Leave your cares far away on dry land in a relaxing and stylish river retreat, perfectly moored in the vibrant heart of Central London.
  • Sleeps: 4-5 per boat
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Newsflash: the traditional canal boat holiday just got itself a chic and quirky makeover with Boutique Barges. Feed the ducks from your window over a freshly prepared breakfast, as you enjoy the naturally scenic views and unwind to the gently rhythmic sound of water lapping against the boat…with all the thrills and adventure of a London city life a mere stone’s throw away!

Boutique Barges offer two luxurious barges, each with their own individual style and personality, moored in carefully chosen locations to ensure quick and easy access to London’s cultural and entertainment hubs. Both barges have been carefully refurbished and lovingly decorated with high-quality fixtures, antique décor and comfortably quirky touches, along with the latest in technology to make you feel truly at home on the waterway.

If all this isn’t enough, you’ll be provided with a plentiful breakfast basket, and you’ll also find fresh, fluffy towels and fine linens waiting for you on board – not forgetting plenty of thoughtfully selected luxe toiletries that mean you definitely won’t be abandoning ship anytime soon!

Velvet Morning, delightfully decorated in elegant touches of wood and nautical shades of blue, is a 53-foot characterful canal boat that sleeps four to five people. At over 100 years old, she has more than a few historical tales to tell! Her living area is expertly designed to create maximum space, with the lounge seating cleverly converting to a double bed, along with the king-sized master bed and single bunk – perfect for a family getaway with a fun and interesting difference.

There’s a small dining area and a well-designed kitchen featuring a gas oven, hob and well-equipped cupboards and drawers, and for an extra splash of luxury why not prepare yourself a sumptuous bubble-fest in the claw-footed slipper bath, along with that book you’ve been waiting ages to get started on?

Beautifully designed and supremely comfy, Big Boat is a 55-foot narrow boat that sleeps a maximum of five people on a raised master double bed and a sofa bed, with an extra mattress provided on request. She also boasts a gleaming stainless-steel kitchen with a Smeg gas oven and hob, while the living space features both an office space and a relaxing lounge area. Oh – and the bathroom has an indulgent walk-in wet room that you’ll never want to leave!

You’ll be kept warm and cosy even on colder days with your chosen vessel’s fuel stove…so batten down the hatches, huddle round and tell holiday stories along with a glass or two of something extra warming.

Keep reading

At a glance

  • Two stylish holiday barges, Velvet Morning and Big Boat, each sleeping up to five guests.
  • The barges are permanently moored in Little Venice on Brownings Pool – a 5 minute walk from Paddington station.
  • The barges are pet friendly and WiFi enabled.
  • Smokeless coal and logs are provided, along with linen, towels, toiletries and a breakfast basket.
  • Smoking aboard the barges is not permitted.

Features

  • Disability Accessible
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly

Facilities

Big Boat sleeps up to 5, raised double bed, double sofa bed with extra mattress provided on request, bedding & towels provided, bathroom, shower, fully equipped kitchen, gas hob, oven, fridge/freezer, kettle, Nespresso machine, lounge seating area, office area with desk, dining for 5, wood burning stove, Wi-Fi.

Velvet Morning sleeps up to 4 adults and 1 child, king-size bed, sofa bed, bathroom, roll-top bathtub, hand-crafted kitchen, dining table and chairs for 2, gas oven, hob, fridge/freezer, kettle, lounge seating area, wood burning stove, WiFi.

Local activities

Galleries, theatre, canal walks, cycling, kayaking/canoeing along canal, nightlife, tennis, yoga.

Accommodation Options

Velvet Morning - sleeps 4 (+1)

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly

Big Boat - sleeps 5

  • Disability Accessible
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly

More information

Whether you’re on a romantic break, a friend-filled getaway or a family adventure, keeping everybody entertained during your stay will be no problem at all, with your location proficiently chosen to take advantage of the very best London has to offer, with close public transport links that mean you can spend the entire day exploring, shopping and dining, then come back home to your water-haven to recharge over a well-deserved glass of wine.

So chart your course for Boutique Barges and plot your way to a versatile beacon of natural calm in the bustling city. Anchors aweigh!

Things to note

2023 Update:  Velvet Morning will be unavailable from mid-October to June 2023.  Big Boat is available all year round.

Minimum 2 night stays, check-in time 3pm. No smoking or parties permitted, one dog allowed on prior arrangement.

Where you'll be staying

London

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