Houseboat, sleeps 2-5, on the Thames in Brentford, West London

The Bush Houseboat offers excellent value high quality self-catering accommodation in the heart of West London.

	The Bush Houseboat has been through a complete refit to give it all the comforts of a modern flat.   The new central heating system ensures constant hot water and warmth at the touch of a switch; while the new bathroom comes with power shower, and the kitchen with a plumbed in dishwasher and washing machine.
The kitchen area looking through to the lounge on Bush Houseboat
All the rooms have views straight on to the Thames and the riverbank at Kew Gardens.  Our resident swans can be fed from the kitchen window, and in the Spring, the Canada geese and grebes show off their babies from our boat deck.
The Thames in winter snow as viewed from the deck.
The houseboat has 2 bedrooms, with double and twin beds, and there is a third single bedroom suitable for a child, as the ceiling height is restricted to those under 5' 8in. The large kitchen has a wonderful teak skylight with fabulous views, and the sitting room has a wood burning stove, ideal for cosy winter nights.
Upstairs, the wheelhouse has fitted window seats to make the most of the peaceful surroundings.  Outside, there is a boat deck with a table and chairs for al fresco dining. The boat has a private car park (a blessing in London), and our secluded garden is accessed by the spiral staircase from the car park.  The photograph above shows the view from the lounge through to the kitchen
The local area around Brentford, London
Within walking reach are Kew Gardens, Gunnersbury Steam Museum, and the historic village of Strand on the Green.  From Kew Pier, boats can be taken either up river into Richmond and Hampton Court, or downriver to Westminster Pier and the Houses of Parliament. From Kew Bridge we are 15 minutes by train into Waterloo station and all the attractions of central London. There are lots of lovely places to eat, all within 15 minutes walk from The Bush.  Either follow the Thames path to Strand on the Green with its riverside pubs and restaurants, or walk across Kew Bridge to Kew Green with its choice of restaurants and pubs. The Bush is a unique holiday 'cottage', ideal for a short city break or romantic holiday.  After enjoying all the hustle and bustle of central London come back to the peace and seclusion of the river, away from the noise and rush of traffic and let the river help you unwind.
Contact: Telephone 020 8 892 7241, or 0789 0996905 for more info and bookings.  Please view details  in the database on the left under London.

Popular sights to see in London

Familiar places on the 'must see list' for many tourists to London. View Tower Bridge and the adjacent Tower of London. There is a Tower Bridge Experience Exhibition, St. Katherine's Dock with Dickens Inn just behind Tower Bridge. Lots to view (at least one day's viewing) in the one part of London.

Tours of the Houses of Parliament can be arranged in advance and offer a privileged insight into British history, the royals and politics.

Always wear comfortable footwear for exploring London - even though there is an extensive underground train system, you will find that you walk several kilometres each day. A travel card purchased at any underground station will enable you to hop on and off trains around the capital and save your feet.

A highly recommended way of seeing many famous landmarks is to walk the Thames Path from the Tower of London to Westminster. Much of what you can see is interesting and free.

There are just so many things to see that if you're interested in all of it then it would take more than one day to see.  The Thames Path is well signposted and would enable you to pass or stop at all of the following landmarks:

• Tower Bridge with optional Exhibition
• Tower of London (entry fee but can be highly entertaining with a good guide (Beefeater).  View the crown jewels.
• Boats trips on the Thames are available beside the Tower of London. 
• You could visit HMS Belfast moored permanently on the Thames if you're interested in ships and military matters. Entry fee.
• View the fire of London Monument in passing.  This can be climbed for a view (for a fee) but if you wait until you cross the river via the Millenium Bridge, you can obtain excellent free views from the viewing gallery at the top of the Oxo Tower.  (Also good clean toilets).

• The Thames path varies in its character as you walk. There is a stylish tiled underpass section with historic images. Other sections are somewhat scruffy but all have excellent views of the River Thames..
• Keep walking until you come to the Millenium Bridge.  Stop at St. Pauls if you wish to view, then cross the bridge and take a tour of the Tate Modern art gallery. To the left of Tate Modern is the resurrected Globe Theatre - famous for Shakespearean plays.
• Continue on this side of the Embankment.  Pop into the Oxo Tower and take the lift to the top floor where there is a free viewing gallery plus wine bar, toilets etc.

• Various other things to see en-route including the Festival Theatre.  The approach to the London Eye is a street entertainer venue with a variety of acts to amuse.
• London Eye for the slowest moving carousel on Earth and views of London. Book tickets in advance.  Queues can be lengthy.  
• The London Aquarium is well worth a visit. Saatchi Gallery alongside.
• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are across the river via Westminster bridge, as are Westminster Abbey and cathedral, Foreign and Commonwealth office, Portcullis House and various other very beautiful government buildings.

• Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden

• Hyde Park
• Leicester Square

• Self-catering Thames Path