Scotland, the land of the kilted Highlanders, bagpipes, and historic castles, is a great place to visit and explore. It offers a variety of things to do. Your first stop can be Edinburgh Castle which was built on top of an extinct volcano. The castle gives you a glimpse into medieval Scottish royal life. You can satisfy your curiosity and see if you can spot the mythical Nessie in Loch Ness, and proceed to take amazing photos of the ruins of Urquhart Castle in Inverness. Meanwhile, fans of lush green nature, beautiful waterfalls, and sandy beaches will surely enjoy the Isle of Skye. If you are traveling around the month of July, grab the chance to attend the festivals in Glasgow, such as Glasgow Cabaret Festival. Make your trip up north more memorable by staying on Scottish waters. Scroll down to read about the best houseboat rentals in Scotland, UK.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Lovely property with breakfast provided, Glasgow City
Begin your mornings right with a tasty breakfast prepared for you, offering a joyful and hassle-free start to your day. The houseboat is carefully outfitted with contemporary amenities, such as a TV with standard cable, to cater to your entertainment needs. A game console is also accessible for individuals who enjoy gaming, bringing limitless hours of fun and excitement.
This houseboat is ideal for families, as it includes a travel crib, a high chair, and children’s dinnerware. Use the indoor fireplace on cooler evenings. After a long day, treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering in the bathtub. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a more extended stay, this property provides versatility with long-term stays permitted.
Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
39.2 km (24.4 mi) from Dundonald Castle and Visitor CentreSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a beautiful boat with really elegant interior and superbly comfortable with everything you could need for a comfortable staya cozy tranquil adventureshe felt like a comfortable luxury apartment with the excitement of being on board a beautiful boatCleanliness:
everything clean and neatspacious spotless warm and welcominggerda is spotlessly clean and in a perfect locationHost:
hosts were lovelybrilliant hosts and beautiful barge boat :)claire and michael were fantastic hostsclaire and michael are very friendly helpful hosts and respond quickly to any requestsclaire and michael are wonderful hosts and couldn't have been more friendly or helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location quite and peaceful yet walking distance from city centreability to walk to many glasgow city tourist spotsbeautiful quiet location and close to subway and busesexcellent location great place to relax and take it easyshe is a beautiful boat in a great location with easy access to the city
2. Charming and pet-friendly houseboat, Edinburgh (from USD 546)
Have a pleasant stay on this houseboat, which is carefully anchored in the middle of Edinburgh’s city center, only a seven-minute walk from the renowned Edinburgh Castle. Three smart TVs strategically placed throughout the home ensure that entertainment is readily available. An Alexa Bluetooth sound system is available for people who love listening to songs. Use the complimentary WiFi to stay connected and productive, and take advantage of the dedicated workplace.
This houseboat is intended for families traveling with young children and features a travel crib, a high chair, baby safety gates, and toys. Visit the deck and discover the lovely outdoor dining area. A charcoal grill is also available for those who enjoy the experience of sizzling barbecue delights. Pets are permitted to accompany you on your adventure aboard this houseboat.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
highly recommended for a different tho no less comfortable stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location walking distance to the very centre of edinburgh and loads of restaurants and bars close byfabulous location beautifully kitted outreally wacky place in middle of edinburgh good value memorable thank you
3. Beautifully decorated and cozy housboat, Glasgow (from USD 156)
If you want to stay on a boat in Scotland, this spacious two-bedroom houseboat rental has two bathrooms, providing a maximum occupancy of four people. The open-plan kitchen and living area, and the lounge by the log-burning fireplace ensure a relaxing sociable time.
It is also docked within a 10-minute walk away from the Glasgow city center, allowing guests to shop easily for items they need anytime.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
sleeping is comfortable with plenty of room for 4the kitchen and appliances are scaled nicely everything fits together as it shouldwood stove easily took the chill out of an early september evening and provided a cozy atmospherewhat a beautiful wide beam narrow boat plenty of room and all the necessitiesCleanliness:
spotlessly clean inside with quality fixtures and fittingsHost:
our host was really helpful and made everything easylovely owners lots great places to walk on doorstep almostRead more reviewsLocation:
super quiet location and easy access to the subway to get around townwithin walking distance of the city centre but so quiet and peaceful on the canalgreat location - free parking and safe walk into glasgow (about 10 mins)the location was convenient to glasgow and we would highly recommend staying here if you’re visiting the citygreat accommodation with everything we needed and in a good location
4. Romantic houseboat with grill, Glasgow (from USD 172)
Spend your vacation in a unique boat accommodation in Scotland and stay right amongst the luscious greenery of Glasgow. The boat comes with a smart TV equipped with your favorite streaming sites. You can set up the sofa bed and play board games, all the while snuggling up in front of the Victorian wood burner.
The small kitchen and barbecue by the dock allow you to prepare delicious meals and enjoy them al fresco on the boat’s bow.
5. Luxurious floating home near city center, Edinburgh (from USD 291)
Want to stay in a boat but worried about seasickness? Put your worries to rest as this houseboat is permanently docked in the Lochrin Basin on Union Canal. It comes with two double beds, a children’s bunk bed, and a double sofa bed.
Even if there are numerous restaurants and bars around, you’ll be enticed to make your meals in the fully equipped kitchen of this luxury houseboat in Scotland. You can have your meals at the breakfast bar or on the patio on deck.
Other boat accommodations in Scotland
6. Cozy boat stay on Forth and Clyde Canal, Camelon
Stay close to the wonders of nature and local wildlife when you book this boat. It has internet access, a queen-sized bed, a small kitchen, and a private toilet.
Wake up to the swans and ducks peacefully swimming by the boat. The property is close to local bars and restaurants that often have performances you can check out on weekends. Enjoy your stay by taking wonderful photos of the magnificent sunsets.
Camelon, Scotland, United Kingdom
67.82 km (42.2 mi) from Dundonald Castle and Visitor CentreSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cooking facilities onboard were more than adequate as well and allowed us to make a lovely brunchCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and cosy spaceclean boat lovely touchesclean cosy and free champagnethe cruiser was spotless cosy and romanticvery quiet/relaxed spot on the canal very clean comfortable and has everything you could need on boardHost:
stewart is the perfect host and was very quick to answer any questions we hadhost is also extremely helpful and fast respondinggreat little stay on this little boat stewart a fantastic host always there to helpthank you stuart for being so helpful and for the champagne to help celebrate our anniversarystewart was a very kind host and nothing was too much at allRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for fifegreat place in great locationgreat location close to the falkirk wheelwhat a great location for exploring the surrounding arealocation was fab everything you needed was there and available
7. Modest escape pod for couples, Glasgow
This oil rig rescue pod converted into a comfortable boat will make your date night unique and memorable. The king-sized bed and wood burner fireplace are sure to keep you warm and cozy at night.
Show off your cooking skills to your partner by preparing meals in the kitchen. If you find the shower provided a bit too small for you, there are many shower facilities provided for boat residents in the area that you can use.
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
40.02 km (24.9 mi) from Dundonald Castle and Visitor CentreSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
alan’s place is great - very cleverly designed and kitted out and was extremely comfortable and spaciousthe shower was nice and hot and was much better than expectedCleanliness:
clean and comfy with modern decorit was immaculately clean and alan was super helpful and easy to contact during our stayHost:
alan was a very good hostalan is also a great host friendly and informativealan was a perfect host friendly and available at if neededsuch an amazing experience the host was fantastic and the boat was perfectalan was immediately responsive to any message i sent cannot praise the experience enough all in all fabulousRead more reviewsLocation:
pod situated on a nice quiet areait’s an ideal base to explore from not too far from the park or from glasgowa wonderfully quirky stay in a great locationsomething different and in a great location2 min walk is lovely picnic area
8. Beautiful floating abode with amazing sunset views, Port Bannatyne (from USD 230)
Enjoy your vacation on the water and under the sun in this stationary boat docked by the Isle of Bute. It has three beds that can sleep up to four guests. Settle in with your favorite drink on the sundeck and appreciate the magnificent waterfront view.
The place also comes with a small kitchen that has basic ingredients and complimentary tea and coffee. You can create your own snacks and hang out on one of the four sandy beaches near the area.
Top guest reviews
Host:
roger was friendly and informativeroger and iona were excellent hosts from start to finishroger and iona were both very helpful and gave us advice on where to visitthe hosts are very accommodating would highly recommendenough room for 2 adults and 2 children roger was a great host who answered any questions promptlyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location on the islandgreat place to be based to get out and enjoy the island highly recommended :)
9. Room in a spacious boat & breakfast, Inverness
Moored about 15 minutes away from Inverness city center, this boat allows you to conveniently explore local pubs and restaurants without worrying about taking too long to get back.
This boat has all the same comforts that you can have on land. Rooms here have two twin beds and a wardrobe offering enough storage for luggage. The bathroom has been renovated with a toilet and bath for the guests’ convenience.
Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
213.21 km (132.5 mi) from Dundonald Castle and Visitor CentreAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds comfortable on a warm night fans were provided breakfast lovely especially asded touchesthe breakfast in the morning was a very filling classic scottish one with beautiful views of the waterwe had a lovely bearth which very cozyhe also cooked up an amazing breakfast with some entertaining stories about his life experiencesCleanliness:
the place was spotless and comfortablethe room was clean private and quietour cabin was clean and cosy and breakfast was deliciousHost:
alex was a great hostalex was a wonderful hostfriendly helpful and knowledgeable hostthe host alex is superbhe is a gracious host who communicates quickly and answers all your questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and a fun staythe location is great and so differentsmall walk down town close to several great restaurants and pubs15 mins walk from centre of inverness and gorgeous settingthe trawler was in a good location and the beds comfortable
10. Fully equipped cruiser on Loch Ness, Foyers
This two-bedroom private boat comes with a lower-deck dining area in the kitchenette, and a spacious upper deck with diverse seating options. You can enjoy dazzling views of Loch Ness on deck as you soak in the warmth of the sun. The boat also has two bathrooms, with one being ensuite.
If you want to explore the lake further, the host can arrange to have a skipper sail you around. Parking will not be a problem as there are parking spaces available on the pier.
Foyers, Scotland, United Kingdom
187.29 km (116.4 mi) from Dundonald Castle and Visitor CentreSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
this is a lovely comfortable boat - the hosts are friendly and helpfulstaying on the boat was great fun karla was really kind and quick to respondmalcolm very kind & helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location with nearby pubs and shop
11. Private cabin in traditional fishing boat, Troon
Experience Scotland like never before and book a private cabin on this fishing boat. It is fully renovated to become a fully functional home on the water. Its wheelhouse is converted into a cozy reading room complete with various books to choose from.
The spacious lounge also allows guests to hang out comfortably by the fireplace. You can enjoy a Thai dinner and Scottish breakfast prepared by the hosts for a small fee.
Troon, Ayrshire , Scotland, United Kingdom
6.11 km (3.8 mi) from Dundonald Castle and Visitor CentreAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
cabin was clean and funthe room was very clean and peacefulthe room was spacious clean and comfortablerosie washed our clothes & provided clean towels & linens each day of our stayHost:
thank goodness for the transit staffgreat hosts on a great boatdavid is a really friendly and helpful hostdavid & rosie are wonderful hostsdavid was a friendly host and accommodating with our late check-inRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic floating b&b in great locationan easy walk away from everything you could wantthe town was gorgeous and walking distance from the boatreally enjoyed our stay at this magical locationcarparking was easy and free to park over night
Relax by the peaceful waters in Scotland
Aside from its majestic fields and ancient castles, Scotland’s water bodies offer exciting and novel tourist experiences. Experience Scotland’s waters and acquire a deeper appreciation of its lakes and canals by booking a houseboat in Scotland, UK, for holidays or long-term stays. If you want luxurious accommodations, hotels with hot tubs are also available.
Frequently asked questions about the best houseboat rentals in Scotland, UK
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