Gerda of Glasgow, a beautifully appointed Dutch barge, offers an inviting open-plan kitchen and living area with a log-burning fire. Enjoy the comfort of two bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms while taking in the city views from your floating haven just steps from Ocho Cafe and Spa.
Discover a unique urban retreat aboard Gerda of Glasgow, a beautifully appointed Dutch barge moored just a 10-minute stroll from Glasgow's bustling city centre. This floating haven offers all the comforts of home with a dash of nautical charm.
Perfect for up to four guests, Gerda boasts an inviting open-plan kitchen and living area, warmed by a cosy log-burning fire. Two comfortable bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms (one with a shower, the other with a luxurious bath) ensure privacy and convenience.
Built in 2017, Gerda of Glasgow provides a distinctive base to explore one of Scotland's most vibrant cities. Immerse yourself in Glasgow's rich cultural tapestry - world-class museums, captivating art galleries, diverse restaurants, and electric nightlife are all within easy reach. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, both less than a 20-minute walk away.
For nature lovers, Gerda offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy your morning coffee on the rear deck, watching ducks and swans glide by, or venture to the nearby Claypits Nature Reserve. This urban oasis offers wooded walks and serene paths along the Forth and Clyde Canal, just minutes from your floating home.
Feeling adventurous? Ask about our complimentary canoe, perfect for exploring the waterway at your own pace.
Just steps from Gerda, you'll find Ocho Cafe, an ideal spot for brunch or lunch with excellent vegan options. For those seeking relaxation, Ocho Spa offers a range of pampering treatments - perfect for preparing for a night out or unwinding after a day of sightseeing (booking advised).
During your stay, you'll enjoy complete privacy on board Gerda, your fixed accommodation in this prime location.
We're typically available to greet guests upon arrival, but we also provide a secure key safe for flexible check-ins. We're always just a phone call away for any questions or assistance you might need.
For guests looking to extend their Scottish adventure, we offer a fully-equipped, four-berth VW T6 Transporter campervan. Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the Highlands, the winding roads of the North Coast 500, or simply want to explore Scotland's breathtaking scenery at your own pace, our campervan provides the perfect blend of comfort and freedom. Ask us for details and pricing to create your ideal Scottish getaway.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Safe
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
On the waterfront
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks 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)
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
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Children are very welcome.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
Property Registration Number GL00126P
About the area
Located in North West, a neighbourhood in Glasgow, this houseboat is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Pollok Country Park and Mugdock Country Park, while OVO Hydro and Pavilion Theatre are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre or Hampden Park. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, power boating and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling. Visit our Glasgow travel guide
Doubletree By Hilton Glasgow Central Executive Lounge
13 min walk
McConnell's
13 min walk
Cask & Clyde
13 min walk
Jackson's Bar
12 min walk
Ardnamurchan
15 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility on 15 May 2026 start from NZ$424, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Floating Retreat: Glasgow's Hidden Gem - Urban Life Meet Canalside Tranquility located?
Located in North West, this houseboat is within 1 mi (2 km) of Glasgow Caledonian University and Buchanan Street. OVO Hydro is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) away. Cowcaddens Station is 10 minutes by foot and St Georges Cross Station is 15 minutes.
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Loved our stay on board Gerda, everything that we needed and more! Loved the cosy evenings with the log burner. The location is a quiet haven near enough to the city to walk or use the subway. Jonathan met us on our arrival and was very attentive when we had questions about our stay. There is so much to see and do in Glasgow. Thank you for a great stay.
Staying on Gerda was a lot of fun for a week! Had a very livable living room and sleeping quarters and full kitchen! The owners are very attentive, hospitable and wonderful people. The neighborhood is very quiet and allowed us to sleep in every day we were there. A little walk to the center of town (15-20 minutes) but very close to a couple great coffee shops, Ocho and C7, which we enjoyed during our stay.
It had everything we needed. The log fire was easy to use and made the boat very cosy. Double bed very comfortable and good quality bedding. Hosts on hand if we had any issues but we did not need them. We most definitely would love to visit again.
What an adventure finding a barge in the middle of Glasgow. We had so much fun! My son loved looking for fish and feeding the ducks while my husband and I enjoyed a glass and listened to music. She is a treasure for sure :)
The Gerda houseboat is a truly unique and elegant place to stay in Glasgow. Jonathan and Chris have outfitted it with everything you could need, from Tupperware for leftovers, eco-friendly bath products, to travel guides and extra outlet converters. They even stocked the fridge with a few food essentials and have a whiskey tasting bar! In addition, there are lots of great restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk, a nearby subway stop, and a wonderful coffee shop right at the wharf. We can’t recommend Gerda or its hosts more highly.
Thanks Jonathan, for our lovely stay on the gorgeous Gerda! Quiet, safe, clean and stocked with loads of comforts for adults and teens (WiFi works great, Netflix, games, kitchen). Surprisingly spacious, and the beds were really comfortable, delivering a restful night's sleep after full days exploring Scotland. Minutes from all the neighborhoods, and transportation stations, whether walking or taking a car service. And don't worry about warmth in the winter - the heaters and fireplace work great! A unique experience that we'll always treasure.
Wonderful respite after dealing with the chaos of the city traffic construction that even overwhelmed our GPS. Challenging entrance into road adjacent to Gerda, but worth it!
Just the most beautiful start in Glasgow. Super comfy beds, charming boat with everything you may need and clear instructions for everything. Beautiful weather allowed us to hang out on the DIC and walk along the canal. What a pleasure!
Unique, comfortable, quiet in a part of town that day as very easy to get anywhere after a short walk to the nearby subway stop. Would happily stay again
We loved Glasgow and Gerda! I'll admit I was a little apprehensive about living on a boat for 5 days, but I had nothing to worry about. Even with 4 people and our luggage and accumulated souvenirs, we had plenty of space. Gerda is very stable--you can hardly tell you're on the water, except that you can look out the portholes and see the beautiful canal and the seabirds wheeling in the sky. Jonathan was super responsive and easy to communicate with. We had a few questions about the water and waste systems, which were answered speedily. You do need to minimize your time in the shower, but it was no problem, even for our teenagers. Beds are very comfortable; kitchen has a sizable fridge and plenty of quality dishes, drinkware, and cutlery; one of the bathrooms even has a tub! This was a great place for all of us, but would be especially well suited for a family with younger kids--many thoughtful touches made it clear the hosts know how much a houseboat appeals to children. Glasgow has so much to do and see, and a scrappy energy that we found exhilarating. We're already talking about a return visit! Most things we wanted to see were a 15- to 20-min walk away from Gerda (closest subway stop is about 10-15 minutes' walk, so it doesn't save you too much time or steps), but we enjoyed getting exercise and seeing the city as locals would. When we needed a break from walking, it was easy to call a taxi to meet us at the wharf gates. Highly recommend this wonderful, welcoming property.
Finding this unique gem was the highlight of our trip! In a fantastic location, the boat is beautifully restored and very comfortable - especially important for my older parents. The location was fantastic and the owners were incredibly kind and helpful, even bringing over a bottle of wine to toast our celebration! This was an unmatched experience!
The houseboat was so comfortable and nice for us during our stay. The wood burning fireplace was a huge help with the cold night and was a great nice end to each of our travel days. the access to the boat was a little difficult with the security barriers to the wharf but once we got used to it was ok.
This was a unique place to stay. It was near everyplace we wanted to visit while staying. The "Gerda" was very nice, we have never stayed on anything like her before. It was our last stay before heading home to Michigan. What a way to end our vacation! Claire was great! Thank you!
Staying on a houseboat that was super spacious, kitted out really well to a high standard, super comfortable double bed, within walking distance from Glasgow city center, and really well priced; can't ask for any more
Really friendly hosts Claire and Michael, living across the road in one of the flats and there for help if needed
We even pulled off a short trip up and down the canal to pump out the sewage
Loved it and highly recommended
Thank you Claire and Michael
Such a lovely barge with everything you needed and more. We were celebrating a birthday and visiting family in glasgow couldnt ask for a nicer place. Loved our stay and will definately return. THANK YOU CLAIRE
Booked as surprise as I always dreamed of waking up on a canal boat on my 50th birthday, and was every bit as magical as I imagined. Ger-da was our floating home from home, a wee hidden gem in Glasgow, such peace and tranquility so close to the centre of my favourite city. Thanks to Michael and Claire the hosts for their help and support to make a dream come true.