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.