The River Thames, also known as River Isis, is a river that flows through Southern England, including London. One can admire the Thames from the deck of many scheduled passenger boats around. It is also best viewed from the Millenium Bridge, which is the only bridge across the Thames that is solely for pedestrians, or from London Eye. Other outstanding landmarks nearby include Kew Gardens, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and many more. If you think a one-day river cruise or speedboat ride is not enough to discover the best of the River Thames, you can try booking a houseboat. Stay as long as you wish, relax and enjoy at your own pace. Check out the best houseboats on River Thames, 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 13, 2024.
1. Historic houseboat for big groups (from USD 1148)
If you are planning an event with your family or friends around the Thames, do consider this houseboat. All cabins are above deck with river views.
Most of the furniture here (there were 52 pieces during the last count) is made using oak in the 1920s. If you fancy sleeping in a bed with provenance, this is the right place! This is a unique historic vessel, even HM King George V and HRH The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) have stayed here before!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views are superb as are the facilities on boardthe harpy was well equipped with a good kitchen fast internet sonos and skytvthe harpy was amazing clean comfortable with all the amenities that you would ever want or needthe cabins were very comfortable the living room area and kitchen were unmatchedCleanliness:
we came and left with clean clothes a nice change from most tripsandrew is a consummate host and the harpy itself is magnificent — clean spacious and perfectly appointedHost:
let me be more specific:* the host has clearly taken this on as his passionmost of all andrew our wonderful host will be remembered for years to comeandrew is a consummate host ensuring everything was absolutely perfect throughout our stayandrew was an outstanding host from start to finish and made sure we had everything we neededandrew is a very good hostRead more reviewsLocation:
relaxing accommodation close to everythingrestaurants and groceries nearby easy walk to the metrowhile within walking distance to whatever you could want the area was secure and quiet at nightthe location is amazing and really has a wow factorso this is an amazing place located at an amazing location with amazing views and an amazing host
2. Lovely houseboat for holiday and remote working (from USD 139)
Whether you stay here for a holiday or while working remotely, this mini houseboat near Oxford has everything you need. The kitchen is equipped with cooking basics, tableware, a refrigerator and essentials for making meals or enjoying a few sips of tea, coffee or wine. For those who need to work, Wifi is also available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we stayed on the boast for 2 nights it was very comfortable and relaxingused the pub for breakfast and found it good value found the local very friendlyCleanliness:
comfortable bed very clean dog friendlyit’s clean comfortable and differentthis houseboat was clean and comfortable in a quiet scenic locationwe found the bed very comfortable and the bathroom was spotlessthe boat is clean comfortable and deceptively spaciousHost:
robert is a superb host excellent communication and lots of local adviceit was warm even on a cold october weekend great communication from the host and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
such a lovely place and location to staygreat location everything you need for a weekend getawaya very comfortable boat in a super locationrobert’s place was perfectlovely house boat in a peaceful location with nearby walks
Other boat accommodations on River Thames, UK
3. Pet-friendly houseboat with private garden
This houseboat is located near Kew Bridge and is only a twenty-minute train ride to Southbank. From here, you will have spectacular views over River Thames towards Kew Garden - there is an island bird sanctuary in front of the boat, too. You can even bring your fur friends here for a vacation. If you’re working remotely, this picturesque houseboat is perfect, as Wifi is available onboard. The owner offers discounted rates for long-term bookings from June to August.
Greater London, England, United Kingdom
28.18 km (17.6 mi) from National Trust - ClivedenAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
jim is also a super lovely host and great communicatorfantastic experience super living on the river great host highly recommendedRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and very well maintained and equipped boat
4. Freedom Canal Studio (from USD 126)
This houseboat moves home every fourteen days or less, so you will not be moored to one place only. While it is often in Kings Cross, it moves from River Lea to West London and Bristol, too. You can check their website to find their location before booking.
This houseboat has two bedrooms, you can rent one room only or book the whole boat. Both rooms have a canal of river view. Captain, a.k.a the host, sleeps in the sofa bed or hammock in this boat during your stay, except when it is fully booked.
While onboard this houseboat, you are unlikely to feel bored. There is a grand piano for you to show off your musical talent. As you can book individual rooms, you might have constantly changing neighbours. Breakfast is included and dinner is also available for an additional charge of 15 GBP (16.4 USD).
5. Magpies and Butterflies
If you want a quick escape from busy city life, rent Magpies and Butterflies. This houseboat is located near Bourne End, a friendly village with lovely people. It is only ten minutes away by car, or if you want, the owner can arrange to take you by boat. You can also enhance your stay with a 2 hour (or longer) skippered river trip at an additional cost.
This houseboat is suitable for couple, although it can sleep up to four. You can walk to pubs, restaurants and art galleries in the village. If you wanted to go further, you may need to drive or take a taxi. Please feel free to contact owner. They also can make arrangement for your pleasant stay.
Cookham, England, United Kingdom
1.57 km (1.0 mi) from National Trust - ClivedenSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are comfortable and warm we never needed any extra heatingour 15 year old also enjoyed a swim in the thames with shallow banks on both sidesa beautiful and comfortable boat in an interesting setting with walks and pubs nearbyHost:
v welcoming and helpful hostsalways superbly kind and responsiveedward and kate where such great hosts and went out of their way to make us feel welcomethe most attentive amazing hosts throughout the entire process assisting with all our personnel toucheskate and edward were so helpful and provided lots of recommendations of where to eatRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is beautiful quiet and peacefulexcellent location and would 100% recommenda charming dutch barge in a quiet and idyllic locationa prefect place for a relaxing mini breaka fabulous place to stay in such an amazing location
6. Narrowboat close to central Abingdon (from USD 206)
This narrowboat is a great choice when visiting Abingdon. It is just a five-minute walk to central Abingdon, where you can check out pubs and restaurants. When you are back on the boat, you can enjoy quality time away from the hustle. Apart from the bedroom and a sofa bed, it comes with a kitchen with basic amenities, central heating, and a shower room.
Top guest reviews
Host:
stephen was an awesome hostgreat host and very easy to communicate withstephen was really friendly and helpfulfriendly and helpful with some great tips for the local areastephen's really helpful and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and a very unique night awaygreat location the children loved itwonderful boat in a wonderful locationa really wonderful place to stay
7. The Royal Escape Windsor (from USD 379)
This wide beam barge is located on the Thames in Windsor and is only a two-minute walk from Windsor Riverside train station. While inside, you will forget that you’re on a houseboat - it feels like a regular apartment; the only difference is this one is floating on the water. This barge also has a fully fitted kitchen and a wine fridge, as well as seating space both inside and outside.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the pub glass room next doorCleanliness:
the boat is amazing clean spacious and really well locatedHost:
james is an excellent host providing anything you needjames was a fantastic host nothing was a problemjames was very attentive to making sure we had a good stayjames is incredibly helpful and communicative and welcomes dogs to staythey also came to meet us at check in and were really helpful and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
brilliant location highly recommendedparking was easy in the station car park located nearbythe location is brilliant windsor is lovelyit is located within walking distance of many of windsor's attractions and is easily accessed by public transportthe location is great to access all that the area has to offer
Choose a houseboat on the Thames that fits you!
At 215 miles (346 km), River Thames is the longest river that is entirely in England. There is sure to be a location that suits you along its flow. Choose yours and get ready to experience the thrill of staying in a houseboat on the Thames!
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