Top 5 Houseboats Near Brighton, UK - Updated 2024

Anushka
Anushka  
Updated
| 3 min read

Just along the South Coast of England in Sussex, you’ll find the perfect spot for your upcoming beach holiday near the city of Brighton. The beautiful, sunny seaside is ideal for relaxing or for water sports, swimming and fishing. No wonder it highlights a parade of beachfront hotels. The vibrancy of the nightlife is reflected in the pubs, restaurants and nightclubs bustling with crowds and music. You can also participate in its cultural festivals, along with a visit to historical landmarks such as Royal Pavilion. While Brighton also makes for a great destination for camping with its many glamping spots, staying in a floating home remains popular among tourists. You’ll find communities of gorgeous houseboats nearby, offering comfortable and secure accommodations. It can be an experience like no other! While you wonder, you can check out these top houseboats near Brighton, UK.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 02, 2024.

1. Rhubarb and Custard (from USD 60)

Meet Rhubarb and Custard, a captivating narrow houseboat that rests gracefully on a nature reserve riverbank near the idyllic South Downs National Park, West Sussex. Meticulously restored, its rustic appeal blends seamlessly with modern convenience, boasting a well-equipped kitchen, central heating, WiFi, and a bathroom with a shower.

You can embrace relaxation in the cosy saloon with a multi-fuel burner or the inviting lounge with board games. Outdoors, revel in the private seating area while absorbing breathtaking views of the serene river Adur and its vibrant avian inhabitants. At this long-term houseboat rental near Brighton, a cheap car park conveniently lies just 50 meters (164.04 feet) away while free parking is available on the main roads.

Stayed at this property?
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.85 km (4.9 mi) from National Trust - Devil's Dyke
83 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we also really appreciate being allowed to arrive early plus having an extra bed made up for us
all our needs were catered for on board rhubard which made for a comfortable and cosy stay
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean very comfortable
clean cosy great for a getaway
we were very happy with the cleanliness decor and information we were given when we arrived
very clean cosy and warm we enjoyed games by the woodburner
Host:
elise was very accommodating great host
elise was an incredibly attentive and friendly host
elise is a wonderful host she is so accommodating and friendly
elise was a great host really helpful and informative
what a host elise is always making sure that your stay is well taken care off
Location:
the location is fantastic
location amazing just minutes from the beach
lovely unique place to stay
super comfy beds lovely stylish decor and a great location for exploring the seaside
we loved our stay it was fun and quirky and great location
Read more reviews

2. Houseboat Bimini (from USD 215)

Overlooking Shoreham Beach, Houseboat Bimini is a vintage motor torpedo boat transformed into a stunning hideaway. A timeless beauty aged over 50 years, its renovated charm welcomes medium-sized group travelers on a tranquil riverbank. You can lounge on the deck and take pleasure in the glorious sunsets across the seafront, which is only a two-minute walk away.

Staged on two levels, the luxurious and spacious interior is a delightful surprise. The cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace is the true star of the top floor. It is the perfect spot for immersive movie nights and streaming, showcasing a 100-inch (254.00-centimeter) ceiling-mounted retractable screen. Below, the Swedish sauna takes all the glory. A well-appointed kitchen is also available for guests looking to enjoy home-style recipes.

Stayed at this property?
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.79 km (4.9 mi) from National Trust - Devil's Dyke
34 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi worked perfectly we enjoyed watching films on the projector screen
i particularly liked the screen for watching television whilst relaxing on the big sofa
all the amenities we’re fantastic and everyone loved the comfy beds
we managed to relax after they had gone to bed
Cleanliness:
great accommodation clean and well equipped
from the kitchen to the bathroom was clean and all that you might need was there
Host:
helpful local info provided
julia was a wonderful host
julia had thought if everything and was so welcoming & helpful
julia is a great host friendly helpful informative and generous
julia was a fantastic host - so helpful and welcoming
Location:
we loved this unique location
the location is very special and unique with the sea just a few minutes' walk away
unique accommodations perfect location to beach and town centre
great location for the beach town public transport
really fun accommodation in a great location
Read more reviews

3. Shieldsmaiden (from USD 117)

This one is a unique floating studio on the river Adur, bordered by the South Downs and the stunning Shoreham Beach. Along with all the basic amenities, you’ll enjoy the entertainment stuff here. You can get engrossed in the lucrative shelves of books. Showering is fun if you dance your heart away to some music from the waterproof speaker.

At night, you can curl up on the bed and enjoy the luminous view of the waves. There are plenty of eateries and takeaways on the beach, along with a general beach store.

While high tide can lead to an adventurous stay, the boat is also a haven for tranquillity. It’s important to remember the doors do not have locks to develop a closer community feeling.

Stayed at this property?
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.53 km (4.7 mi) from National Trust - Devil's Dyke
3 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

4. Enstone (from USD 109)

Moored on the river Adur, this converted WWII motor torpedo boat might just be the perfect retreat for you and your loved ones. The huge window overlooking the estuary offers a stunning view that you’ll enjoy. The place is tucked in a two-story houseboat near Brighton, and you’ll have access to the private flat on the lower deck complete with all the necessary supplies and kitchen appliances.

To ensure a floating stay, look for a water height of more than 5.7 m ( 18.7 ft). There’s also a sizeable jetty, where you can spend a while relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget to bring some movies to enjoy your leisure watching them on the TV.

Stayed at this property?
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.7 km (4.8 mi) from National Trust - Devil's Dyke
174 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Houseboat 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's cozy quiet and filled with natural light
comfortable and cosy in a unique setting with amazing views
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean and the bed was 1 of the comfiest beds i've ever slept in
great stay at heather's very cosy house boat airbnb it's clean and surprisingly spacious
it was clean and had everything necessary for a comfortable stay
amazing place to stay the boat was so clean and tidy
a very unique stay on the former ww2 boat very clean with everything you will need
Host:
the boat is excellent and heather is a great host
heather the host was lovely and made us feel very welcome
heather is a great host so welcoming and friendly
the boat was perfect for our honeymoon of quirky places and heather was a great host
very friendly and helpful host would recommend to anyone
Location:
location excellent
great location the beach and town both just a 5 minute walk
a beautiful unique place to stay and everything you need really close by
heather was a great host and the location for the beach town and train station are super convenient
great area into the blue seafood restaurant is a 2 minute walk and was phenomenal
Read more reviews

5. Bunty

This mini houseboat on the Adur estuary is your definition of a cosy yet comfortable stay. From the saloon of this converted cabin cruiser, you can enjoy the splendid views of the river, sea and the surrounding town. You can go for a swim or indulge in your favourite water sports during the day.

You’ll find a well-equipped living space and free Wi-Fi if you need to work. You don’t have to worry if you will bring a car as there is a driveway parking. Necessary cooking and hygiene facilities are accessible for a convenient stay. During the night, guests can use the provided security lights.

Note that the houseboat floats during high tides. It also accommodates guests for longer-term periods as per their requests. Moreover, Bunty guarantees complete privacy, and it certainly can be a dreamy getaway for couples.

Stayed at this property?
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.8 km (4.9 mi) from National Trust - Devil's Dyke
114 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi signal was good
shower and space to relax cannot fault
bunty was an absolutely adorable and cozy place to stay for the week
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and cosy
bunty was very clean and well equipped
very clean and loads of lovely little touches :)
bunty was so clean and tidy and we really appreciated all the little touches
our stay in bunty was just lovely bunty was clean and more spacious than she seemed on the photos
Host:
jo was a lovely host
jo is a fantastic host
wonderful hosts and bunty is so delightful
jo is a brilliant host
thank you to jo who is a wonderful and friendly host we will be back
Location:
close to shoreham in the middle of a wonderfully eclectic house boat community
wonderful location for beaches and towns
perfect get away spot with restaurants and shops a short walk away
the location is great for trips to brighton and surrounding areas whether by train or bus
a brilliant and unique stay in a really lovely location
Read more reviews

Book your dreamy houseboat near Brighton

Make your vacation more enjoyable and rent a boat near Brighton. They combine the comfort and safety of home with the pleasures of enthralling sea views and floating. Start manifesting while you take notes of the top houseboats near Brighton, UK.

Stayed at this property?

Frequently asked questions about the top houseboats near Brighton, UK


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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