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Entire house boat

Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

Riverfront houseboat in Brentford with a water park

Photo gallery for Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens.

Dining
Lobby
Fitness facility
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Located on the tidal Thames, Seacrest offers a tranquil retreat with stunning sunset views and direct access to Central London's amenities. Take a riverside walk to restaurants and pubs or explore Kew Bridge’s boutique businesses, from paddle boarding to gyms and spas.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 334 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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 amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Composting
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 370 square feet
  • Water-efficient toilets

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Text me when you leave.
Leave the Trash bagged in Black bags
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Charming Historic Boat Moored Opposite Kew Gardens
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. Houseboat
Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. Brentford

About the neighborhood

Map
Brentford

What's nearby

  • Thames River - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Thames Path - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Gtech Community Stadium - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Gunnersbury Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Orangery - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Express Tavern - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Coach & Horses Hotel - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Black Dog Beer House - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

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

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the 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.?

Check-out 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. Ealing Broadway Shopping Center and Richmond Park are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kew Bridge Station is only a 4-minute walk and Gunnersbury Underground Station is 17 minutes.

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Charming Historic Boat Moored opposite Kew Gardens. Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 58 out of 94 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 94 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 94 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 94 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 94 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kai L.

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

Fun and unique

Great host and fun location. Great coffee shops and food options nearby.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca B.

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

I’m on a boat!

Learning to navigate the idiosyncrasies of a boat was a unique experience for us. We enjoyed the pubs, scenery, birds and Kew Gardens. It is an easy walk to the train station with our favorite pub food right next to it. Mark was very welcoming and made sure that all our needs were met. Thanks
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

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

Great stay on Seacrest

We had a lovely stay on Seacrest and Mark is a very helpful and responsive host. We would absolutely stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

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

Amy B.

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

Charming boat

Very comfortable, peaceful, lovely location near Kew Gardens. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

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

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

Mark K., San Francisco

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

One of a kind stay in London

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!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas D.

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

Romantic spot on the Thames

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter D.

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

Tribute to the tidal Thames

Six nights in a brilliant location, watching the ever-changing Thames as the tides rise and fall, providing an array of incredible birdlife. The boat is a little quirky, but cosy and comfortable - a little agility is needed to move between decks, but nothing daunting. Mark’s welcome and introduction left nothing wanting, and communication before and during our stay was first rate. All up.. magical!! Thanks, Mark.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jason E.

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

Unique & Fun Stay – But Not for Everyone

Unique & Fun Stay – But Not for EveryoneWe had a really fun time staying on this charming historic boat across from Kew Gardens. It's definitely a memorable and unique experience—something different from the typical hotel or rental flat. The owner was lovely and very accommodating, even allowing us to check in early, which we really appreciated.That said, this place won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. While it has a lot of character, it’s also quite cluttered and feels like it could use a deep clean and a bit of general maintenance. The outdoor area was messy, with a yard full of goose droppings, which made it less pleasant to enjoy the outside space.Inside, while cozy and full of quirky charm, things were a bit dirty and disorganized. If you're someone who prefers pristine, polished spaces, this may not be the right fit. But if you’re up for something a bit rustic and don’t mind a few rough edges, it’s a fun and memorable place to stay.Overall, we genuinely enjoyed the experience, but just go in with realistic expectations—this is a charming, lived-in boat, not a luxury hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle H., Utah, USA

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

Unique experience

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Susan M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Do your research

This property is very small with ceilings under 5’10, we could not stay there at all. My husband is 6’2 and could not stand up straight without getting a concussion. The property owner was a lovely man, but I was ver disappointed with the description of the houseboat as a lot of information was absent and we could not get a refund. It was a sad start to our vacation.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen-Jane B.

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

A little bit of paradise on the Thames

I had been looking forward to this stay , and I was not disappointed. Seacrest is a 109 year old motor boat moored on the Thames at Kew Bridge. It was but a five minute walk along the river bank from Kew Bridge Station to the find Seacrest hidden behind an imposing brick wall. Mark welcomed me and showed me around the boat and its workings. When he left I was confident I could make everything work and I had a sense of nearby places. The rooms were delightful and the top deck room provided a great view of the Kew Bridge, the wildlife, the rowers, swimmers and other boats. One did not really need to leave, but if you did there were lovely pubs, shops and cafes all within a 5-15 minute walk. The amazing thing, was the silence. On the other side of the path were multi story apartments, busy roads and the like, but my view was the river and all It entailed. For those looking for something different, something to put your feet up, or just a great base to explore this side of London, than Seacrest may be just what you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig C.

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

Hotels are boring next to Sea Crest

The Pros: Owner, Mark, is gracious, communicates well, provides a tour, and is generous with an attitude what his is yours to use. -You are entering Mark’s world and his play ground. He is nice enough to share his family retreat and now that he is retired & children are gone he shared it with us. I loved it!-there are his memories, journals, knickknacks, books, photos everywhere, yes it is a bit cluttered but has life. -it was fun to brag you are staying on a boat to others around the city and they are all eager to ask questions. -a time capsule -cast iron tub that is large and they must have built the boat around it 109 years ago, be sure to take a bath, lots of hot water. -the swans visit every day looking for an offering from you. -everything is different from the modern hotel but is highly usable. -compost toilet but does not stink-old school faucets with good water pressure -5 meter tide twice a day -bus stop is 100 yards away to everything and TUBE No reason to ever take a cab -very safe, of course you do have a moat around you with gate, and wall. -Cons: -Ceiling can be a head banger but you get use to where and when to duck quickly. Over 6’ tall and you will learn faster than others. -All Mark’s trinkets give the place a clutter feel. -Suck it up, you are in a time capsule, wonderful view, QUITE, SAFE, and everything works, just takes a bit of getting use to. -Beds are short as they all were in those days but comfort
Mid tide
Low tide
General quite view. Loved it. A hotel seems boring now
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Marian S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
The check in was very good but the boat really needs a good clean inside and out. There are a lot of personal items so it is hard to use surfaces. The washing machine cannot be accessed unless you contact Marc. The little fridge was difficult to control. Bring your own laptop if you want to watch movies as we didn’t have ours. Lots of hot water and the beds are comfortable with nice clean white sheets. The bathroom is fine. The best part was all the ducks, heron, egret & geese you see on the river and how close it is to the Thames path, Kew Gardens and the Musical Museum.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carla R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My second time staying on the boat and it was as delightful as the first. Definitely a different perspective on London and the Thames
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

annie

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a delightful old boat in an idyllic setting! Seeing the 'old' craft of making a boat, the woodwork, thinking thru how to naximize use of space fascinated me. Loved my stay. Mark is charming, be sure to have him tell you the history of the boat! He stocked the fridge with brekkie, there was a bowl of perfect apples and charming bouquets of flowers all about. I loved being on the river opposite the nature reserve island and all the creatures living on it. So much to watch, I ended up not going to any of the nifty pubs about, in favor of sitting on 'my' boat and enjoying the surroundings.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rene B.

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

Title

The location is very nice. Near the railway station. Easy to go to the City center. Shops and restaurants near the boat. Mark is a nice and helpful man. The onlydownside point;too many private stuff. Nog enough Spaces for 3 adults.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeb W.

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

Wonderful NYE/football trip based from Seacrest

Mark was incredibly accommodating with arrival and check out times! Gave many recommendations for the local area and was thorough in his informing us about the quirks and pleasantries of the Seacrest. We spent most of our time in London proper but breakfast and pubs were easy to find in Kew. Public transit made travel from the boat quite easy. Will be returning if we come back to London!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Lisa D.

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

Cozy boat

The boat and location are lovely and quaint..moored across from a bird sanctuary within walking distance of Kew Gardens. It is a boat so be ready for the intimacy of the space. Mark was a very responsive host.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rick E.

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

Classic Boat on the Thames

Mark provided everything we needed to have a great time on Seacrest. Plenty of food and coffee, guides, maps and books. There is plenty of room inside and wonderful views of wildlife out the panoramic windows. Overall we really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Keith S.

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

Great experience

Wonderful stay, incredible location , friendly and accommodating host who was easy to reach
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Mary B.

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

Not as expected

The description of the boat was misleading. The sleeping cabins were difficult to get into, down a steep awkward ladder down below the galley. Nor did they mention that the composting toilet required each person to sit on it and it was not pleasant. Also the boat was not very clean and there were personal affects of the owner all over the kitchen and salon. The boat sits on mud when the tide is out. The gangplank to get on the boat was wobbly and dangerous. The sheets were clean and we enjoyed the swans drifting by in the morning. The view was lovely. We left before the second night. On it and was not pleasant. on the toilet and
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

brent c.

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

3 night on MV Seacrest

Boats are novel and fun and be clear that spaces are tight, a little up and down, and you"ll be just great
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024