Live London differently. The houseboat is a unique place to stay in London, just down the River Thames from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London and just 5 minutes’ walk from Limehouse DLR station which means that all London landmarks are right on your doorstep. It is designed with every comfort in mind, including super fast Wifi, smart TV with content streaming services, extra comfortable beds with mattress toppers, feather down pillows and top quality linen. A freestanding bath and separate shower in the luxuriously appointed bathroom complete an experience which you and your guests will not forget. There are radiators throughout the boat making this a cosy and comfortable home all year round. The space You enter the boat at the stern (back) where you’ll find seating for 6-8 people around a wooden semi-circular table and comfortable semi-circular bench seating with soft cushions. Outlook across Limehouse Marina from all aspects. There is an infra-red lamp hanging above the table which provides both light in the evening and heat for those cooler days and nights, making this covered area useable all year round.
You then step down into a large open plan living space. Here you will find a comfortable corner sofa facing a wall mounted 43” smart TV with content streaming services available, supported by the super fast Wifi. In this space there is also a small library with an excellent cross-section of books for those lazier days on board. Just to one side there is a desk and chair for anyone who needs to work from home while on board.
Beyond this is an amazing kitchen and eating space, incorporating a very large marble-topped island (with sink and breakfast bar and four stools). This is a state of the art kitchen which any chef will be happy to work from, which includes a wine fridge, dishwasher, washer/dryer, integrated oven/microwave/grill, large fridge and separate freezer. Every possible piece of kitchen equipment is included to allow you to prepare meals on board or simply to be confident of your wine being chilled at exactly the right temperature.
The corridor leading off the open plan living area is lined with artwork from around the world. The first room you come to is the smaller second bedroom with a luxurious double bed, guaranteeing the most comfortable night’s sleep. All linen, towels, pillows and duvets are of the very highest standard. This bedroom has an open wardrobe with hanging and storage space for your clothes.
The next door leads to the very well appointed bathroom. There is a freestanding bath, separate shower unit with a rainforest shower head, basin, and WC. Grey slate flooring completes the room.
There is a connecting door from the bathroom into the main bedroom, passing through a dressing room area with plenty of hanging space and drawer space for all of your clothing and other personal items. The main bedroom itself feels indulgent and spacious. The king size bed is supremely comfortable with top quality mattress topper and a beautiful deep green velvet headboard. There are beautiful original paintings hanging on the walls and double doors give out onto a very private patio space at the bow (front) of the boat, complete with planting, two comfortable seats and a small table for your morning cup of coffee or evening drink. The space (and all windows down one side of the boat) offer spectacular views across the marina, looking west towards the setting sun.
The mooring position of this boat is without doubt the most favourable in the whole of the marina, totally private and offering a quiet hideaway in this global city, yet within easy reach of all London’s tourist attractions. Guest access You will be able to access all areas of the boat
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please leave both sets of keys in the bowl on the desk and shut the door securely behind you
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
London
Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Canary Wharf, a neighbourhood in London. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hyde Park and Thames River, while Sky Garden and London Eye are popular area attractions. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at London Stadium or ExCeL Exhibition Centre. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as power boating.
Queen Mary, University of London - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Getting around
Limehouse Station - 6 min walk
Limehouse DLR Station - 6 min walk
London (LCY-London City) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Kirvem - 6 min walk
The Grapes - 4 min walk
La Figa - 4 min walk
The Clement Attlee (by the Craft Beer co) - 6 min walk
The Old Ship - 7 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Luxurious houseboat in London pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Luxurious houseboat in London?
As of 9 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Luxurious houseboat in London on 14 June 2026 start from AU$570, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Luxurious houseboat in London?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Luxurious houseboat in London?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Luxurious houseboat in London located?
Located in Canary Wharf, this houseboat is within 3 miles (5 km) of Tower of London, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. St. Paul's Cathedral and Liverpool Street are also within 3 miles (5 km). Limehouse DLR Station is 6 minutes by foot and Westferry Station is 12 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Had a wonderful time staying here. Pam was very helpful and it was a great little pocket of quiet on our trip!
Whitney N.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar 2025
Thanks Whitney- so pleased that you enjoyed your stay onboard and we hope that you will return again some day.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Safouen
18 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The houseboat was such a great idea to experience London as a family, made even better thanks to James who is everything you hope for in a host: responsive, attentive, and caring. Would stay there again in a heart beat!
My friend and I stayed on the boat for a girls trip. It was perfect. Spacious, clean, and cute. The neighborhood felt very safe and it was a quick walk to the train station as well as some great food options. It was so nice to just sit on the front of the boat and watch the ducks and swans.
J C.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2025
Delighted that you both enjoyed yourselves on the houseboat and that you were able to take advantage of all that the surrounding area in London has to offer
lovely stay here in london, james was friendly, responsive, accommodating & a fantastic host! if you’re looking to still be in the city while being away from the hustle and bustle of downtown london to turn down, this is the place for you! would stay here again!
Ioana M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
Many thanks for,your kind review Ioana- so pleased that you both enjoyed your stay onboard!
Calm, clean and comfortable, our stay on this lovely canal boat was all we hoped it would be.Five minutes walk to the light rail, close to Canary wharf shops and restaurants, ten minutes to the Tower of London and Bridge. Delightful boat to return to after a busy day in London.
Perfectly clean, great location, easy to get around the city from the location.
Very well appointed, everything you may need.
Host was great, check in was smooth.
Highly recommend
Michael M.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Nov 2024
Many thanks Michael for your positive review. I’m delighted that you found everything worked out so well for you. Thanks for being wonderful guests and look forward to a return visit!
I’ve stayed in various places in London over thirty years but never on a houseboat. The location is lovely, quiet, and interesting. The houseboat itself is roomy and beautifully decorated from any vantage point. The beds were comfy and the rooms charming. The houseboat is conveniently located near the DLR station, a market, and a notable pub and has a great neighborhood feel. James’s hospitality and helpfulness were exactly what we needed. He answered questions quickly and gave good suggestions. Our only regret was that our stay wasn’t longer. We hope to return another time. This was a 10 experience.
Tonia H.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Nov 2025
Thank you Antonia for your warm review. It was a real pleasure hosting you and your sister and I hope very much that you will have the chance to return for a longer period of time. Delighted that you appreciated the peace of the marina within the midst of this busy, global city.
Great location in a spacious (wide) canal boat with lots of perks, this was a gem.
We found the beds, lounge area, kitchen and bath to be up to date and comfortable.
Anytime of year this is a perfect rental. Location was excellent and quiet as well as safe.
A+
stephanne p.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2024
Many thanks Stephanne for your kind words- I’m delighted that you enjoyed the experience of the houseboat so much. As you highlight, the houseboat is a cosy, warm home which works at anytime of the year. Do hope that you will return again next year.
From check in everything was great! Ms. Pam met us to go over everything, and gave great recommendations. We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The location was amazing, we got to ride bikes around and explore the area and met great people. Thank you for making London a memorable stay!
Angela D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
Thanks Angela- delighted that you had such a happy stay onboard and met so many great people in London including Pam, our wonderful Boat Manager at the marina.
Staying at the houseboat was a highlight of our trip to London! Beautifully appointed, wonderful communication with the host and property manager, and close to the DLR and Canary Wharf ferry for transportation. We loved returning each evening to our quiet oasis after a day of sightseeing. We can’t wait to return!
Eleanor E.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2024
Thanks so much Eleanor for your lovely comments- so pleased that you will be returning sometime for a second stay!
The boat provided us with a very comfortable base from which our group of two couples in their 60s could explore Central London and the Abba arena. The fully equiped kitchen and cozy lounge was a very welcome place to relax and socialise. The vicinity of the LDR made our journeys simpke and quick
TheBennyboi88
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Apr 2025
Delighted that you enjoyed yourselves in London and that the boat was such a comfortable base for you.
A perfect respite after a busy day. The houseboat exceeded expectations from a comfortable bed and large bath in quiet harbor with peaceful river view. Everything from communications and check in was seamless and easy. Pam was great in meeting us and making sure we would have a great stay for our anniversary. Traveling into the city using the DLR and Tubes was quick and easy. We loved sitting on the bow with a wine or beer and people/dog/duck watching at the end of the day.
Christine B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lorenzo
27 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The boat was beautiful and very comfy. The hosts were very helpful explaining all the particulars of living on a boat. The area around the boat was relaxing and pretty. We would definitely repeat !
We were looking for somewhere classy but unusual for a city break and this ticked that box.
Fiona M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2024
Thanks so much Fiona for your generous comments and rating- much appreciated. Delighted that you enjoyed the houseboat and look forward to a return visit!
An excellent two bedroom boat house located in Limehouse Basin, a few minutes walk to the DLR with several restaurants in close proximity. Our family really enjoyed our break in London and relaxing in the evening in the covered seated section of the boat.
Martin M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 June 2024
Thanks Martin. So pleased that you and your family enjoyed your stay onboard the houseboat Mbili and the many local attractions, including The Grapes, our local pub owned by the much celebrated actor Sir Ian McKellen!
Even better than described and pictured! James was so helpful and patient and an excellent host. Luxury linens, comfy furniture, and a view that can’t be beat. The surrounding area is a bit busy but we experienced nothing but peace and quiet during our stay. Very convenient location for Uber rides, too! We hope to have the chance to return.
Janie S.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Dec 2024
So pleased Janie that you had such a relaxing and peaceful stay. You were very thoughtful and appreciative guests so I do hope that you will return!
Our family loved it! We had never stayed on a houseboat but it was a wonderful experience. Pam was super helpful and explained everything. The location was perfect to get to all the tourist locations because it is a short walk to the DLR and a bus stop. Being parents with two young kids, we loved having the amazing kitchen for breakfast before heading out for the day, and space to hang out after the kids went to bed each night. The host was very responsive and helpful. Overall excellence getaway spot! We would stay here again!
Michael S.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2025
Thank you Michael! I’m delighted that you and your family had such a great time on the houseboat and do hope that you visit again one day.
What can I say great from the start. The owner communicated with us from the beginning of booking, gave us some great advice and helped with logistics. Upon arriving a clear and concise brief was given and the boat is stunning and has everything you could possibly want, a small and enjoyable walk took us to Canary Wharf where the Uber boats took us all the way down the Thames We will be booking again.
Micky H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2024
Many thanks Micky for your generous comments. I’m delighted that you enjoyed your stay onboard so much and that you took advantage of the many different London transport options available within a few minutes’ walk of the houseboat, including the fantastic Uber fast boat service down the River Thames (well worth doing just as another London experience, as well as a speedy travel choice to the SouthBank, Westminster Abbey etc).
Looking forward to your return visit!
The boat is ideally located for getting in to Central London as wellas Canary Wharf. My friends and I had a lovely relaxing week on the water. James is am excellent host. I will be back.
Nancy H.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2024
Many thanks Nancy for your kind words- it was wonderful to host you and your friends and I’m delighted you found the houseboat to be such a convenient location for visiting all that London has to offer, as well as being within walking distance of Canary Wharf. Looking forward to your return visit!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful houseboat. Check in with Pam was easy and she gave us all the informatiin we needed and could not have been more helpful. The boat was very clean extremely comfortable beds, very warm and well stocked with everything we needed. The Limehouse Basin Areaa was lovely and well served by the DLR which was only a 5-10 min stroll away. We loved everything about our stay here andvwould highly recommend it. We were sorry to leave.scrupulous
Sharyn C.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2025
Many thanks for your generous review Sharyn- delighted that you enjoyed the houseboat so much. Safe onward travels
This was our first experience on a houseboat and we loved it! The property manager Pam was awesome and easy to reach with any issues. She also provided excellent guidance for dining choices in the area and easy access to the DLR public transport system. The boat was amazing and we would do it again when we get back to London.
William K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2024
Thanks William- delighted that you enjoyed yourselves and that we may see you again on your next trip to London. Hope so!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joshua
13 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It's very rare to come across a place and have no complaints, but I can say just that, not one complaint. I loved everything about our stay here in this wonderful houseboat! It had everything you need. It was very clean, very comfortable, and the host was extremely accommodating and very responsive. I hope people see this comment and check this place out when you're visiting London, because it was truly beautiful.
We couldn’t have thought that pictures showed how fabulous this boat is but when you see her and enter it’s stunning. The main area and gorgeous kitchen was a dream. The bedrooms are roomy and everything you could think you needed was available to you.
We stayed here at the end of our long trip and it was the highlight. We couldn’t wait to get back each day.
Thank you James and Pam for everything!!
Tom and Chris D
Christine D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2024
Thanks so much Chris & Tom for your very generous comments- delighted that you loved the boat so much and found it to be a peaceful haven in the middle of a busy global city. Look forward to a return visit!
About the host
Hosted by James Greenshields
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests