6 Best Airbnb Houseboat Rentals Near Bristol, England - Updated 2024

Vanna
Vanna 
Updated
| 3 min read

Bristol in South West England boasts a rich maritime history that dates back to the 15th century. Let this tidbit inspire your upcoming vacation in Bristol, from attractions and activities to do and even to where you’ll stay. Check out SS Great Britain, the first ocean liner in the world, at Harbourside, pop by Bristol Aquarium to see local and exotic marine life, visit the area’s great houses and estates like Bowood House and Tyntesfield, explore Berkeley Castle, and last, but not the least, stay in a houseboat or a long-term canal boat rental! They provide a refreshing break from the usual affordable Airbnb vacation rentals and boutique hotels. Continue reading to explore the best Airbnb houseboat rentals near Bristol, England.

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 11, 2024.

1. The Water Cabin, Saltford (from USD 246)

Of course, you can opt to stay in a traditional family-friendly resort. If you are, however, looking for unique accommodation, you must book The Water Cabin in Saltford.

Nestled amidst awe-inspiring landscapes, this captivating houseboat provides an idyllic escape from the frantic pace of everyday life. Immerse yourself in the charm of this intimate cabin, exuding tasteful elegance with its well-appointed bedroom featuring a comfortable double bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom complete with all essential amenities. Stay connected with Wi-Fi access while enjoying the convenience of parking facilities.

Step outside, and a world of adventure beckons. With local pubs just a stone’s throw away, a scenic cycle track leading to the vibrant cities of Bristol and Bath, and a nearby skyline walk offering panoramic vistas, each moment promises excitement and exploration. Engage in exhilarating activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and cycling, as the equipment is readily available.

Stayed at this property?
Saltford, England, United Kingdom
165 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
compact but comfortable with a fabulous view
Cleanliness:
exceptionally clean and had everything even stuff for my dog
beautiful cabin - clean and well-equipped
beautiful location spotlessly clean & well appointed
absolutely perfect beautifully presented and spotless
beautiful location lovely cabin and fantastically clean and comfortable
Host:
amazing host amazing place to stay
the owner provided a little welcome package and was greeted with a glass of fizz on arrival
checkin in and check out both went so incredibly smoothly and the host was so accommodating and friendly
phoebe was an exceptional host ensuring we enjoyed our stay to its fullest
thank you for being so accommodating and your place is truly amazing
Location:
the location is absolutely beautiful and within walking distance of two pubs
great weekend away lovely location and accommodation
wonderful location so close to bath city centre
absolutely beautiful location and such a unique place to stay
great wildlife and close to bath and bristol
Read more reviews

2. Freedom Canal Studio, Bath (from USD 126)

This amazing floating haven has a captivating design and a truly unique style. It’s got so many enchanting features packed inside! Picture this: a grand piano for some musical entertainment, an HDTV with Netflix for all your favorite shows and movies, a fully equipped kitchen to whip up delicious meals, and even a cozy wood-burning indoor fireplace to add that extra touch of warmth. As if that’s not all, there’s a dedicated workspace and Wi-Fi to keep you connected throughout your stay.

With windows all around, you’ll always feel connected to the water. You can step outside onto your very own private balcony and soak in the atmosphere, or you can head up to the roof deck garden and enjoy the waterfront setting up high. Additionally, this boat doesn’t just stay in one place! It cruises through various locations, so your experience will always be dynamic and ever-changing.

Stayed at this property?
Bath, England, United Kingdom
6 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Private room in houseboat 2 Beds 2 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
david was a great host
Read more reviews

3. Romantic luxury houseboat for four (from USD 460)

Houseboats don’t always have to be rustic, old-fashioned, and off-the-grid. They can also be incredibly modern, sleek, and perfect for some of the best romantic things to do. Take, for instance, this luxurious residential boat to rent near Bristol at Fairwood Lakes in Wiltshire. Located roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Bristol, this beautiful Airbnb vacation rental has modern interiors, picture windows, 2 bedrooms, and a bathroom. Outside, there’s a fenced balcony where you can enjoy al fresco meals with your family or a lovely glass of wine with your significant other. For more drinks and a full English breakfast, check out the bar and cafe located on-site. Stonehenge is located a short drive away.

Stayed at this property?
Dilton Marsh, England, United Kingdom
36 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the breakfast on site was good quality and tasty and the site itself had plenty of amenities
clean well equipped floating home great sitting on the deck for breakfast
Cleanliness:
the lodge was clean and comfortable and set in beautiful surroundings
clean quiet surrounding perfect for fishing
it's stylish very clean and the bedding is high quality
Host:
staff very friendly and helpful
the staff was always very friendly and helpful
our hosts were very accommodating friendly and helpful
the staff were very friendly and helpful and there's a handy on-site cafe
Location:
excellent location for fishing
the location is perfect for longleat safari park
parents relegated to the bunks great spot close to avebury and stonehenge just a short drive away
the shop is sparsely stocked but there is a supermarket within easy driving reach
we would definitely recommend this place
Read more reviews

4. Bright and modern houseboat for five (from USD 183)

While you’re in South West England, you can drop by Bath and make this historic city your jump-off point. Located about 13 miles (21 kilometers) away from Bristol, it’s here where you’ll find this spacious Airbnb houseboat near Bristol that sleeps up to 5 people. Christened as Hoppsan by its owners, this wide beam barge has a fully equipped kitchen area with oak-faced cupboards and copper-finished work surfaces. There’s a lounge area where you can put your feet up and light the wood-burning stove if you’re visiting in the colder months. On the bow deck, you’ll find the bedroom that lets you catch a glimpse of marine life in the river. Take note that Hoppsan isn’t for exploring but if you do wish to tour the area by boat, the host also offers skippered tours– just let him know!

Stayed at this property?
Bathwick, England, United Kingdom
291 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 3 Beds 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

5. Classic widebeam houseboat for three

Nicknamed Double Kiss, this traditional widebeam canal boat isn’t just your typical moored houseboat for rent. You can use Double Kiss to explore the surrounding areas– just let the host know and he’ll take you on a tour and moor the houseboat somewhere else. Double Kiss is also the residence of the host, so expect a real cozy and homey vibe. It’s equipped with its own power supply, a kitchen with a gas cooker, and a log-burning stove for heating. At the bow is the master’s suite with a king-sized bed, which then opens up to a private porch.

Stayed at this property?
City of Bristol, England, United Kingdom
23 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3
Minimum Nights: 3

6. Cozy four-bedroom barge

Hop aboard Vrouwe Charlotte, a two-bedroom Dutch Cruiser docked at Hotwells. Here, you can experience some aspects of the maritime lifestyle, including off-the-grid living. Vrouwe Charlotte isn’t connected to the power lines, so you have to play your part as a responsible sailor and manage the houseboat’s power supply throughout the rest of your stay. Other than that, this Dutch cruiser is fully furnished and equipped with a kitchen, a dedicated work space, and a bathroom. And should you enjoy the experience, the host of Vrouwe Charlotte accepts long-term bookings.

Stayed at this property?
Hotwells, England, United Kingdom
21 reviews  
Boat 0 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Make the most of your Bristol escapade

If exploring maritime history and all things related to boats and navy isn’t your thing, there’re still plenty of things to do and places to see in Bristol. Drive up to Clifton Observatory for uninterrupted views of Bristol and the rest of the area. If you like art, head to trendy M Shed in Central Bristol, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery at West End, and Watershed at Harbourside. Visit the top jazz bars and food markets as well. There’s so much in Bristol for you to explore, so check out this list and choose an Airbnb long-term houseboat rental near Bristol.

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb houseboat rentals near Bristol


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Vanna is born and raised in the Philippines and describes herself as a local tourist-- she's made it her mission to see as many of the country's 7,000+ islands. But that doesn't mean she's not...Read more

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