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 April 23, 2025.
1. Rhubarb and Custard (from USD 44)
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.
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.85 km (4.9 mi) from National Trust - Devil's DykeSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
elise was very accommodating great hostelise was an incredibly attentive and friendly hostelise is a wonderful host she is so accommodating and friendlyelise was a great host really helpful and informativewhat a host elise is always making sure that your stay is well taken care offLocation:
the location is fantasticlocation amazing just minutes from the beachlovely unique place to staysuper comfy beds lovely stylish decor and a great location for exploring the seasidewe loved our stay it was fun and quirky and great locationCleanliness:
spotlessly clean very comfortableclean cosy great for a getawaywe were very happy with the cleanliness decor and information we were given when we arrivedvery clean cosy and warm we enjoyed games by the woodburnerRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we also really appreciate being allowed to arrive early plus having an extra bed made up for usall our needs were catered for on board rhubard which made for a comfortable and cosy stay
2. Houseboat Bimini (from USD 279)
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.
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.79 km (4.9 mi) from National Trust - Devil's DykeAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
helpful local info providedjulia was a wonderful hostjulia had thought if everything and was so welcoming & helpfuljulia is a great host friendly helpful informative and generousjulia was a fantastic host - so helpful and welcomingLocation:
we loved this unique locationthe location is very special and unique with the sea just a few minutes' walk awayunique accommodations perfect location to beach and town centregreat location for the beach town public transportreally fun accommodation in a great locationCleanliness:
great accommodation clean and well equippedfrom the kitchen to the bathroom was clean and all that you might need was thereRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
wifi worked perfectly we enjoyed watching films on the projector screeni particularly liked the screen for watching television whilst relaxing on the big sofaall the amenities we’re fantastic and everyone loved the comfy bedswe managed to relax after they had gone to bed
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.
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.53 km (4.7 mi) from National Trust - Devil's DykeAccommodates: 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.
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.7 km (4.8 mi) from National Trust - Devil's DykeAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
the boat is excellent and heather is a great hostheather the host was lovely and made us feel very welcomeheather is a great host so welcoming and friendlythe boat was perfect for our honeymoon of quirky places and heather was a great hostvery friendly and helpful host would recommend to anyoneLocation:
location excellentgreat location the beach and town both just a 5 minute walka beautiful unique place to stay and everything you need really close byheather was a great host and the location for the beach town and train station are super convenientgreat area into the blue seafood restaurant is a 2 minute walk and was phenomenalCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and the bed was 1 of the comfiest beds i've ever slept ingreat stay at heather's very cosy house boat airbnb it's clean and surprisingly spaciousit was clean and had everything necessary for a comfortable stayamazing place to stay the boat was so clean and tidya very unique stay on the former ww2 boat very clean with everything you will needRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
it's cozy quiet and filled with natural lightcomfortable and cosy in a unique setting with amazing views
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.
West Sussex, England, United Kingdom
7.8 km (4.9 mi) from National Trust - Devil's DykeAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
jo was a lovely hostjo is a fantastic hostwonderful hosts and bunty is so delightfuljo is a brilliant hostthank you to jo who is a wonderful and friendly host we will be backLocation:
close to shoreham in the middle of a wonderfully eclectic house boat communitywonderful location for beaches and townsperfect get away spot with restaurants and shops a short walk awaythe location is great for trips to brighton and surrounding areas whether by train or busa brilliant and unique stay in a really lovely locationCleanliness:
everything was clean and cosybunty was very clean and well equippedvery clean and loads of lovely little touches :)bunty was so clean and tidy and we really appreciated all the little touchesour stay in bunty was just lovely bunty was clean and more spacious than she seemed on the photosRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
wifi signal was goodshower and space to relax cannot faultbunty was an absolutely adorable and cozy place to stay for the week
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.
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