Our largest accommodation is The Ark. In 2008 we converted the Nottingham Trader, a hull previously used for dredging the river, into a spacious environment perfect for a weekend break for friends and family. The Ark sleeps seven comfortably and there is ample space for cots for guests to bask in nature whilst staying upon the water.
+ New for 2025! Brand new 4-person Hot Tub on fully refurbished main deck.
+ Ideal for a group of friends or family
+ Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, upstairs WC
+ Located very close to Bosun’s our iconic on-site restaurant open for drinks on the terrace, lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday as well as the Riverfront Café Bar where you can purchase breakfast, coffee, snacks and sandwiches.
+ Treat yourself to a facial or pamper at Skin Serenity our Aesthetics and Beauty salon located onsite.
+ Plenty of free parking directly in front of the boat
+ Smart TV in lounge and flatscreen TVs in every room & Wi-Fi onboard
+ Fabulous rural river location
+ 10 to 15-minute drive to York city centre
+ Local pubs/restaurants and shops 5-minute walk away
Guests
Only paying guests are allowed on board The Ark and its deck. If there are extra guests other than those stated on your booking, you will be charged.
Dogs
We don't allow dogs onto the Ark
Staying on a Houseboat
Staying on a houseboat is a unique way to experience the historic city of York and the surrounding riverside areas. The boat is spacious and light and has everything you'll need for a stress-free break in a stylish environment.
We are always delighted to hear our previous guests telling us how beautiful the boat is and how large, light and spacious the rooms are, it's just like a floating boutique hotel!
Kitchen & Living Room
We have an open-plan style kitchen and living area with everything you’ll need to entertain your guests in real comfort:
There are 3 bedrooms with the space to accommodate up to 7 people:
The Derwent Room
A large, luxurious and comfortable double bedroom with its own private en-suite bathroom, perfect for couples (and singles).
The Wharf Room
A spacious double room with a comfortable memory foam mattress which adjoins a large bathroom which is shared with the Foss Room.
The Foss Room
An airy, light-filled bunk bedroom with three separate comfortable single beds, which easily accommodates between one to three people. This is a nice large room for singles, children and other members of the group, also having access to the large shared bathroom (with the Wharf Room).
Please note that the top bunk is quite high and can be a struggle to get up and down! Best for kids and teens!
All the beds are freshly made and we provide one clean bath towel per person per stay. There are also clean hand towels in each bathroom.
Every room on the boat has plenty of storage space with drawers and a wardrobe.
All our rooms have a television with Freeview channels and there is Wi-Fi on the boat.
Outside Decks
You and your guests will be free to use our enormous front deck which boasts fabulous views of the river and Bishopthorpe Palace (the official residence of the Archbishop of York). Here is where you will find the 4-person Hot Tub located at the forefront of the deck. This deck is also the perfect space for stylish al fresco dining.
Additionally, at the rear of the boat, there is a covered deck with built-in seating where you can relax and watch the world go by.
Check In & Check Out
Check-in is 3:00pm & check out is before 11:00am. Bag drop is possible before check-in and after check out. Early check-in and late check out are subject to availability and may be subject to a charge of £15 per hour for the hire of extra cleaning staff.
Central Heating
The houseboat is cosy and warm in winter with central heating and double glazing throughout. Hot water is available on tap all year round.
Transport To & From The Ark
Getting here couldn't be easier. The houseboat is just over two miles from the centre of York and there are regular buses nearby going to and from the city centre and York railway station, just catch number 11 bus from the village.
Taxi services cost around £10-15 to and from the city centre/railway station.
Free Parking
There is plenty of free parking available just next to the houseboat.
Fishing
Keen anglers may enjoy fishing along the River Ouse during open season (15th June - 15th March), You can even cast your rod off the side of the boat - who knows what you might catch!
Children on The Ark
Children are very welcome on the Ark and high chairs and cots can be provided on request where required, infants under the age of 2 get to stay for free!
However, there are certain potential hazards for children that parents and guardians would be aware of: steep stairs with no child gate, the proximity to water, a gangplank (also without a child gate) connecting the boat with the riverbank which has only a handrail and no bars. Children should be supervised at all times and are the full responsibility of those they are travelling with.
The Ark when there is localised Flooding
Very occasionally the River Ouse floods. Usually this doesn't present much of a problem for our boat as it rises and falls with the changing river levels. However, we are used to adapting to the changing conditions, so for most of our guests, this merely adds to the adventure of staying on-board a boat!
Sometimes, the rising river levels can make getting on and off the boat a bit of a challenge, especially for those who are more elderly or maybe less able. As the river rises, the gang plank onto the boat can become quite steep, so you do need to be reasonably fit and able to climb up and down when this happens.
Staying on The Ark
We try our absolute best to give all guests a seamless stay, however please do be patient with us if any issues do occur. We are always on site to help and will do our very best to make your stay as memorable as we can.
Due to the nature of being on a boat, the weather can cause the gang plank to make a thud/creaking sound. This is not preventable and we will not be able to refund you for this matter.
Guest Access to The Ark
When you rent the houseboat for five or more guests you have access to the whole boat: the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, upstairs WC and kitchen as well as the large sun decks at the front and back of the boat with fabulous views of the river and stunning surrounding area.
If it is just the two of you, you will have use of one of the gorgeous bedrooms and it's en-suite as well as all living areas.
The Riverfront York - Booking Terms & Conditions
Unique Stay Accommodation
Cancellations by you:
Cancellation or changes by us:
August 2025
