Staycation specialists Sykes Holiday Cottages has something a little different to offer this summer - a quaint barge moored at Glasson Dock Marina in Lancashire. The Thomas O’Rourke has been renovated to offer families a unique experience without the hassle of having to navigate locks and waterways, with the owners naming the boat after their loved one.
The Thomas O’Rourke sleeps up to four guests and is complete with traditional features, including a porthole, galley-style kitchen, and deck, offering holidaymakers a sailor experience – a choice for couples or a family of four seeking a unique escape.
Surrounded by peaceful seawater, aspiring captains can relax in one of the reclining chairs in front of the log burner whilst listening to tunes of their choice, or the shipping forecast, on the barge’s SONOS speaker.
A modern kitchen has been added to the barge, with a double gas oven, gas hob, and array of amenities. Holidaymakers can also wash away the day’s adventures in the bathroom, which includes a walk-in shower and charming porthole for watching the local wildlife on the water.
Visitors can also dine alfresco on the barge’s deck, which is home to a host of outdoor furniture and a tranquil sea view. Alternatively, those preferring to sample the local area’s eateries can choose from the Dalton Arms, Lockkeepers Rest, and Port of Lancaster Smokehouse, which all offer delicious dishes and are just a short stroll away from the marina.
Off-road parking in a private site is also available. The barge is also accessible via rail, with the nearest train station being Lancaster which is just a 14-minute drive away. Travellers can fill up their trip itinerary with leisurely walks around the marina to admire the boats, visits to the Glasson Dock Lighthouse, and trips to the village of Glasson itself.
Those wishing to venture further can explore the thriving city of Lancaster, taking in the cathedral and castle, or spend a beach day at Morecombe, soaking in the sun or strolling along the pier to find the perfect souvenir.
Slightly further afield, holidaymakers can find the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the most peaceful and remote walking, cycling, wildlife-watching, and star-gazing locations in the country. At the end of the day, adventurers will have a comfy double bed at The Thomas O’Rourke to return to.
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