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Located in Rochester, the recently renovated Inner Dowsing Lightship provides accommodation 2.8 km from Rochester Castle and 4.2 km from Chatham Train Station. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are available at the boat free of charge. The boat offers river views and a sun terrace. At the boat, all units are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. Guests can enjoy a meal at an outdoor dining area at the boat. Buffet and continental breakfast options with fresh pastries, pancakes and fruits are available daily at Inner Dowsing Lightship. Historic Chatham Dockyard is 4.8 km from the accommodation, while Leeds Castle is 21 km away. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 48 km from Inner Dowsing Lightship.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.3)

Breakfast info

Continental, Buffet

Free parking available on-site


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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
and
1 bunk bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
10
Facilities
9.3
Cleanliness
9.9
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
9.2
Location
9.3
Free WiFi
10
High score for Rochester
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • John
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Lovely location right on the River Medway with views across to the castle and the cathedral. Lots of wildlife to view. The welcome we received was warm and friendly. The lightship was quirky and there's a lovely upper deck to sit out on in good...
  • Lynne
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The lightship has been beautifully converted. It felt a very magical spot indeed
  • Wendy
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Beautiful boat and tastefully decorated by the owner’s. Every comfort and luxury accounted for. Very kind hosts.

Host Information

10
10
Host review score
Host review score

Inner Dowsing is an historic wooden lightship, built in 1840. Since moving onboard in early 2023, we have refurbished the whole ship, including fitting out the two guest cabins to a high standard. Each cabin affords wonderful views of the Medway river and valley beyond, as well as Rochester Cathedral and Castle, which are only a 30 min walk away along the river. There are two convenience stores in Borstal village, a 10-min walk away, as well as a pub which serves great food. There are also a number of takeaways. For even more choice, head to the picturesque high street in Rochester, where you will find a huge selection of restaurants, including Italian, Indian, Turkish and Spanish.
Our location in the marina offers a tranquil place to kick back and relax within the peaceful surroundings. Our family live on the houseboat, so we are always available, should you need any assistance, or suggestions for things to do in the area.
Picturesque Rochester High Street is just 1.5 miles away from our houseboat, where you will find a wealth of independent shops and cafes. You can visit the grounds of Rochester Castle, a Norman structure built in 1087, with the tallest Norman keep in England. Just across from the castle is Rochester Cathedral, which has been a place of Christian worship since AD604. Throughout the year, the town plays host to a variety of festivals including the Dickens Festival and Sweeps Festival.
Languages spoken: English,Korean

Property surroundings

Facilities of Inner Dowsing Lightship
Great facilities! Review score, 9.3

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
View
  • River view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
Kitchen
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
Living Area
  • Dining area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible).
    Services
    • Laundry
    Reception services
    • Invoice provided
    General
    • Carbon monoxide detector
    • Non-smoking throughout
    • Heating
    • Fan
    • Non-smoking rooms
    Accessibility
    • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
    Languages spoken
    • English
    • Korean

    House rules

    Inner Dowsing Lightship takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in

    From 15:30 to 22:00

    Check-out

    Until 11:00

     

    Cancellation/
    prepayment

    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children older than 1 year are welcome.

    Children 13 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

    To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

    Age restriction

    The minimum age for check-in is 18

    Payments by Booking.com

    Booking.com takes your payment on behalf of the property for this reservation. During your stay you can pay for any extras using Mastercard, ​Visa, ​Cash only and American Express .


    Smoking

    Smoking is not allowed.

    Parties

    Parties/events are not allowed

    Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    Please inform Inner Dowsing Lightship in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

    This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

    Legal information

    This property is managed by a private host. EU consumer law relating to professional hosts might not apply.

    FAQs about Inner Dowsing Lightship

    • Inner Dowsing Lightship offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Check-in at Inner Dowsing Lightship is from 15:30, and check-out is until 11:00.

      • Inner Dowsing Lightship is 1.4 miles from the centre of Rochester. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

      • Guests staying at Inner Dowsing Lightship can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).

        Breakfast option(s) include:

        • Continental
        • Buffet

      • Yes, Inner Dowsing Lightship is popular with guests booking family stays.

      • The prices at Inner Dowsing Lightship may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.