'Dorothy' is moored in the grounds of a Grade II listed 1839 Lock Cottage in Hanwell, West London, nestled at the confluence of the River Brent and Grand Union Canal. This unique location, urban accessibility amongst wild tranquility, makes a stay here a unique offering, where you can easily explore the city whilst also relaxing in what feels like countryside!
Just a two minute walk from The Fox pub there are 11 parks, Hanwell Zoo, an award-winning Dodo micro pub, locally renowned chip shop ‘The Golden Wonder’, as well as a choice of restaurants and all the amenities of Hanwell on the doorstep. One of “The Times Best Places to Live” Hanwell has easy access to central London via the new, speedy Elizabeth line via Hanwell station, or the Piccadilly line via Boston Manor station.
Dorothy is a lovingly renovated (69ft) narrowboat with all the mod cons: central heating, log burner, TV, Wi-Fi, kitchen (with microwave, kettle and hob etc), hot shower, 2 loos, a seating / dining area and two very comfortable double beds,(we’ve been told)! She's also hooked up to shore power mains electricity so you can plug in phones or computers. For year round comfort she’s super cozy in winter and, with her powerful, wall-mounted bedroom fans, she’s also cool on warm summer nights.
In spring and summer Dorothy is surrounded by a vibrant wildflower meadow that slopes down the river bank to the water’s edge. This serene spot, in a designated conservation area, feels like a countryside escape despite being in West London. Guests can spot skylarks at nearby Warren Farm or rare peregrine falcons soaring above Ealing Hospital, making it one of the capital’s most unexpected wildlife havens. The boat is regularly visited by waterfowl including: Herons, cormorants, coots, ducks, swans and their chicks and goslings. We have a small platform adrift from the rear of the boat especially for the moorhens, that also call this home.
Boat layout
Moored in our private, secure garden, you enter Dorothy at the stern where there is an outdoor seating bench. Through the rear door you follow the steps down to the first bedroom (double bed), then through to bathroom number 1 (toilet, sink and shower). This is followed by bedroom number 2 (double bed), and a further bathroom (toilet and sink only). Doors can separate the bedrooms for added privacy, making it an ideal space for couples and small families (children must be above the age of six years old please). Beyond the seating area is a fully equipped kitchen which includes a hob, microwave, fridge (and small freezer compartment), toaster, kettle, sink and work surfaces. There is also a comfortable seating and dining area with a log burner and 32 inch television (with Freeview as well as Netflix/ Prime etc). There is also an extensive library of over 500 DVDs and a selection of board games to round off the on-board entertainment!
Dorothy is famous!
You may have seen Dorothy before, as she was the star of the ITV2/Hulu comedy series “Zomboat”! Most of which was also filmed on the doorstep, the Grand Union Canal.
Things to note:
We do not accept children under the age of 6yrs.
For safety reasons we kindly ask you do not board the boat roof or gunwales.
This is a residential area, please respect our neighbours (we ask for quiet after 11pm).
Dorothy is not suitable for parties.
River water levels can change, the height of stepping on and off the boat can vary in heavy rainfall.
Please be aware there are a few steps leading down to the boat (which may not be ideal for everyone with disabilities).
Please do ask us any questions, we want you to enjoy your stay!
