ROUND-UPS
16 of the coolest floating hideaways
Published 13th July 2026
Whatever floats your boat - or cabin, pod, hotel or sauna.
Wake up to ducks swimming by, and fall asleep gently rocked by the water at these 16 calming floating retreats.
From urban houseboats and rural glamping pods to luxury floating cabins, each of these unique stays bobs gently on a lake or river.
Take a look at our full boatels collection.
Lilypod
Lewdown - Devon
2 per pod
Unique floating glamping pods on a farm in the Devonshire countryside near Dartmoor, perfect for romantic rural escapes.
The Boat House
Richmond - North Yorkshire
Sleeps 2
Enjoy a peaceful, romantic getaway in a luxury boathouse with a wood-fired hot tub on a private North Yorkshire lake.
Ebba
Kington - Herefordshire
Sleeps 2
Magical lakeside retreat in rural Herefordshire with a floating sauna, hand-carved outdoor bathtub and beautifully thought out interiors.
The Good Hotel
Royal Victoria Dock - London
Sleeps 2
The floating Good Hotel is sleek and stylish and is located on the River Thames in London's historical Royal Victoria Docks.
CPH Living
Copenhagen - Denmark
Sleeps 2
Check in to chic Copenhagen at this boutique, floating hotel with views of the city skyline, and within easy reach of the centre.
Lightship Amsterdam
Amsterdam - The Netherlands
2 per room
This 70-year-old British lightship sits just a short paddle from Amsterdam centre, offering unfettered access and amazing views of the city's industrial hub.
Blackbird
Near Holsworthy - Devon
Sleeps 2
Luxury on the lake in this elegant North Devon houseboat with a waterside bathhouse for indulgent soaks.
HT Houseboats
Mielno - Poland
2-8
Ingenious luxury floating homes on north Poland’s beautiful Lake Jamno. Take it sailing or stay put with HT Houseboats in Mielno
The Kingfisher Houseboat
Kilgetty - Pembrokeshire
2 +2
Stunning cabin perched on the edge of a lake in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside.
The Arts Barge
London - Greater London
Sleeps 4
Beautifully curated canal boat on the River Lea in Hackney offering a unique design-led stay on the water in London.
The Raft at Chigborough
Chigborough - Essex
Sleeps 4
An exceptional way to experience life on the water, with room for four in this floating lake cabin on the Essex coast. There’s a hot tub, a boat and an inviting covered deck
The Floathouse
Penryn - Cornwall
Sleeps 4
Gorgeous and eco-friendly floating cabin with wood burning stove and sun deck just thirty minutes walk from Falmouth.
Float Away With Me
Neuilly-sur-Seine - Paris
Sleeps 6
A spacious, luxurious floating home, moored on the Seine in Paris, with lovely riverside views. A peaceful base from which to explore this vibrant city.
The Camillia
Edinburgh - Scotland
Sleeps 8
Floating boatel in Edinburgh, permanently moored in a quiet spot in the city centre, perfect for a city escape with friends or family.
The Harpy Houseboat
Tower Bridge - London
8 adults + 2
An historic London floating home with the postcard view of Tower Bridge - The Harpy is like no houseboat you’ve ever seen!
The Lady of the Twizzle
Walton-on-the-Naze - Essex
Sleeps 14
A floating maritme retreat with its own private quay, complete with a bubbling outdoor hot tub and a luxurious interior.