Bristol in South West England boasts a rich maritime history that dates back all the way 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! They provide a refreshing break from the usual affordable Airbnb vacation rentals and boutique hotels. Continue reading to see the best Airbnb houseboats in Bristol, UK.
1. Romantic luxury houseboat for four
Houseboats don’t always have to be rustic, old-fashioned, and off-the-grid. They can also be incredibly modern, sleek, and perfect for romantic getaways. Take this luxury houseboat at Fairwood Lakes in Wiltshire, for instance. 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.
Floating Lakeside Lodge EIDER. Dog friendly.Dilton Marsh, England, United KingdomAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the breakfast on site was good quality and tasty and the site itself had plenty of amenitiesclean well equipped floating home great sitting on the deck for breakfastCleanliness:
the lodge was clean and comfortable and set in beautiful surroundingsclean quiet surrounding perfect for fishingit's stylish very clean and the bedding is high qualityHost:
staff very friendly and helpfulthe staff was always very friendly and helpfulour hosts were very accommodating friendly and helpfulthe staff were very friendly and helpful and there's a handy on-site cafeRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location for fishingthe location is perfect for longleat safari parkparents relegated to the bunks great spot close to avebury and stonehenge just a short drive awaythe shop is sparsely stocked but there is a supermarket within easy driving reachwe would definitely recommend this place
2. Bright and modern houseboat for five (from USD 152)
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 that sleeps up to 5 people. Christened as Hoppsan by its owners, this widebeam 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!
Off-Grid Living on Spacious WidebeamBath and North East Somerset, England, United KingdomSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
3. 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.
Wide-beam houseboat in Bristol/Bath area.City of Bristol, England, United KingdomSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Minimum Nights: 3
4. 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.
Ctral Bristol amazing Dutch barge 4 enjoymentHotwells, England, United KingdomAccommodates: 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 of the best Airbnb houseboats in Bristol, UK.
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