Floating Homes Worldwide

The English narrowboat is a popular tourist attraction in the UK and worldwide. The Dutch in particular often attract holidaymakers wishing to take a trip down their canals in these colourful, yet peaceful boats.

There are several areas around the world which have some of the most beautiful canals and offer some of the best breaks away in a houseboat. They can also be one of the cheapest holiday homes when compared to staying in a regular hotel abroad. Here are some of the most famous houseboats and popular attractions for you to consider when thinking of this type of break.

Famous Narrowboats

The last surviving horse pulled narrowboat built by Thomas Clayton Oldbury Ltd is the Gifford, which is in the Ellesmere Port. It was restored and still sails around the canals of the UK today as a kind of floating exhibit. Some of the company’s motor powered boats are still running including Spey, Tay and Severn all named after rivers.

Famous Canals Worldwide

The most famous canals known are probably the Venice canals in Italy. The romantic atmosphere of Venice brings tourists from the world over. The other most famous canals are those of Amsterdam, Holland. There are over 100 km of canals in this city as boating is still used for transportation. Also, the canals of Bruges in Belgium attract thousands of visitors every year as its medieval charm is still preserved. Other places that may not be as well known include the fishing village of Hoi An in Vietnam and Alappuzha in India where houseboats can be rented to explore the backwaters.

Popular Areas Worldwide

There are houseboats for sale or rental worldwide and some of the most popular areas to moor are in Europe. The region of Burgundy, France is one such area with its beautiful, peaceful mooring spots and classy vineyard tours. In Burgundy, there are hotel houseboats where you can enjoy the comforts of home while sailing along the Burgundy Canal or you can take a barge tour along it and stop at one of the prestigious restaurants for some French cuisine.

Canals are a prominent feature in Holland and boating is a way of life in this peaceful city. A weekend break to Amsterdam on a houseboat is a great holiday on a budget. Staying on one of the old converted cargo ships here is like staying at home as all the amenities are provided and the interiors are spacious enough to fit more than one or two people. Most of the boats moor at the 17th century canal system where there are plenty of surrounding shops, restaurants and cafeterias to explore. Amsterdam is beautiful city with a peaceful atmosphere for a break away.

There are beautiful houseboats (or Kettuvallum) in India, particularly in the area of Kerala, which can be rented and have all the comforts of home. Float along the serene backwaters surrounded by greenery for the most peaceful holiday possible.

There are several areas around the world which provide houseboat cruises and rental.