Your Floating Homes Resource

Scotland

Scotland has some of the most beautiful scenery and there are plenty of weekend breaks or canal cruises on offer. Take a holiday along the Union or Forth and Clyde canals where there are very few boats out on the water and therefore makes the atmosphere more serene and relaxing. Float towards the country capital, Edinburgh, where you can see Edinburgh Castle or travel towards the City of Glasgow where you can stop off for a great shopping experience or visit some of its museums. Canal holidays in the Highlands are much quieter for those who just want a relaxing cruise in a houseboat.

England

The most prominent area in England that people may want to holiday on a houseboat is on the quieter parts of the River Thames. Travel along the famous river and stop off to visit some of the popular attractions of London such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament or the London Eye. All of these are on the Thames path so you are able to stop and walk the length of it and explore the hustle and bustle of London. There are also the Grand Union and Oxford canals which offer short breaks on narrowboats or hire them out to visitors.

Ireland

Ireland has over 300 miles of connecting lakes, rivers and canals for you to cruise on. Stop off at one of the local areas where the traditional Irish hospitality will greet you. There are plenty of bars and places to eat where you may just hear the sounds of the fiddle and folk singers. For fishermen, the ideal places to moor include the peaceful waters of the Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Cruise the River Shannon or float along the Grand Canal and Barrow systems where the atmosphere is peaceful as there is very little water traffic.

Wales

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal runs for 37 miles and is one of the most beautiful areas in Wales. Its peaceful waters are inviting with very few boats in this part of the waterways even in the summer when holidaymakers can usually be found everywhere. This canal stretches between the beautiful market town of Brecon and Five Locks in Cwmbran. Stop off at one of the local towns or villages on the canal stretch where you can find plenty of restaurants and bars to relax in and meet the locals. There is plenty to do near this canal like golfing and fishing or just take in the scenery surrounding the area.

Costs

The costs of renting a floating home for a holiday can vary depending on where you go, but they tend to be more cost effective holiday homes than staying in a hotel. It also depends on how long your stay is. The price usually (but not always) includes tuition on steering the boat on arrival. It can cost roughly GBP £500-£600 to go for a five day break for two persons around England. It can be slightly cheaper to go in the winter months. Weekend breaks are slightly cheaper usually between GBP £300-£500.

Prices usually include fuel and gas. Most firms will require an initial deposit as with any hotel. Sometimes there will be the option of laying down a fee to cover for any damage to the boat while you have it, but this depends on the firm.

Supplementary costs to consider before you go include the price of diesel fuel which can vary depending on where in the UK you want to go. It is roughly 88p a litre. This is only if you plan to hire a houseboat not for a cruise on one. Costs vary for cruises.

Pros

The obvious advantage of holidaying on a houseboat is the relaxing atmosphere of the waterways and the beautiful scenery. There’s the joy of always being on the move and being able to explore the sights up and down the UK. It is also a widely accessible type of holiday as anyone can go on a boat holiday (provided you don’t get motion sickness!) and it is also cheaper than the average hotel package holiday or weekend break in a hotel.

Cons

There are no disadvantages per se but if you are the type who enjoys busy cities and hustle and bustle, then canal or river holidays probably aren’t ideal. Some travellers may not feel secure in a houseboat at night in such quiet environments therefore it is best to moor somewhere where there are lots of houseboats. There is the issue of the diesel engine not being particularly environmentally friendly for those who may be concerned.

Floating Home Holidays Abroad

There are several beautiful places abroad to take a weekend break or holiday on a floating home. The narrowboats in most countries were also designed with transporting cargo in mind to begin with but now they have been turned into homes as they have in the UK. Most countries provide houseboat hotels which are equipped with everything that a normal hotel would have; some even include a pool.

Some popular places to visit include the Kerala in India where the canals and rivers are peaceful and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Canals are a prominent feature in Amsterdam, Holland where their houseboats are a major tourist attraction. America and Canada are also popular places to visit. These are still relatively cheap holidays, particularly if you’re looking to go abroad and package holidays are too expensive an option.