Highlights

Location: Available at 7 marina locations across England.
What's Included: Your canal boat holiday includes a 3, 4 or 7 night break on a fully equipped self-drive canal boat, a full safety briefing before departure, up to 2 dogs travelling free, and parking at all seven marina locations – with no previous boating experience required.
Accommodation: Your fully equipped self-drive canal boat is a surprisingly comfortable floating home-from-home, sleeping up to 4 or 6 guests across cosy sleeping quarters, a lounge and dining area, and a bathroom with shower – all with heating throughout for year-round comfort.
Accommodation Facilities: Each canal boat comes fully kitted out with a galley kitchen complete with cooking equipment, crockery and utensils, a bathroom with toilet and shower, comfortable sleeping accommodation, a lounge and dining area, heating, and all essential safety equipment – everything you need for a self-sufficient waterway adventure.
Scenic Explorations: Discover tranquil waterways and charming canal villages.
Perfect for Groups: Ideal for families, friends, or couples seeking adventure.
When: Valid only on selected stays until 30th Oct 2026.

Set sail for adventure – just add water and wanderlust!

We're offering you a 3, 4 or 7 Night UK Canal Boat Holiday for Up to 6 People saving you up to 37% off ABC Boat Hire's prices.

Your Waterway Adventure Awaits

Experience Britain from a unique and wonderfully unhurried perspective with an unforgettable self-drive canal boat holiday from ABC Boat Hire – one of the UK's leading canal boat holiday providers, with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Choose from a 3-night weekend break or a 4 or 7 night break, departing from one of seven beautiful marina locations across England. Whether you're planning a family escape, a trip with friends, or a romantic couples retreat, this is slow travel at its very best.

What's Included

3, 4 or 7 night break
Fully equipped self-drive canal boat sleeping up to 4 or 6 people
Choice of 7 marina locations across England
Full safety briefing before departure – perfect for first-time boaters!
Up to 2 dogs travel free
Parking available at all marinas

Your Floating Home – Fully Equipped for Comfort

Your canal boat is your home for the trip – and a surprisingly comfortable one at that. Everything you need is on board, so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the ride.

Fully equipped galley kitchen with cooking equipment, crockery and utensils
Bathroom with toilet and shower
Comfortable sleeping accommodation for up to 4 or 6 guests
Lounge and dining area
Heating throughout – perfect for year-round breaks
Full safety equipment included

Your Journey, Your Way

One of the great joys of a canal boat holiday is that there's no fixed itinerary – you set the pace. Drift through stunning open countryside, pull up alongside a traditional canalside pub for lunch, or moor in a pretty village and explore on foot. Every day brings a new view and a new adventure.

Choose Your Marina – 7 Stunning Locations

Gayton Marina – Blisworth Arm, Northamptonshire. Surrounded by rolling hills, rural countryside and picturesque villages – a wonderfully peaceful starting point.
Wrenbury Mill Marina – Near Nantwich, Cheshire. Cruise the spectacular Llangollen Canal, passing the Ellesmere Meres and the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Aldermaston Wharf – Berkshire. Set on the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal, with scenic cruising through locks, bridges and charming Berkshire countryside.
Kings Orchard Marina – Lichfield, Staffordshire. Nestled within a beautiful rural hideaway on the Coventry Canal – an ideal starting point for a relaxing break.
Worcester Marina – Worcester. Cruise through the historic city of Worcester, home to the stunning Worcester Cathedral and the River Severn.
Springwood Haven Marina – Nuneaton, Warwickshire. ABC Boat Hire's newest marina, offering peaceful countryside cruising along the tranquil Ashby Canal.
Anderton Marina – Northwich, Cheshire. Explore Cheshire's waterways, the Trent & Mersey Canal and the iconic Anderton Boat Lift.

FAQs

Do I need experience to hire a canal boat?
Not at all! A full safety briefing is provided before departure, making this suitable for complete beginners and first-time boaters.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes – up to 2 dogs travel free of charge.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at all seven participating marinas.
How many people can the boat sleep?
Boats are available sleeping up to 4 or up to 6 people – choose the right size for your group at the time of booking.
Which marina should I choose?
All seven locations offer something unique – from historic cities to remote countryside. Check the booking calendar for availability at your preferred marina.
What are the check-in times?
Check-in is from 2:30pm on your start day. Check-out is by 9:30am on your final day.