Located 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from St. Peter's Church, this houseboat is within a 10-minute drive of Stratford Oaks Golf Club. Guestrooms at this houseboat include dining areas, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Shakespeare's Birthplace - 10 min drive - 6.9 miles
Royal Shakespeare Theatre - 11 min drive - 7.3 miles
National Exhibition Centre - 23 min drive - 18.5 miles
Getting around
Bearley Station - 3 min drive
Birmingham Airport (BHX) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
The Red Lion - 9 min drive
Crown Inn - 9 min drive
Domino's Pizza - 8 min drive
Mary Arden - 7 min drive
Takeaway Tiffin - 9 min drive
About this property
An Elegant Cruising‑Stern Narrowboat on the South Stratford Canal
This beautifully presented 6–8 berth cruising‑stern narrowboat is available for hire from Floating Cottages at Hill Farm Marina, near Stratford‑upon‑Avon.
Recently renovated throughout, the boat offers a thoughtful balance of contemporary comfort and classic narrowboat character. Carefully updated interiors sit alongside traditional features, creating a warm, stylish space that feels both authentic and refined. It is ideally suited to families or small groups of up to eight guests who value comfort, quality, and the unhurried pleasure of life on the water.
The boat cruises the South Stratford Canal, running between Stratford‑upon‑Avon and Kingswood Junction, one of the most picturesque stretches of the Avon Ring. At 25.5 miles long, this canal is renowned for its traditional lock cottages, distinctive split bridges, and gently rolling countryside. This narrowboat is particularly well suited to guests with medium to advanced boating experience—those familiar with standard hire boats and seeking a more considered, cottage‑style cruising experience.
Designed for relaxed living afloat, the boat comfortably accommodates four to six adults, with space for one or two children, or two couples traveling together. Modern onboard appliances and a practical yet elegant layout make extended stays easy and enjoyable. Cruising at a leisurely four miles per hour, guests can savor the approach into Shakespeare’s Stratford‑upon‑Avon, moor nearby, and spend a few indulgent days exploring its theaters, independent shops, cafés, and riverside pubs before returning at their own pace.
For entertainment, guests can expect to find Smart TVs. Other standard amenities include 1.5 bathrooms, dining areas, and refrigerators.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the accommodation: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1.5 bathrooms
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Garden
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near the marina
Things to do
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Motor boating nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
🔌 Shore Power
Use the long orange cable to connect the boat to shore power.
Ensure the black switch is set to the “OnShore” position.
🔥 Heating
If on, turn it off by pushing in the button.
⚡ Electrical Panel
All switches to the OFF position, except:
✅ Bilge pump – ON
✅ White switch (battery charger) – ON
🪟 Ventilation
Leave some of the windows slightly open for ventilation.
🚪 Doors
Close the stern (rear) doors securely.
Shut the bow (front) doors, but do not lock them.
🗝 Keys
Leave on the kitchen/galley worktop.
🗑 Rubbish
Tie up bin bags and leave them on the bow.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 3-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do within easy reach of this houseboat?
This houseboat is located in Henley-in-Arden, close to Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and Shakespeare Houses. You'll also find Stratford Oaks Golf Club and Henrys Castle Play Barn within a short drive.
Is this houseboat adjacent to a casino?
No, this houseboat is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this houseboat?
No, there is no indoor pool at this houseboat.
Does this houseboat provide breakfast?
No, this houseboat doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this houseboat allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this houseboat.
How far is the airport from this houseboat?
The closest major airport to this houseboat is Birmingham Airport (BHX), which is 16.8 mi away (32 minutes by car). Another top airport is Coventry (CVT), which is located 21.4 mi away (34-minute drive).
An Elegant Cruising‑Stern Narrowboat on the South Stratford Canal Reviews