Inner Dowsing Lightship in Rochester (Kent), England

Inner Dowsing Lightship was built in 1839 and now rests as a static accommodation on the River Medway. This retired vessel once guided ships in the Lincolnshire Wash and has been restored with its original deck and timbers. Guests can read the history of the ship in the breakfast room and watch the tide come and go from the deck.

The lightship offers a double room with private bathroom and a sunken bath, a family room with shower and bunk beds, and a self-catering apartment with a kitchenette and fireplace. The apartment includes a reading nook and parquet floors, while the double rooms have direct access to the top deck. Each room has a private seating area on deck, and the apartment has a separate dining area.

Rochester Castle is 3.1 km from the lightship, Chatham Train Station is 4.2 km, and Historic Chatham Dockyard is 4.8 km. A riverside walk of about 30 minutes leads into Rochester town, which has a cathedral, castle, and high street. London City Airport is 47 km away, and a pub with food and a local cafe are within walking distance of the marina.

The lightship has a sun terrace and a top deck with seating that overlooks the river, the Medway Bridge, and Rochester's castle and cathedral. The marina car park has a small cafe open in fair weather, and there is a children's playground and playing field just outside the marina gates. Guests can watch river wildlife, boats, and the changing tides from the deck.

Vessel: 1839 lightship on the River Medway

Rooms: Double/family rooms plus self-catering apartment

Dining: Continental breakfast with hot options

Activities: River walks, wildlife watching, boating

Location: 3.1 km from Rochester Castle