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Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

Photo gallery for Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

Property grounds
Property grounds
Dining
Dining
Dining

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 3370 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Brentford
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Syon Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Westfield London Shopping Centre
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • London (LHR-Heathrow)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Double Cabin

1 Double Bed

Single Cabin

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

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.

Property manager

Mark Scorer

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Water view

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house boat experience! cozy hip place with an amazing view of the river Thames.

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9.0 out of 10, (11 reviews)
house boat experience! cozy hip place with an amazing view of the river Thames.

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Brentford

Located in Brentford, this houseboat is on a river. Royal Albert Hall and Natural History Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and London Eye. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Wembley Stadium or Twickenham Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Brentford

What's nearby

  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Syon Park - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Ealing Broadway Shopping Center - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Twickenham Stadium - 9 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Westfield London Shopping Centre - 10 min drive - 7.3 km

Getting around

  • Kew Bridge Station - 4 min walk
  • Gunnersbury Underground Station - 17 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Orangery - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Kew Roastery - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪City Barge Chiswick - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. located?

Situated on a river, this houseboat is within a 10-minute walk of Thames River and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Syon Park and Ealing Broadway Shopping Center are also within 3 miles (5 km). Kew Bridge Station is only a 4-minute walk and Gunnersbury Underground Station is 17 minutes.

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 82 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Hazel L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Quirky and different. A unique experience in the old boat.

Ease of entry on arrival super. Host amazingly accommodating and came out late at night to tell us about all the idiosyncracies of his beloved boat. It was cosy and perfectly located on lovely view of river. Beds clean and comfortable although a little short. It really had everything we needed for a short stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Karen B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location

The location is great for ease of getting around . A few minutes walk to Kew Bridge station. Ideal for lovers of birds as opposite a nature reserve on The Thames. The beds were clean and surprisingly comfortable. I did find it strange that the owner leaves so many personal belongings around the boat when renting out which made it feel cluttered.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elisabeth R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great, fun stay

The boat was a great, fun stay in London. A few minutes walk from Kew bridge station and the buses to get around London, yet lovely and quiet. Perfect to be able to walk across the bridge into Kew. Delightful to wake up to see the birds on the river and watch the rowers practising. The rooms are snug, cosy and warm in winter but easy to open up windows to catch a breeze in summer. The beds are comfortable and the bathroom and shower are great. The kitchen is compact but all you need to make a meal. The owner leaves alot of bits and pieces too so there is always salt, oil, milk etc. completely recommend for an unusual and fun stay in London.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Adrian R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great location

rustic accomadation , great location, easy walking to great pubs and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So happy

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Keith F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visit to London

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
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Karen M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Different Way to Stay

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Isabel E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience - Lovely Owner

Not Brilliant for sleeping if your over 6 foot Internet needs improving but a fantastic experience
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely short stay on the Thames near Kew

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

6/10 Okay

andy d.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Seacrest

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Iris C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous location

Relaxing Great location for visiting Kew Gardens
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheena M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Room with a kew

This was a wonderful couple of days in a idyllic location, easy communication with the owner , highly recommended
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael B., Leeds, England

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Graham Woollven

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique Location

This is a holiday location far from the ordinary. It is well described but nothing can really prepare you for the actual situation so close to the tidal Thames. The space is limited and would not be easy for anyone with any kind of mobility issue but the setting is pretty unique with activity and wildlife in abundance.. Mark the host was very helpful, welcoming and informative.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Something different

We enjoyed our weekend. Mark was a friendly host. The location is excellent. Close to tube links and Kew Village for restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Ian H., Swansea

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

At first, i thought it was a bit tight inside, however we soon adjusted and really enjoyed.

It was different staying on a boat, very nice location. The boat is an elderly lady, but has everything you need.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kris Anne Magnolia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Value for Money

Had a comfortable stay. Boat is bigger than expected, complete with everything you might need. Nice and quiet location. Mark was a very hospitable host. Loved the experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend break

We had a great time on the boat and Mark was a great host. As long as you don't expect a luxury hotel and like us enjoy the unique features you will not be disappointed. Thank you Mark we had a lovely weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sam W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

We had a fabulous time. Mark was so welcoming and hospitable. He showed us the ropes and was very patient explaining how everything worked. The boat is really special with everything you need for your stay supplied. There is plenty of outdoor space to sit and chill and watch the world go by. The spot is perfect with plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from - we especially enjoyed The Greyhound across the bridge. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

tracie b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky

Quirky stay Fun weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Colin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Something out of the of the ordinary!

I have to disappoint if you are expecting the Ritz or the Savoy, but if you are looking for something different from the norm, then Seacrest is for you! Quirky accommodation for sure but to eat and sleep on the peaceful banks of the tidal Thames has to be experienced once in a lifetime. Local facilities close to hand, as is secured local parking. Thoroughly recommend. Give it a try sometime….
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Mark Scorer

Host profile image
We are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests. Anita and I are passionate environmentalists with a keen interest in philosophy and a love of life on water. I've gravitated from seafaring all around the world to ending up on what I consider to be the best spot on the river Thames. We love to make the most of having London on our doorstep and attend the theatre, art exhibitions and concerts as often as we can. It would be our pleasure to share this idyllic backwater with you.

Anita's background is in theatre and she is well equipped to recommend all the best shows and art exhibitions in town (along with her favourite boutique shops and restaurants). I am a Financial Adviser who loves yoga, sailing, philosophy and the great outdoors.

Why they chose this property

Seacrest is truly unique. If you'd like a sneak preview, you can even see it, moored in its present location in the background shot of the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night (with Ringo idling in the foreground).

A Historic vessel in beautiful condition, Seacrest has probably been lived on since the second world war. Builts of beautiful, well kept teak, she is furnished with cozy cabins, porthole windows and a full sized bathroom below. Above you can enjoy watching the birds on the nature reserve at the galley sink, and unbelievable sunrises and sunsets at the dining table.

The location is superb, connecting you to everything London has to offer whilst also providing the most peaceful, beautiful stay, enveloped in natural surroundings.

What makes this property unique

Everything about this home is unique, very few people have the opportunity to stay on the tidal Thames and experience the gentle rise and fall of the 20 feet tides, and the ebb and flow of this glorious river, with ducks, swans, geese and sometimes even seals peering in at the window.

Languages:

English
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