able to leave earlier in the day. It was 2 hours after 2.30 before we got away from the dock, which meant a very short cruise the first day.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The actual boating experience was fantastic, and we had a wonderful time on Happy Wren. As a slightly shorter narrowboat, she was much more maneuverable than some and was a delight to helm and moor. We would definitely recommend the adventure to anyone!
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Really enjoyed our week on sandpiper very clean manage to get to Bath Bristol and then up the caen hill steps and back down in a week.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
From start hand over to finish of holiday everything done with ease. Friendly and efficient staff at Hilperton.
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything about the holiday was perfect from the helpful staff at the marina to the volunteers at the locks gates , Brecon was well maintained and beautiful canal .
30 May 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything you could wish for. Perhaps take cushions waterproof pads for seationg on deck if u like need soft searlting for long periods. .
30 May 2024