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

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.

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.

We collected our boat pied plover from Blackwater marina, we were both quite nervous as first time we had done narrow boating, we were given a tutorial from Sarah who is quite a character, The boat itself is very well equipped and cosy, nothing I could criticise. Although at first it can feel stressful as you get to grips with steering and navigating narrow parts, it adds to the fun and you soon start to build confidence. Everyone was helpful and as we were a 2 person boat people were happy to helped at the locks My advice would be buy a map so you are prepared in advance for locks and narrow parts where one may need to walk ahead, it also helps you with mooring up near facilities. Just a note if you stop at chrik for supplies, the M and S on Google is attached to a petrol station on a busy junction, but there is a waitrose in the Dobbies garden centre which does not come up on Google it's is 2 mins from the Poachers pub and easier to get to on foot/bike. All in all had a fab time and definitely had the bug. Ps the maps are £11.95 and can be purchased at the start.

Had a days hire from Alvechurch. Staff were really friendly and explained things well and came down with us for five minutes to make sure we were happy with everything. Boat was clean and had electric heater and electric lights inside, essential for when going through the dark tunnels!

A group of 6 hired the boat from Nantwich for the week, aiming to get to Llangollen and back. The boat was really well equipped and comfortable. Despite the fact that we’re not newcomers to narrow boats, the handover briefing was very thorough and detailed - and that’s a good thing. The route we took was definitely challenging, with some long days and very narrow waterways as we neared Llangollen - but it was so worth the effort, especially cruising over the aqueducts. Highly recommend this company

We hired Corn Bunting for 4 nights from Hilperton marina & chug-chugged our way into the city of Bath & back. A fantastic time was had by all the family, and we can recommend ABC Boat Hire highly. The boat was clean & well maintained. Staff at the marina were friendly & informative. This was our second trip using ABC - last year we hired a boat on the Mon-Brec canal which we can also highly recommend. Thanks ABC, we will be back next year at another one of your locations.

Had a great week canal boating with ABC Boat hire from Wrenbury Mill with our lovely boat Western Grebe. (thanks Lynn and Russ!!) Two kids (boys 18 + 12 yrs) got on boat and said "we're spending a week living in this?" Soon got with the programme and the many locks and really enjoyed it saying they'd do it again. Lovely time for them being away from the playstation getting exercise and fresh air. The Aqueduct was simply stunning. Although we turned at last turning circle outside of Llangollen, parked up and walked the 2 miles into the town. We were glad we did as route in to town by canal was single width. Also good for the legs!

Booking and handover done with ease. Had a lovely day on the grand union canal with family. Lovely relaxing experience. Able to cook sausages on board for brunch and stopped at canal side pub for refreshments at lunchtime. All together smooth experience and we all thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you ABC for the opportunity.