As from February 2024 We are no longer taking bookings for static boats stays
Short Breaks in the Cotswolds
Self-catering Static Narrowboat
Lark Rise III is a 50ft semi-traditional narrowboat built in 1989 and is moored in Lechlade-on-Thames, Gloucestershire. She has hot and cold running water, and is classed as 'off grid' as she is powered by solar panels and a wind generator**. She has a multi-fuel stove connected to radiators for central heating, and is available as self-catering accommodation for 11 months of the year, and can accommodate a maximum of two people with stays from three nights onwards. We also accept pets by arrangement***. She is the ideal place to leave the trappings of everyday life behind, relax, unwind and recharge those batteries.
The boat is moored within the quiet surroundings of Lechlade Marina adjacent to the River Thames with free secure parking on site. The town of Lechlade-on- Thames borders the three counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire making it an ideal spot to explore all three counties. There are plenty of shops within walking distance from the boat including pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and supermarkets.
The boat is fitted out in the traditional English narrowboat style with many of her fixtures, fittings and soft furnishings hand crafted by ourselves to give her a blend of traditional English country and boating style.
** We aim to keep Lark Rise III as green as possible. We monitor the solar panels regularly, and can plug her into mains electricity if it should be needed.
*** a £20 charge for a pet is payable in cash on arrivalPlease can I stay?What's inside?
Lark Rise has one double berth with a 4ft bed. Pillows, duvet and bed linen are provided. There is a small wardrobe with shelves and hanging space, and a convenient folding side table for that all-important cup of tea in the morning. This berth is just right to curl up with your favourite book, or to stay snug with breakfast in bed. The sofa bed in the saloon creates a sleeping area for a third person. There is also plenty of storage room for your stay with a small double wardrobe with hanging space and shelving. There is also space under the bed to stow away your luggage bags3.
We regret that Lark Rise is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
3 We strongly advise that you use luggage bags that fold away, as there is no space on a narrowboat for a suitcase.
There is a shower room with a chemical cassette toilet on board. Hand soap, hair and body wash towels and toilet rolls are provided.
The boat has a fully equipped galley and is furnished with a gas oven, fridge, electric kettle and toaster. It is also equipped with cutlery and tableware. Tea towels and cleaning materials such as washing up.
Adjacent to the galley is a dining table with seating for up to 3 people, so you can enjoy a sit-down meal together, or perhaps play a board game or two. We have a variety of indoor games available as well as books and puzzles. The saloon has a wood burning stove that also heats two radiators in the galley and bedroom area. During the winter you can cosy up by the stove with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
Outside there is a large grass area and we provide a table and chairs so that you can sit out, soak up the countryside and watch the river go by. For the more energetic, why not have a game of boule, giant dominoes or quoits all provided by us. Weather permitting, we also have canoes for hire. Alternatively, you can hire pedalos nearby. On a nice day, why not take a walk down to St John’s lock and watch the boats passing through.
If you like walking, we are situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, about 30 minutes from the ridgeway. If you cross the Ha’penny bridge in Lechlade to the opposite bank you are on the Thames path. We also have many other shorter walks in the local area as well as cycle routes. If you fancy a spot of fishing during your stay, day tickets are available at Lechlade & Bushyleaze Trout Fishery about 1.6 miles from the marina.
Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties are steeped in history, and we are close to some wonderful churches, historic houses and monuments. The Roman town of Cirencester, the city of Oxford, and Cheltenham Spa are within 30 miles of the marina. In addition, there are many other old Cotswold towns and villages to visit.
1 Please note that a narrow boat is quite small – Lark Rise is 6ft 2 inches wide with a ceiling height of 6ft.
2 There is a cleaning charge of £20 if you bring a pet. You will also be required to comply with our regulations, and the regulations of Lechlade Marina regarding pets. This is available upon request.
3 We strongly advise that you use luggage bags that fold away as there is no space on a narrowboat for a suitcase.