Top 11 Houseboat Rentals In England, UK - Updated 2024

Rengel
Rengel 
Updated
| 5 min read

England is popular for a lot of things to do, and places to visit - Big Ben, fish and chips, iconic red buses, the rainy weather, and the list goes on. It is home to stunning architecture, age-old traditions, and a plethora of famous landmarks. One of the most sought-after destinations in England is Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architectural sophistication. It serves as a prehistoric monument that dates back to the late Neolithic period. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that you should definitely visit is the Lake District, a mountainous region in Northwest England and one of the UK’s most popular national parks. Here, you get to fall in love with nature even more. For stays close to nature, we have curated a list of accommodations that offer stunning views and unique settings. Read on for the top houseboat rentals in England, 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 March 02, 2024.

1. Scorpio Little Venice, Greater London (from USD 234)

Enjoy peaceful life on the water by booking this delightful 50-foot (15.24-meter) boat. This traditionally crafted houseboat along with a kayak guarantees an exceptional and memorable experience. The property features an HDTV equipped with Amazon Prime and Netflix, providing an ideal setting to unwind with your preferred shows following a day spent on the water. Gamers can use the PS4 game console to keep themselves entertained.

As the evenings turn chilly, one can gather around the indoor wood-burning fireplace and indulge in its warmth. Stay seamlessly connected to WiFi while on board and make use of the designated workspace, ideal for those on business trips or anyone who desires to remain productive.

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Greater London, England, United Kingdom
78.65 km (48.9 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
35 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 2 Beds 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
amazing super clean amazing cosy fire and an amazing comfortable stay
Host:
from the day we booked they were responsive and extremely helpful
we had an amazing stay and the best host to deal with
chris and katrina were outstanding hosts and we would highly recommend staying with them
Read more reviews

2. Ray, Binfield (from USD 240)

If you want a houseboat to rent in the Isle of Wight, this property offers a distinctive vacation experience with central heating that ensures you stay warm and cozy even on chilly nights. The houseboat has a TV, allowing guests to unwind. Guests can stay connected online with WiFi, for work or for recreation.

The deck outside offers ample space and an ideal location for enjoying meals in the open air. With a boat slip at your disposal, you can conveniently access the water and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. The houseboat offers an opportunity for extended stays, allowing guests to engage with the local culture and lifestyle fully.

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Binfield, England, United Kingdom
114.96 km (71.5 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
49 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 3 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
in perfect clean condition
Read more reviews

3. Luxurious eco-friendly boathouse by the river, Bursledon (from USD 252)

Set in Cabin Boatyard, this accommodation is located on the scenic Hamble River. By the patio, you can watch the slow descent of the sun as it paints the horizon hues of red and orange. The houseboat is made from recycled materials, making it an environment-friendly rental.

Perfect for your holidays in the UK, this houseboat comes with a living room that opens to the patio, a full kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a dining area. The boatyard is lined with the finest fishing shops and premier pubs and restaurants.

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Bursledon, England, United Kingdom
97.14 km (60.4 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
90 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
my favourite spot is definitely the aft deck with a cozy setting overlooking the marina
we look forward to coming back with our children as the bunk beds looks great fun for them
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean with everything and more included
luxury feel comfy beds spotlessly clean what more could you want
wow wow wow loved every second clean tidy and just amazing
it was spotless inside with lovely touches
lovely place to stay very clean and comfortable
Host:
lovely stay and a great host
teresa is a great host
the host has equipped it extremely thoughtfully and well
teresa is a great host and clearly cares for her guests experience
teresa is an excellent host
Location:
lovely location comfy beds
in a good location with nice pubs / steakhouse nearby
great location and nice to be surrounded by water
great location with lots to explore nearby
secure free parking and great location for restaurants/pubs and river walks
Read more reviews

4. Far Boathouse, Watermillock (from USD 445)

If you are looking for a romantic place, then Far Boathouse is for you. Watch the sun blend into a painted orange sky in the morning. This tranquil retreat is situated on the edge of Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District. It is a haven for water sports and bird-watching enthusiasts. Unwind by the patio and revel in the calmness of the lake.

The rental comes with a bedroom, a fully stocked kitchen, an expansive living room, and a dining area for four. The en-suite bathroom features marbled tiles and toiletries so you wouldn’t have to bring your own. There is an indoor fireplace that adds a touch of romance to the place.

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332.16 km (206.4 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
8 reviews  
house boat 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
its tasteful furnishings and large comfortable sofa overlooking the deck and the lake created a relaxing ambiance
this cozy comfortable and idyllic setting was perfect for what i was looking for
Host:
incredible place great 2 night stay for us and jayne was a great host
Read more reviews

5. Cottage on the River, Ulting (from USD 180)

If you want to rent a houseboat to live in the UK, this elegant boathouse nestled among the serenity of the lake and a cloud of willows offers the getaway you have been dreaming of. Drink your morning coffee by the bow and watch ducks swimming playfully.

The rental comes with a full kitchen, a spacious living area, two bedrooms, and a private bathroom. The houseboat provides you with a variety of board games for your entertainment. A high-speed internet connection is also available, so you can post your pictures in real-time.

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Ulting, England, United Kingdom
128.8 km (80.1 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
71 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 2 Beds 3 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
roomy comfortable and well equipped riverboat in a quiet and peaceful location
Cleanliness:
towels and sheets are spotless and super soft
the boat is gorgeous clean and huge
Host:
the hosts have done a great job in making their boat a great place to stay
a delightful place everything spot on hosts very welcoming and helpful
great host great place to stay with perfect location to fish kayak and walk
diane was super-helpful fielding our stupid questions quickly and with good humour
diane and tim are amazing hosts that provide everything you could ask for and more
Location:
plenty of logs for the gorgeous fire and central heating too
wonderful couple of nights away in a perfect location
this is a beautiful traditional narrow boat moored in a private quiet location
great location well thought out space clean and organised with great instructions on the boats facilities
what a brilliant and unique place to stay and a real treat
Read more reviews

6. Rena Haus, Wootton Bridge (from USD 233)

A proper tranquil vacation is all you need to clear your head off of things. Rena Haus offers more than just that. Set in Wootton Creek, this two-bedroom houseboat can sleep up to four guests. It is complete with a living room, an open-plan kitchen, and an adjoining balcony. Here, guests can sip their morning coffee and admire the morning breeze. The rental offers a gorgeous spot for fishing and bird-watching.

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Wootton Bridge, England, United Kingdom
114.32 km (71.1 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
244 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
you do not have any fans and cannot leave windows open at night as you get eaten alive
heaven on earth stylish and comfortable accommodation with a view to die for can’t wait to return
the accommodation was well presented comfortable and looked after
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and fresh on arrival with everything you would need to hand
great in every respect - setting tasteful decoration considerate touches and very clean
amazing place to unwind clean comfortable easily accessible very responsive host we will definitely be going back
Host:
david is a great host
thank you david for being a great host x
communications helpful pre and during our staff
david was a perfect host with lots of fantastic recommendations
really lovely stay and david was a fantastic host
Location:
pros…the location is amazing
such an amazing place stylish comfortable perfect location
great unique place to stay right at the waters edge
rena haus is in a beautiful relaxing location
the location was perfect so serene
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7. Quirky houseboat with an honesty bar, Manchester (from USD 124)

A gorgeous view of the waters would not be complete without a glass of wine or champagne in hand. This pet-friendly retreat offers a trip that will detach you from the outside world. It boasts an honesty bar where you can make delicious cocktails. The stunning wood interior gives off an ambiance of intimacy and luxury.

The boat is fitted with a unique geometric window where natural light streams off. This window is perfect for stargazing at night. The home is equipped with a living room area, a bedroom area, and a private tiled bathroom. It is situated near the Museum of Science Industry, The Crystal Maze, and Deansgate.

Stayed at this property?
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
202.58 km (125.9 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
690 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
sara provides all the comforts of home- tea and coffee and breakfast goods
the bed is super comfy
Cleanliness:
gorgeous boat clean and stylish
lovely and clean with a great shower and very comfortable bed
Host:
host welcoming and attentive
sara is a delightful host
sara is an amazing host
sara is a great host and super quick at replying to questions
sara (the host) was super responsive
Location:
the location is stunning
the location was great for walking to restaurants and bars in spinningfields
an easy walk from railway/metrolink
really well equipped and in a great location to explore manchester
you are in walking distance to multiple museums shops and fabulous restaurants
Read more reviews

8. Enstone, West Sussex (from USD 109)

This unique space is ideal for romantic getaways, group get-togethers, or family holidays. The boat is moored on the River Adur, a great destination for sailing, yachting, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and many more.

Named Enstone, this converted motor torpedo boat is fitted with a living room, a kitchenette, a work desk, a spacious bedroom, and a private bathroom. Grab a glass of red wine and soak in their hot tub while you read a book. Stroll along the nearest beach and achieve the perfect tan. The area is popular for tourists who are into windsurfing, paddle boarding, and the likes.

Stayed at this property?
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
123.87 km (77.0 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
174 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's cozy quiet and filled with natural light
comfortable and cosy in a unique setting with amazing views
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean and the bed was 1 of the comfiest beds i've ever slept in
great stay at heather's very cosy house boat airbnb it's clean and surprisingly spacious
it was clean and had everything necessary for a comfortable stay
amazing place to stay the boat was so clean and tidy
a very unique stay on the former ww2 boat very clean with everything you will need
Host:
the boat is excellent and heather is a great host
heather the host was lovely and made us feel very welcome
heather is a great host so welcoming and friendly
the boat was perfect for our honeymoon of quirky places and heather was a great host
very friendly and helpful host would recommend to anyone
Location:
location excellent
great location the beach and town both just a 5 minute walk
a beautiful unique place to stay and everything you need really close by
heather was a great host and the location for the beach town and train station are super convenient
great area into the blue seafood restaurant is a 2 minute walk and was phenomenal
Read more reviews

9. Chic narrowboat on the canal, Oxford

Moored on the Oxford Canal, this gorgeous narrowboat features a modern interior with luxurious furnishings. It is equipped with a full kitchen where you can cook fresh catch straight out of the water. It also has a living room area, a modular dining area, a log burner, and a bedroom. This is perfect for solo traveling or for traveling parties of up to three.

Stayed at this property?
Oxford , Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
994 meters (0.7 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
208 reviews   Superhost
Houseboat 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed/sofa was extremely comfortable
if you need your wifi cafes with free wifi connectivity are close by
the sofa bed opens up and provides a good night's sleep
quiet and comfortable sleeping
the bathroom was great for a boat fully functional
Cleanliness:
clean cosy and very well equipped
inside was clean and comfortable
the cabin is clean and the beds are comfortable enough
it was incredibly clean and the whole place was so well thought out
clean tidy and well put together with plenty of room to live in
Host:
host was available and courteous
richard was a great host
hosts were quick to respond and very helpful
richard was a great host very quick to get back to us throughout our stay
the host was very helpful in providing accurate directions and making sure we had arrived safely
Location:
the location is ideal
the location is fantastic
the location is amazing
the location was perfect and so close to centre
really handy location great fun
Read more reviews

10. Bamboo, Lancashire

Set in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, this modern yet luxurious getaway is perfect for couples or solo travelers. The houseboat offers a romantic atmosphere to honeymooners. Watch the sunrise by the stern deck while drinking hot cups of coffee.

The rental features a double bedroom, a private bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a living room. A welcome pack of essentials are offered upon arrival. The area is the ideal base for people exploring Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland.

Stayed at this property?
Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
247.44 km (153.8 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
81 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
enjoyed breakfasts at the esse factory and lunch at the anchor
it really is classy and i slept extremely well on a most comfortable mattress
Cleanliness:
peaceful spotless and to a high standard
bamboo was very clean with a very comfortable bed
immaculately clean and sticking to distancing and hygiene rules
very clean and cosy boat amid some lovely scenery
the boat is clean and bed is comfortable
Host:
lovely hosts who were easy to communicate with
everyone is so friendly that we met
the marina is a friendly peaceful place
everyone passing on the canal was friendly and acknowledged us
had an amazing weekend on bamboo host's we're brilliant and nothing was to much
Location:
really unique experience and the location was very picturesque
great location and very friendly neighbours
a beautiful narrowboat in a perfect location
the marina it is situated on was a perfect location
anchor pub 15 minutes walk away great pub for food and drinks
Read more reviews

11. Houseboat Till, York

Set n the historic city of York, this floating home is located near the best shops, restaurants, and bars. It is adorned with hardwood and antique pieces, giving the place a luxurious touch to it. The rental includes three bedrooms, a backyard, a patio, and a private bathroom.

You can stay in and catch up on our favorite shows with their smart TV. In York, spoil yourself on a little retail therapy in one of the shops at Bishopthorpe Road. For the finest drinks, pass by the Slip Inn Pub where you can find the best ale in the city.

Stayed at this property?
York, England, United Kingdom
244.28 km (151.8 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
205 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our group of 5 adults were more than comfortable in this home
Cleanliness:
the cleanliness is excellent
very clean as well
immaculately clean beautifully remodeled
spotlessly clean had absolutely everything you would need
immaculately clean and way more space than you would expect
Host:
gorgeous boat and great hosts
ken is a brilliant host and answered any queries promptly
ken was a great host and met us to check-in and show us around the place
ken was lovely to meet and very helpful
bridget was a fabulous host
Location:
the location is perfect
it location close to the centre of york was ideal for our weekend break
the location is superb and felt tranquil despite being so central to york
lovely houseboat within walking distance from the city centre
the location was perfect so it was quiet but close enough to stroll into town
Read more reviews

Experience England through its waters

England is probably on everyone’s travel bucket list. Experience the country through its waters for a unique vacation. These houseboat rentals are sure to provide a one-of-a-kind adventure. If you want a serene getaway, many countryside hotels are also available.

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Frequently asked questions about the houseboat rentals in England, UK


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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Rengel Pascual, a big dreamer, finds the world a bit too small. She plans to travel and share those experiences with others.

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