Hunky Dory

£182.75 per night

The canal that winds through the peaceful countryside just south of Bath is great for an afternoon stroll, but why walk when you can take the boat? When you arrive at Hunky Dory, Clare and Hibah, who renovated the boat themselves over three years of loving labour, will teach you all you need to know about piloting and canal etiquette (no license needed!) so even complete beginners will be set to sail. The essential handover will take a couple of hours, so it’s best to arrive as early as you can, then once you’re comfortable being on the water you’ll be left to your own devices but there's a handy guide to refer to if you need. Rumble down to other moorings, or set up a deck chair on the grass by the towpath and chat with passers-by. There are a few good pubs within cruising distance. Clare and Hibah specially recommend the Boatman’s Breakfast at The Lock Inn, and the Bathampton Mill, closest to your original mooring, for sunshine drinks in the garden.

While there’s a joy to chugging down the canal for the day, Hunky Dory Days is a lovely place to be even when you’re moored up. Clever and colourful design in everything from the wallpaper to the Hunky Dory Days mugs make the boat a homely space. The bathroom is small, but the shower is hot and you’ll get the hang of swiveling the loo out of the way in no time! If you stay for more than a few days, the loo might need emptying too, but Clare and Hibah will talk you through that as well. Covers at both ends of the boat mean you can drive or just sit and relax in any weather, while good insulation keeps the inside warm. The kitchen has gas hobs and everything you need for cooking, as well as the all-important kettle, so you can sit out on deck with a cup of tea as the fields slide gently by.