Boating Holidaysabclg2021-01-14T11:10:19+00:00

Check out our excellent reviews online. Read our reviews

Check out our excellent reviews online. Read our reviews

Holidays with ABC

The canals and rivers of England, Scotland and Wales stretch for over 2000 miles through some of the finest countryside imaginable.

At ABC Boat Hire we have 15 start locations throughout the waterway network, from Falkirk in Scotland to Hilperton in Wiltshire, offering the widest choice of self-drive boat hire and narrowboat holidays..

Berths Available: 2 – 12

Request one of our brochures

200 boats & 15 locations

We have a huge range of fleet boats of varying sizes from a 45 feet four berth right up to a 70 feet 12 berth narrow boat. We also have wide beam boats for those of you who want that little bit extra!

We have 15 bases around the UK where you can start your canal boat holidays from, giving you a huge a mount of choice with the canals you can cruise on.

Find out more and book online

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Keep in touch with us on social media to stay up to date with our offers and competitions.

Use hashtag #abcboathire and share your boating photos with us!

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Its #MoorUpMonday! Are you on an ABC boat? We wou

Its #MoorUpMonday!

Are you on an ABC boat? We would love you to share your favourite mooring spots from your holiday in our comments! ⭐️This week we are focusing on the town of Llangollen, located in the foothills of Snowdonia alongside the River Dee and at the terminus of the picturesque Llangollen Canal.

After Experiencing Chirk aqueduct and the breathtaking Pontcysyllye aqueduct, the canal cuts high into the tree covered mountainside with stunning views down into the vale of Llangollen.
Moor up at the visitor moorings in the heart of town, where there is plenty to do and see – Llangollen has been established as one of Wales' major tourist venues after all!
Treat yourself to a trip on the Llangollen Railway, operating steam and heritage diesel trains to Carrog on over 8 miles of track through stunning scenery.
Walk northwest on the Dee Valley way to the Llangollen Motor Museum, located at bridge 48 and then on to Horseshoe Falls, crossing the bridge to The Chainbridge Hotel for refreshments and unrivalled views over the River Dee.
Or spend the day exploring the enchanting Plas Newydd House and Garden, a National Trust property and the ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey.

In July the town attracts performers from around the world taking part in the International Music Eisteddfod or you can enjoy concerts, events and festivals at the Pafiliwn Llangollen Pavilion all year round.

You can begin your return journey to Llangollen from either Wrenbury, Whitchurch or Blackwater Meadow Marina's, choosing to take a more leisurely weeks holiday or an active short break.

#Llangollen #BucketList #Staycation #WalesAdventure #UKGetaway

Stunning reflections on the Trent & Mersey Canal a

Stunning reflections on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Etruria. Moor up here for the evening, eat aboard and enjoy the view or have a wander to the traditional The Holy Inadequate pub or the canalside Toby Carvery.
Explore the Four Counties Ring from Gailey Wharf during an energetic weeks holiday or take a little longer and include a diversion onto the beautiful Caldon Canal.

#ABCBoatHire #FourCountuesRing #CaldonCanal #Staycation #GaileyWharf

The stunning 'Bridge of Sighs' over the River Cam

The stunning 'Bridge of Sighs' over the River Cam in Cambridge. Have you experienced the Fenland Waterways yet?

#WaterwayWednesday #ABCBoatHire #FenlandWaterways #MarchMarina #Staycation

Have your holiday plans changed? Are you looking f

Have your holiday plans changed? Are you looking for a last minute getaway closer to home? Give our friendly Booking office team a call and they will find you the perfect staycation!

#ABCBoatHire #Staycation #StayAtHome

It's #MoorUpMonday! ⭐️This week we are focusin

It's #MoorUpMonday! ⭐️This week we are focusing on the city of Leeds on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Mooring at Granary Wharf, a new development just above River Lock, you can access Leeds city centre easily on foot.

The unofficial capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is a vibrant, modern city with a rich industrial past. Once the centre of the wool industry the city has continued to grow in prosperity; in fact it was here that Marks and Spencer's was founded, initially as a market stall!
Taking time to explore the city, enjoy magnificent buildings such as The Great Town Hall in Victoria Square or The Corn Exchange, now a shopping centre.
Jump on the Leeds water taxi to The Royal Armouries Museum, located at Leeds Dock, where there is an action packed programme of talks, enactments and tours taking you on a journey through time. Or venture a little further outside of the city centre to Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Thwaite Watermill or Abbey House Museum - all accessible by public transport.
Soak up the culture at one of Leeds' many major theatres, choose from a musical at Leeds Grand Theatre, opera at Howard Assembly Rooms, ballet at Leeds Playhouse or comedy at Carriageworks Theatre, just to name a few.

You can of course just moor up and enjoy the array of eateries in Granary Wharf itself. Whether you choose a Tapas at La Casita Leeds, fine dining at Fazenda, a meal at the trendy The Lock Kitchen & Bar or an evening of dancing at Archie's Bar & Kitchen, you won't be disappointed!

Take a 10 night return trip from Reedley Marina to Leeds or take a 3 week adventure and cruise the entire Pennine Ring!

#GranaryWharf #Leeds #ReedleyMarina #Staycation

Have you bought your mum a mother's day gift yet?

Have you bought your mum a mother's day gift yet? Are you looking for something a little different this year?
How about a relaxing family day on the water?
You can choose from one of our 9 day hire locations across the country or simply purchase a gift vouchers from our website.

#MothersDay #BoatHire #ABCBoatHire #LifesBetterByWater

Are you looking for a last minute getaway? With 16

Are you looking for a last minute getaway? With 16 Marina's to choose from you can escape to the countryside or moor up in a city, you decide!
Visit our website for availability or call our friendly Booking Office team on 0330 3330590

#ABCBoatHire #LastMinuteGetaway #Staycation #CanalBoating

The Droitwich Canal, restored and re-opened in 201

The Droitwich Canal, restored and re-opened in 2011 is a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, plants and mature trees.
Special consideration was given to the existing environment during the restoration and Coney Meadow reed bed was created to provide a home for wildlife displaced by the dredging of the canals. In addition to this Otter holts, bat boxes and kestrel boxes were added and trees and wild flowers planted. Ponds were also created as a habitat for the protected great crested newt.
Cruise the Droitwich Ring from Worcester Marina during a short break or as part of the Stourport Ring.

#WaterwaysWednesday #ABCBoatHire #DroitwichRing #Wildlife #Nature

Did you know that you can now start a short break

Did you know that you can now start a short break or a week long holiday on a Tuesday at some of our Marina's? Choose from Blackwater Meadow, Gailey Wharf, Gayton Marina or Whitchurch Marina.
Check availability on our website or contact our friendly Booking Office team on 0330 3330590

#TuesdayThoughts #Staycation

Congratulations to Leanne Williams who is the winn

Congratulations to Leanne Williams who is the winner of this months day hire giveaway!
For those of you who didn't win, don't be disappointed! We will be giving away another day hire next month so remember to keep following us on Facebook for another chance to win!
#Winner #Giveaway

It's #MoorUpMonday Marlow is without a doubt one o

It's #MoorUpMonday
Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames, set amongst the rich meadows of the river valley and alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills.

The vibrant Georgian market town is made up of historic streets and an abundance of boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and bistros all adding to the town’s unique charm. The town’s most famous landmark is the suspension bridge which spans the River Thames and joins the counties of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Amongst the many famous residents of Marlow are T.S. Eliot and Mary Shelley who finished her gothic masterpiece Frankenstein whilst living in the town.
Marlow is also home to one of Britain’s most premier rowing clubs which has produced many Olympic oarsmen including Sir Steve Redgrave whose statue stands in Higginson Park.

Moor up before the suspension bridge or after Marlow Lock and explore Marlow and perhaps treat yourself to a meal at the The Hand & Flowers, the only UK pub with two Michelin Stars!
Cruise through Marlow and on to Windsor during a 7 night holiday from Aldermaston Wharf.
#ThamesByBoat #AldermastonWharf #Marlow

Meet Carl, he is ABC's Managing Director, a people

Meet Carl, he is ABC's Managing Director, a people person he is always friendly and approachable and ready to listen to new ideas from his team.

Carl Says:
'I have been with ABC since 2006, joining initially as the Finance Director before being appointed Managing Director in 2017. I am a regular user of our boats with family and friends, with two teenage sons the WiFi is a must! I love the unique aspect the canals offer of this fantastic country, both rural and city. I sit on the British Marine Inland Boating committee as Treasurer, and have recently been elected to sit on the Canal and Rivers Trust Council as an elected representative of Business Boating'.

********Competition******** ABC's Big Boating Bona

********Competition******** ABC's Big Boating Bonanza is back!

Have you always dreamt of cruising on our beautiful canals? Here is your chance!

We are giving away a day hire from one of our 9 UK locations on the first Friday of every month.

To ENTER, simply like this post, tag 4 of your crew in the comments below and fill out this really short form
http://bit.ly/BigBoatingBonanza

The lucky winner will be announced on our Facebook page on Monday!
Please share our post and get your friends to join in!
Go Go Go!!! #Competition #Giveaway

Easter holidays are just around the corner... have

Easter holidays are just around the corner... have you booked a spring break?
https://www.abcboathire.com/our-locations
#EasterHoliday #SpringBreak #Narrowboat #ThursdayThoughts

Spring is in the air! This stunning photo of the L

Spring is in the air! This stunning photo of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Gathurst, near Wigan makes us want to get back out on the water. Not long now until the start of our boating season!

Cruise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Anderton or Reedley Marina.

#WaterwaysWednesday #ABCBoatHire #ReedleyMarina #AndertonMarina