“Live a little”, "it's the perfect adventurous getaway”
> "The location is stunning, and so easy to walk into the centre of Bath"
> “Dunstan and Raluca are amazing hosts”
> “The boat is very clean and comfortable”
> "Lovely stay for a family of five, kids love the novelty"
>“As a solo traveler, Dunstan’s boat was great”
> “Lovely breakfast was provided”
> "I couldn't believe that I was in the middle of the city… it was so peaceful"
Read more about our “comfy, quirky, fun and simple” boat
The space
“This is the kind of accommodation that makes airbnb interesting”.
In the vibrant heart of Bath, our Dutch River Cruiser beckons adventurous individuals, couples, families and groups up to 6 for a quirky boat-living experience.
"Superb location, right in the city centre but with only the sound of the weir, really beautiful." We are very close (5-10 min walk) to Bath's spectacular attractions, including the famous Thermae Spa and Theatre Royal, Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, live shows at Komedia and Bath rugby ground. As an UNESCO World Heritage site, there are also nature-filled walks for you to enjoy in the sunshine.
Boarding itself is an adventure, for which you must be moderately limber to climb aboard. Enter onto the stern deck, a beautiful space to relax in the sunshine and enjoy views of the River Avon, Bath and all the beauty they have to offer. From here, open the main hatch and descend 4 steep steps into the wheelhouse.
You will enjoy a cosy, yet spacious feel. You will have the headroom to move freely once onboard, but if if you are tall (>6ft/183cm), you will have to mind your head on the way in and out.
“The boat is very clean and comfortable” and has heating, although you probably won't need it with the radiant sun. Fortunately, the heater also works as air-conditioning! We can also provide thicker linens, extra blankets, hot water bottles and portable heaters or fans for you to use if you do need them.
The kitchen has a small fridge and gas stovetop “perfect for making small meals and tea”. For larger groups, we can recommend a variety of great local eateries and takeaways to suit your needs.
Enjoy a complimentary assortment of teas, coffee, local handmade granola, oat milk, organic fruits and fresh, mineral-rich spring water from a secret location nearby. Additional organic produce, superfood smoothie kits and a juicer and can also be supplied upon request for £6pp/pd.
Please note that there is no television on board. We see it as an opportunity to spend memorable time with loved ones. For a fun night in, the main table is “a nice spot to play board games (we provide some) and eat… as a family” that seats 4 comfortably and 6 at a squeeze. For larger groups (5 or 6+), the table is converted into a double bed. So, if you decide to eat in together, it’ll be 'teas on knees’.
Charging IS available, as is a Wi-Fi dongle for £5 per night. Please let us know upon booking if you would like Wi-Fi so we can prepare it in advance.
Nestled in the boat's bows is a cosy 'v-shaped' day bed which can also be set up as a 2-4 berth bed for 2-3 adults, or possibly 4 small kids.
A secret doorway to the rear of the wheelhouse leads to the 'Captain's Bedroom' - a cosy double in a snug, low ceiling cabin, providing an authentic boating slumber.
There is also a hatch to the kitchen/lounge area that can be closed for privacy.
Curious about the layout and sleeping arrangements? Please see the photo of the layout plan and ask me if you are at all unsure. As guests note, “the boat is small, but the space is very well organised and we slept very comfortably.”
A side door from the lounge leads to a small bathroom – a blend of boating charm and sustainability, complete with a 'Thetford Excellence' camping style portable loo, handbasin and some revitalising incense. Hot water is available via the kettle and whilst there is no shower onboard, we’ve got you covered with soap, towels and £3 showers in the leisure centre next door.
This is your chance to learn the ropes of boating life. Although most of the ‘work’ will be done, you get to learn and practice the realities of life on the water and managing precious finite resources like water and energy. It does require some effort and sometimes workaround solutions if there are unexpected occurrences. I will teach you the essentials and we are always available to assist you as required throughout your stay.
Not only this, but you'll also be immersed in the fullness of nature on the river. From canal ducks and swans, to the occasional friendly insect in summer, they all add more authenticity to the experience.
“Remember that this is a boat with associated interesting situations. If you are okay with that, GREAT experience.”
So embark on an unforgettable adventure. With the city’s charm at your doorstep and the magic of boat life awaiting, a memorable experience is just a few clicks away.
Guest access
Guests will have access to the whole space including: the outer deck area, bows and rear swimming platform.
Depending on the precise mooring location access may involve one rung of a ladder or a step down of up to 50cm. Please ask me if you are at all unsure about suitability for any members of your group. Wherever possible I will arrange a suitable mooring subject to availability.
During times where there is risk of flooding or extreme conditions it is sometimes necessary to change the boat's location for safety reasons. When there is a lot of flow on the river it may not be possible to access the front deck with the picnic table. During extremely cold conditions it may be necessary to cancel your booking.
In any of these circumstances I will aim to communicate with you promptly to give as much notice as possible for you to make alternative arrangements.
Other things to note
10-13% discounts are available for bookings of 3+ nights.
Please note that the Airbnb location is slightly different to the parking and boat locations. We will provide accurate pins and detailed directions for arriving via train, coach or car after you book! If you need affordable parking nearby, just ask and we can sort it.
Turnaround (cleaning) costs for hosting on a boat are higher than a house. Therefore, reservations for two or more nights will be much better value, although we are more than happy to host you for a single night.
We want to help you have the BEST time possible, so if you have any specific requests before or during your stay, or if there is something that needs to be taken care of please let us know right away and we will handle it.
To learn our pro tips for sustainable boat living, please allow 20 minutes for shipmates to go through orientation at check-in. We request that all crew members are present and attentive for these essential instructions. NB the boat manual will be sent to you beforehand so you can begin to learn about boat life before you arrive and we will support you throughout your stay.
The boat is offered as a static mooring in a fixed location rather than a self-hire (driving it yourself).
Being in prime central Bath, it can sometimes be a little noisy with vibrant night-life. Ear plugs are provided should you need them.
I love to introduce people to the boating life, whether just for a couple of nights, or possibly as a new chapter of a more free and adventurous life. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in one of the UKs most beautiful, historical and cultural destinations then book now and prepare to make some great memories.
PS you might also like to consider my other boat listings such as the ‘Floating Cat Palace’ (with a real cat!) and 'The Comfy Boat: Spacious & Off Grid' if you want something more luxurious. You can view these listings by clicking on 'host profile'.
You will also find ‘The Captains Experience’, a river-ting experience for aspiring pirates who wish to learn and experience piloting boats, tying essential knots, navigating the local waterways, getting up close and personal with sunken pirate vessels, seeing and learning about Baths culture/history and getting some beautiful family photos and a nice tan on the River Avon.
