ABC Boat Hire
ABC Boat Hire
4.5
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  • Procleanboss
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must for everyone wanting a chilled out canal holiday
    Only got home today from an amazing 7 night canal holiday with this company. Absolutely loved the holiday on the Monmouthshire/brecon canal, as did our dog. The staff were friendly, professional, knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble for them. Thye accommodated our timings and worked around us to give us a very knowlegable "get to know your boat" hour, showing us to steer, turn and where to go. Could not fault the staff at Goytre Wharf, amazing. Highly recommend both the company and leaving grom Goytre Wharf.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 June 2023
  • Andrea B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic day out
    What a fantastic day we had. Starting at Nantwich canal centre . The staff were brilliant from the instruction at the start to the return at the end of the day. The boat was more than we expected great facilities. Would definitely recommend this to anyone and I’m sure we will be back again. Real value for money
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 August 2023
  • Celyn P
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant day, would absolutely recommend it.
    We hired the Day Lark for a full day. The booking process was really straightforward and the team were friendly and knowledgeable. We were shown the basics and then had chance to drive & turn the boat around by the marina with our instructor still on board to make sure we were happy with what to do, then he hopped off and off we went. We took the route towards Weedon, stopping at The Wharf pub briefly in the middle. It was a really fun day. The kids (6 and 10 yrs) loved it, it was a day long adventure for them. We didn't make it all the way to Weedon but if you chose not to stop then I think you easily would do. We took our own picnic and set up the table at the front of the boat to eat. We'd definitely do it again! Maybe with more adults though, the only tricky bit was wanting to chat to my partner who was driving, and also keep an eye on the kids who wanted to sit at the front of the boat. But that's just our group requirements, not an issue with the boat at all!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 August 2023
  • Innes B
    Bath, United Kingdom25 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    ABC boat hire Gailey
    We hired a two berth narrow boat for a seven trip from Gailey to Nantwich, our first ever narrow boat trip! arrived to pick the boat up and were taken through the handover with Nigel which was good. We them set off, all going well. When it came to setting up the second bed that night we discovered the No bedding for for it, the next day we rang and were told we didn’t ask for it so they didn’t supply it and they couldn’t get it to that day, now if you booked a two bedroom place you would expect that you would have bedding for both rooms surely? Because there was two of us the hire company ABC assumed we would only need one lot… just ask us at the hand over, to be fair they rang us later the day to if want the next day but it was to late by then. The other thing folding chairs for the deck space or to sit on the bank when you’re moored would have been great, when I suggested this when handing the boat back I was told again you need to ask for them at the start if your first time how do you know you want or need them, if it’s your first time how do know what to ask for? They should just be provided. Towels take your own, they provide them but they’re not up to much. Touch take your own. Having said all that the weather was fantastic the adventure was good but remember if it your first time ask about everything before you set off don’t assume it’s all provided for you.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 September 2023
  • MarkTaunton
    Hillfarrance, United Kingdom82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    ABC were very friendly and the boat was exactly as we expected
    I think it’s important before writing a review to remember the type of holiday a canal boat trip is The boats are narrow by definition , they have flush , chemical toilets that do require 2 ply toilet paper , the electric is only from a battery converter , so running the engine is necessary to use the microwave etc And finally the Boat company have no control of the weather We have been on five breaks on narrow boats , so we have seen a good cross section . The boat we had from ABC was well prepared and had a good inventory . Everything worked and it was clean The staff were more than helpful and the cruise notes gave good guidance on the river to canal locks etc We did a week trip , Worcester to Droitwich and down to the Severn . Then up the Severn to Stourport , on the Canal to Kinver and return and then back down the River to Worcester Droitwich and Stourport were both good to visit . The route through Kidderminster to Kinver was a contrast . The Black Star at Stourport was very good for food The Vine at Kinver was also lovely , but we only stopped for a drink So , if you like narrow boat holidays , I would recommend ABC
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 October 2023
  • Mark WIllis
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Happy sailers!
    Possibly one of the greatest experiences of my life, maybe even surpassing my marriage and the birth of our children! Not really of course, but such a relaxing experience and the level of customer service from first contact, booking, collection and return was faultless and friendly. I'm hooked on canal boats now and I have ABC Alvechurch to thank for that and I couldn't be happier! Thanks so much for a wonderful boat and a fantastic experience on our 25th wedding anniversary, why did we wait so long? Mark & Hazel.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 November 2023
  • holeinonesummit
    Bernieres-sur-Mer, France124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Narrowboat Holidays
    Excellent narrowbaot hire for family travelling on the canals of Britain - fully equipped and safe for Novices of boat handling in/out of locks and tying up overnight on canal banks or marinas. Have kitchen and showers so ideal for families for a 2 weeks vacation visiting many tourist sites around UK. Most fellow narrowboaters are very friendly and cooperative and willing to help if you get into difficulties. Although I never had to ask for help except in the very first morning for familiarising myself with steering rudder different to a steering wheel.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 February 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles365 reviews
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holeinonesummit
Bernieres-sur-Mer, France124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
Excellent narrowbaot hire for family travelling on the canals of Britain - fully equipped and safe for
Novices of boat handling in/out of locks and tying up overnight on canal banks or marinas.
Have kitchen and showers so ideal for families for a 2 weeks vacation visiting many tourist sites around UK.
Most fellow narrowboaters are very friendly and cooperative and willing to help if you get into difficulties.
Although I never had to ask for help except in the very first morning for familiarising myself with steering rudder
different to a steering wheel.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark WIllis
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Possibly one of the greatest experiences of my life, maybe even surpassing my marriage and the birth of our children! Not really of course, but such a relaxing experience and the level of customer service from first contact, booking, collection and return was faultless and friendly. I'm hooked on canal boats now and I have ABC Alvechurch to thank for that and I couldn't be happier! Thanks so much for a wonderful boat and a fantastic experience on our 25th wedding anniversary, why did we wait so long? Mark & Hazel.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MarkTaunton
Hillfarrance, UK82 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
I think it’s important before writing a review to remember the type of holiday a canal boat trip is

The boats are narrow by definition , they have flush , chemical toilets that do require 2 ply toilet paper , the electric is only from a battery converter , so running the engine is necessary to use the microwave etc

And finally the Boat company have no control of the weather

We have been on five breaks on narrow boats , so we have seen a good cross section . The boat we had from ABC was well prepared and had a good inventory . Everything worked and it was clean

The staff were more than helpful and the cruise notes gave good guidance on the river to canal locks etc

We did a week trip , Worcester to Droitwich and down to the Severn . Then up the Severn to Stourport , on the Canal to Kinver and return and then back down the River to Worcester

Droitwich and Stourport were both good to visit . The route through Kidderminster to Kinver was a contrast .

The Black Star at Stourport was very good for food

The Vine at Kinver was also lovely , but we only stopped for a drink

So , if you like narrow boat holidays , I would recommend ABC
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

F J
Canterbury, UK38 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Six adults and two dogs hired the eight berth Aquatic Warbler from Worcester Marina for a week's holiday, intending to complete the Stourport Ring. The organiser had been in regular contact with the boatyard, but not until we arrived were we told one of the locks on the loop was closed, so we couldn't complete our carefully planned holiday. During our week away we talked to other renters from different boat yards and they'd all been given advance notice, so were able to replan the routes.

All the beds were dreadfully uncomfortable and the pillows were similar to breeze blocks in comfort. On our departure this morning we reported the faults such as the grill that wouldn't stay alight or the oven that didn't reach a high enough temperature to cook in and the rear gate not locking, so insecure for the dogs, but there was nowhere to give feedback about the back-breaking, bowed or moving mattresses or the concrete pillows.

We cannot fault the cleanliness or the way the boat was prepared and handed over, and taken back. The staff were superb and those we spoke with, were all a pleasure to deal with. The welcome pack and Ecover products were very welcome.

However, we should have been given advance warning that only two-ply toilet paper can be used. Once we'd left the boatyard, we were away from shops for two days and discovered we couldn't use the replacement toilet roll's we'd brought with us.

Sadly, none of us would consider using ABC again.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Innes B
Bath, UK25 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
We hired a two berth narrow boat for a seven trip from Gailey to Nantwich, our first ever narrow boat trip! arrived to pick the boat up and were taken through the handover with Nigel which was good. We them set off, all going well. When it came to setting up the second bed that night we discovered the No bedding for for it, the next day we rang and were told we didn’t ask for it so they didn’t supply it and they couldn’t get it to that day, now if you booked a two bedroom place you would expect that you would have bedding for both rooms surely? Because there was two of us the hire company ABC assumed we would only need one lot… just ask us at the hand over, to be fair they rang us later the day to if want the next day but it was to late by then. The other thing folding chairs for the deck space or to sit on the bank when you’re moored would have been great, when I suggested this when handing the boat back I was told again you need to ask for them at the start if your first time how do you know you want or need them, if it’s your first time how do know what to ask for? They should just be provided.
Towels take your own, they provide them but they’re not up to much.
Touch take your own.
Having said all that the weather was fantastic the adventure was good but remember if it your first time ask about everything before you set off don’t assume it’s all provided for you.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John D
Peterborough, UK4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
It rained every day and the last day a tree fell down over the canal
Boat was old and I think this will be my last time I go on a canal boat
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Celyn P
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
We hired the Day Lark for a full day. The booking process was really straightforward and the team were friendly and knowledgeable. We were shown the basics and then had chance to drive & turn the boat around by the marina with our instructor still on board to make sure we were happy with what to do, then he hopped off and off we went.

We took the route towards Weedon, stopping at The Wharf pub briefly in the middle. It was a really fun day. The kids (6 and 10 yrs) loved it, it was a day long adventure for them. We didn't make it all the way to Weedon but if you chose not to stop then I think you easily would do. We took our own picnic and set up the table at the front of the boat to eat.

We'd definitely do it again! Maybe with more adults though, the only tricky bit was wanting to chat to my partner who was driving, and also keep an eye on the kids who wanted to sit at the front of the boat. But that's just our group requirements, not an issue with the boat at all!
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Clare C
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Had an amazing 4 night stay on the barge. Left from Hilperton and went to Bath and back again. First time doing this kind of holiday and was plain sailing there and back
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrea B
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
What a fantastic day we had. Starting at Nantwich canal centre . The staff were brilliant from the instruction at the start to the return at the end of the day. The boat was more than we expected great facilities. Would definitely recommend this to anyone and I’m sure we will be back again. Real value for money
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

helen c
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
What a fantastic day on the barge, hired one out for the day and absolutely loved it.
The staff were all so lovely and a big thanks to Will who came and helped us when we got ourselves stuck in the reeds, what a gentleman and so knowledgeable.
We had no experience of steering a boat but the staff have us a safety and boat handling chat and off we went. Would love to do it again, thanks guys for a brilliant day x
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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