Inner Dowsing Lightship

We absolutely loved this place. Unique accommodation, thoughtfully provided, lovely hosts, and just so perfect. The lightship is almost 200 years old and an incredible piece of history. The accommodation is perfectly designed; we had 'Crew Quarters 1' which is upper deck, no cooking facilities but otherwise perfect in every way, facing east and therefore getting the morning sun. We loved waking up to the early sun, and eating our simple rolls and jam (bought previous day from a bakery in town) on the deck outside our room. The lightship is fairly close to a big bridge that carries a lot of traffic, but sitting on the eastern side is as quiet as anything, and that also has the best view, towards Rochester with its river, castle and cathedral. Also of great interest to us is the fact that that view takes in the location of the old Short Brothers aircraft factory by the river - an amazing location that we realised the significance of only after we arrived. The Short flying boats graced the skies between England and Australia in the 1930s for the very, very rich, and then amazingly played a key role in protecting shipping in the Atlantic from the Luftwaffe and the U-boat fleet during World War 2. An incredible story. Our room didn't have a fridge, but Eunha stored our precious bottle of French champagne in her fridge and then brought it up to us in an ice-bucket with champagne flutes on our last night - that is service! We cannot recommend this place highly enough for location, service, peacefulness, uniqueness.

A wonderful stay on this lovely ship. So cosy and private. Lovely owners. Would recommend . Everything in the room you could wish for. Fabulous sitting on deck and admiring the beautiful views of the area. Comfortable bed and great decor. Will be coming back

Very cosy and warm, steep steps up to room and parking a few minutes walk away. A wonderful view to wake up to overlooking the river Medway. No breakfast inc and it’s not clear reading the other reviews, I think it’s overpriced without breakfast. We enjoyed our stay but I wouldn’t stay here again unfortunately. If you are a light sleeper noisy traffic in the background also. The host was friendly.

The property is very different to a hotel I would say quirky very unique being the last wooden hull lightship remaining Very friendly owners who live on board warm and cosy when blowing a gale as it did when we stayed Difficult to find in the dark needs more signage to direct you

The owners were very welcoming and the boat was a lovely experience that we hope to repeat in the near future. Breakfast was delicious and served with a happy smile.

Feel of the Med on the Medway 😎 What a treat staying on a boat! Well worth it. So glad we chose this place. At a marina so a little out of the way. Lovely food at The White Horse Borstal. Hope to return. Need to have reasonable mobility because of steps and hill up to the pub. Jeremy and family were great hosts. We hope to return soon. Thanks for your hospitality. The breakfast was superb.