Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.
About this docked boat rental
Located in Brentford, this lovely docked boat for $247 per night is a great choice for your next vacation. Enjoy stunning sunset panoramas on the tidal Thames from our beautiful, historic vessel. From her secluded garden mooring, Seacrest boasts magnificent views of Kew & Brentford Ait Nature Reserve. With fantastic transport links, she’s a riverside walk from many superb restaurants & pubs. This unique home is a comfortable, peaceful retreat, with all of Central London’s amenities at the doorstep. There are a number of fantastic restaurants within walking distance, whether the Michelin Star Glasshouse in Kew Village, a host of cozy riverside pubs or a range of fantastic establishments in Chiswick and Richmond. We're moored directly opposite the iconic Kew Bridge, whose arches contain a range of fantastic boutique businesses such from paddle boarding to gyms and spas. The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew across the river, whose boundary you can see from Seacreast's windows, isn't the only place to spot wildlife. Between the boat and the Botanic Gardens sits an island (Brentford Ait Nature Reserve) which was planted by Queen Victoria and provides refuge for our rarest river birds. Families of seals sometimes pass under the window, and every spring a new cluster of ducks, geese or swans nest on our garden mooring. Kew Bridge station will take you direct to central London and is less than a 5 minute walk away, but you can also catch the river ferry from the other side of Kew Bridge, which, in spring and summer, travels downstream to Westminster or upstream to Hampton Court. We look forward to welcoming you to our very special tidal home.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
TV
Garden
Map of Brentford
Reviews
4.5/5.0
Excellent(61 Reviews)
5.0
We really enjoyed the boat and the area, was a peaceful and quiet space, especially after spending time in Central London. Transit made it very easy to go anywhere. Close to Kew Gardens, can walk to the Elizabeth Gate. A boat may not be for everyone, but we loved how unique it was and all the birds nearby. Mark was very helpful and accommodating as well.
5.0
We had an absolutely delightful time aboard Seacrest. We lived aboard many years ago and this brought back many wonderful memories of living aboard. The location was perfect for us; easy access to any part of London on public transport, at least half the fun of the trip. The wildlife and the rowers were constant entertainment.
5.0
Me and my family had a great stay. The host was great and I love the Seacrest
1.0
This an antique riverboat that has been converted into an office for the host. Guests are staying on top of the host's office and personal stuff.
During our stay, we were concerned about the cleanliness and layout of the boat. While the bedding and towels were clean and nice, the rest of the boat needed a good scrub. For example, there is a shelf above the bed in the main cabin. I put my glasses on the shelf. When I reached for them in the morning, dust and stuff rained down on me and the bed. We felt we had to clean all dishes and utensils before we used them. The coffee and tea equipment had a layer of scale on it.
Cabins (bedrooms) and the bathroom are located below the main deck. They are accessed down a step and ladder combo that requires some agility. Guests with mobility problems will find navigating the layout of the boat tricky. The toilet is a composting unit that requires everyone (men and women) to sit for all uses. It is located in a very low area with a metal thing right in the middle of the ceiling. It is marked with caution tape, but still caused us several bumps on our heads.
The boat is located in an interesting area outside central London. There are fun museums and Kew Gardens nearby. On the river Thames there is great entertainment with bird watching and river users.
The host is very nice. We enjoyed meeting him. It could be a really wonderful vacation rental with cleaning and if guests were the main focus of the boat's use.
5.0
Mark a fine host
Seacrest a classic old girl
Fantastic location so close to Kew, train and tube stations,
A plethora of fine pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Thank-You
Mark/Anita
T&V BIssett
B.C. 🇨🇦
5.0
This is an older wooden motor yacht, delightfully equipped, and conveniently located near Kew Bridge, across from a nature sanctuary. The host could not have been more cordial and helpful.
Excellent pubs in walking distance, easy access to transport and the Thames Path.
4.0
Mark is a lovely host. Cheerful, helpful. This location was easy to get into town..Kew Bridge Train Station is about 5 a 5 minute walk and connects to tube system so everywhere in London was accessible. 20-30 minutes into most downtown areas. The Seacrest is rustic but comfortable. It’s a great escape from the bustle of the city…lots of beautiful water fowl to observe going about their day, sometimes quite close up. The waterless toilet is a little funky but works fine and you know you’re doing the right eco thing using it. We enjoyed our stay here!
3.0
The host was very helpful.
4.0
We booked this property primarily because of its location so close to Kew Gardens. It is definitely a unique place to stay. So fascinating how the boat rested on the river bed at low tide and then the tide would rush in so quickly and the boat would gently sway as it raised with the water. The owner is very thoughtful leaving fresh flowers, fruit, and chocolates. And he’s very thorough with instructions. Know that this is not a luxury stay. Be prepared for the adventure of staying on a very old boat with a few spiders that is cramped and cluttered. If that doesn’t bother you, then you will definitely enjoy this experience!
5.0
This was super cool to stay on the Tamise!!! Unique experience, very short distance and easy walk (with the suitcases) from the train station to the boat. 30 minute ride to Waterloo tube station. Mark is awesome.
4.0
Lovely boat in an amazing location. Seems small to start with. But the character soon shines through. The dry toilet certainly takes some getting used to as well
4.0
Best features: Mark is a good host who communicates well and provides important information/details. He provided great recommendations for dining as well. The location is ideal for Kew Gardens. The WiFi is great. Watching activity on the Thames is nice. the area feels safe. The experience of staying on a boat is unique.
Less than great features: The inside of the boat was quite filthy with a fairly unpleasant smell in the cabins below deck. If I could give one piece of advice for improvement, it would be to spend 20 minutes with a duster knocking down spider webs/spiders, and a few pounds on a new clean shower curtain.
All in all, it's worth considering staying here if you appreciate a good host and you'd like something different than the usual flat. If you are tall, practice ducking a lot or bring a helmet :-)
5.0
Mark made everything easy for us. Super little eating places all around with easy to catch trains and buses. The ducks and geese were a pleasure to watch with Swans and foxes added. We thoughly enjoyed our visit
5.0
We loved the uniqueness and beautiful surroundings of this VRBO. It was charming and comfortable. Mark and Anita are quick to respond to questions and added some very nice little touches. fresh fruit, coffee, milk, tea. All these things made our stay wonderful. Thank you for sharing your boaty boat with us!
4.0
This property is certainly quirky! We made the mistake of packing one large case instead of two small ones so could not get it down the stairs! The main seating area was comfortable and the sleeping accommodation clean and cosy. The mooring area was cluttered but a welcome relief in the very hot weather with a picnic table next to a shady tree. As the owner runs a separate business from the boat it is, as others have mention, full of stuff. When we arrived the fridge was full of food which the host did say we were welcome to use, however it meant we struggled to store our own in the heat. The dry toilet may not be to everyone's liking however we accepted it as one of the many idiosyncrasies. Visitors have to accept this is not a houseboat; as advertised it's simply a boat with its original accommodation so space on the stairs is very tight and hitting your head off things becomes an everyday occurrence. The location can't be faulted - the view over to the nature reserve is just lovely and to have the geese in the mooring area at high tide was a joy. Kew itself is great and the proximity of the boat to public transport to Ealing, Richmond, Kingston as well as links to the City makes it an ideal base. All in all a different, but enjoyable stay.
5.0
The Seacrest was well supplied and clean, also beds were comfy. Instructions were clear as to how the boat functions. Mark was very reachable to answer all our questions. He specifically gave great instructions as to how to use the attached dinghy and we had a fun ride up and down the Thames. There are many sculling schools nearby and it was enjoyable to watch the scullers go by frequently. There is a grocery store nearby, pubs down the river and nice restaurants nearby, all within walking distance. The Seacrest was the unique adventure to end our vacation!
5.0
Want something a little different in London? Staying on Mark’s houseboat is a kick. Thames tides rise and fall, gently lifting and lowering you over the 12 hour cycle. Single and multi person shells zip by. Geese and ducks abound. Kew gardens and Thames cruisers to Westminster and Hampton Court are right there. Super pubs nearby. This is not for Hilton lovers. Quirky and lots of fun.
5.0
We had a delightful stay on Mark’s houseboat on the Thames near Kew Bridge. Mark was so accommodating and helpful and helped us to make the most of our trip. He even supplied extras like coronation flowers and ingredients for breakfast. The setting was peaceful and serene, yet steps from a market. pubs and transport. What a treat!
5.0
The boat is in a great and secure location. It was lovely to enjoy the peace and quiet of being on the river and watching all the birds come and go. Drinking a glass of wine on the deck was a real treat.
The train station to Waterloo is only a 5 minute walk away so access to central London is easy. It was a short walk to Kew Gardens and there was a nice pub just 2 minutes from the boat.
The facilities on the boat are as described on the website....not luxurious but functional. The mattresses on the bed were a bit hard. However, we enjoyed it much more than a boring hotel!
The owner, Mark was very friendly and helpful and communication with him was excellent. We would definitely stay there again.
5.0
Mark was great at communicating with us and flexible about arival. I fell in love with the boat and the Thames is amazing to watch. Rowers, boats and wildlife. Great host.
5.0
Mark was very responsive and helpful with our check in and helped us to take out the dinghy for an afternoon. The ceilings in the boat are a little low if you're over 6 feet, but it's a very unique and fun experience. Highly recommend!
5.0
Me and my daughter had a wonderful stay at Seacrest for the weekend.
It was so warm and cosy, everything you needed was there, even down to the amazing Lavazza coffee and bacon and eggs in the fridge. Mark the owner showed us around when we got there and explained the boats little quirks. He was a lovely friendly guy and I would highly recommend his boat. There was plenty of places to eat out and Kew Gardens was across the river.
So much better staying here than some bland corporate hotel.
4.0
Not Brilliant for sleeping if your over 6 foot
Internet needs improving but a fantastic experience
5.0
We spent 3 nights on the boat on the Thames and felt very cosy and comfortable.
It’s a great location, close to the City but still in nature.
We enjoyed watching the water birds and going on enjoyable walks along the Thames paths.
1.0
Horrible. Shower head didn't work till I complained and there were spiders everywhere
4.0
A unique property that could do with a little more attention to detail. Quite cramped with the owners’ belongings, however quite comfortable beds and lovely linens provided
3.0
The host was extremely helpful and friendly. The neighbours were strange, on 1 side we had a couple who definitely were not worried about sharing all they were doing, clothing on or off and behind another neighbour was constantly pointing his camera and long lens at us. The accommodation itself would benefit from a deep clean and some tlc. Owners belongings everywhere so very little storage space. No room in the fridge and every surface cluttered. We checked out a day early to go to a hotel to use a clean bath and shower. Right on Heathrow flight path so very noisy with planes every 90 seconds.
5.0
Relaxing
Great location for visiting Kew Gardens
5.0
Nice get away in London
The houseboat was a wonderful respite from the chaos of the city. Quiet mornings and restful evenings, well-appointed kitchen and great location for easy access to anywhere. Lovely pubs and grocery stores available. Hosts were helpful and charming and welcoming.
5.0
Perfect Nautical Experience for Landlubbers!
I visited with my partner and niece, and we loved Mark’s boat. Mark met us and showed us around and was very helpful. The location is excellent, next to a nature reserve and very peaceful. We loved watching the birds go by, sitting out on deck and in the small garden area. It’s well connected for public transport, with Kew Bridge station a few minutes walk away, with trains direct to Waterloo. Gunnersbury and Kew Gardens underground stations are a little further (about 15 mins walk to each) but also very doable. It’s a fairly short journey into central London (around 30 mins) and it was very nice to get away from the busyness of town at the end of the day. There’s a Sainsbury Local right next door for any essentials and there are local bars and restaurants nearby too. Kew Gardens is on the other side of the river, also within walking distance.
As others have mentioned, the boat is surprisingly spacious, but the beds might be a little on the short side for taller people (6 foot or over) – not a problem for us! If you have any mobility issues this probably wouldn’t be the right choice as there are narrow stairs to get up and down. Also, the accommodation is on a well-loved boat so it’s not a direct swap for a hotel room but that’s what we liked about it. It’s a unique and charming experience in a beautiful part of London. I would definitely stay here again.
4.0
Better for adventurous types
Mark was very easy to communicate with and recommended several good places to eat. We loved having the dinghy to get down to the pub he recommended and took a putter around the island. Be aware that passages and stairs are narrow as typically seen in an older boat. It’s about a 30 minute ride on the tube to get into the City.
5.0
Staying on Seacrest was a wonderful treat during our visit to London. Very conveniently located near Kew Gardens and the Kew Bridge train station, near great pubs, and on the Thames river walk, great for walking or being a tourist. Being able to wake up and see the miracles of the tidal Thames is an experience we will never forget. Mark met us at the boat, gsvd full instructions on both the boat and the dinghy (for taking out), made sure we had everything we needed, including flowers in each room and chocolates! As one reviewer noted, it is not a hotel, it is a boat! But the bedding was comfy and the contact with nature in the heart of London made it the best part of our visit.
5.0
Perfect boat experience
Staying on Seacrest was a wonderful treat during our visit to London. Very conveniently located near Kew Gardens and the Kew Bridge train station, near great pubs, and on the Thames river walk, great for walking or being a tourist. Being able to wake up and see the miracles of the tidal Thames is an experience we will never forget. Mark met us at the boat, gsvd full instructions on both the boat and the dinghy (for taking out), made sure we had everything we needed, including flowers in each room and chocolates! As one reviewer noted, it is not a hotel, it is a boat! But the bedding was comfy and the contact with nature in the heart of London made it the best part of our visit.
5.0
Great Stay on the River Thames
Great experience!
5.0
This was a wonderful couple of days in a idyllic location, easy communication with the owner , highly recommended
5.0
Room with a kew
This was a wonderful couple of days in a idyllic location, easy communication with the owner , highly recommended
5.0
What a beautiful place to stay! Very natural and quiet, with beautiful lighting early and late in the day and lots of birds. Due to the tidal Thames, every hour was different. Mark was very accommodating to our arrival, and coming and going was very easy.
5.0
Kew Weekend
The only reason I rated "cleanliness" as 3 star ( = entirely acceptable) is because this is not 5 star luxury and those looking for that standard should avoid this spot.
That said, we were fine with everything and soon sorted out what's what - only one call needed to Mark to answer a question. We had a great weekend (Fri night to Mon morning). Mark is very approachable and friendly.
Kew is a great place to be - so many options.
If you're reasonably fit and can handle different levels via stairs/steps go for it. Great fun!
5.0
Boat on the Thames
What a beautiful place to stay! Very natural and quiet, with beautiful lighting early and late in the day and lots of birds. Due to the tidal Thames, every hour was different. Mark was very accommodating to our arrival, and coming and going was very easy.
4.0
A unique opportunity to stay on the Thames in a great location at a very reasonable price. As the description and other reviews detail, the boat is compact and an "old lady" but that's part of its charm. If you are able to enjoy the adventure, which we did, then you are in a great location, and the opportunity to sit on the deck and watch the wildlife and rowers was a treat.
I'm 6ft 2ins so the boat provided plenty of opportunities for me to bump my head but the ability to adapt was part of the challenge.
If you have a car, I recommend taking up Mark's offer for the reserved parking space. Although, there is off-street parking, this is limited unless you are a local resident.
There are loads of great eating and drinking options nearby and transport links into Central London are around the corner.
Mark is a great host and responded quickly to a couple of questions we had during our stay.
FAQs
How much does this docked boat cost compared to others in Brentford?
The average price for a rental in Brentford is $236 per night. This rental is $11 above the average.
Is parking included with this docked boat?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this docked boat?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.. Enjoy the water!
Is Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this docked boat is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.?
We found 8 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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