Jellybean is a fully retored 1973 Wilderness 'Water Rat' 18ft narrowboat. Described as the 'VW of the of the waterways’, Jellybean has the feel of a campervan crossed with a gypsy wagon. She is moored on a private mooring with her bigger sister Rhubarb and Custard, in the Uk’s smallest RSPB bird reserve, on the mud flats of the River Adur estaury. She is fully self contained, and is perfect for a solo getaway or a romantic couple getaway.
Jellybean has all you will need to be comfortable- a kitchen area with a sink, worktop, gas cooker and oven, small fridge and cooking equipment. Opposite, you will find a small hip bath/ shower and a separate flushing toilet. Further down you will find a seat, custom made table, a small double bed ( 6'ft2”x 4’ft) heating, storage, wifi , a radio, games, towels and books to read.
At the front of Jellybean, there are lovely french windows which open out for you to watch the wildlife in the nature reserve.
Please note the boat acommodation is very cosy, the height of the ceiling is 5'10" (with supports at 5'8") and the toilet room and bath are very small. Please consider this prior to booking.
We have kayaks for you to use when we have tides over 6m and bikes for you to explore the area (free of charge).
The sea is only 1 minute away, and the beach is also a beautiful nature reserve, with a boardwalk to enjoy the sunsets.
Shops and restaurants are only a short walk away and the vibrant city of Brighton is an easy bus or train journey.
There is a table and chairs on the jetty outdoors for you to sit and enjoy a drink or meal Jellybean is part of a totally unique houseboat community which you can explore during your stay. The South Downs National Park is very close with a plethora of cycle routes and walks to discover.
As this is a community we ask guests to be mindful of excessive noise between 11pm and 8am.
No parties please.
Feel free to book Jellybean for up to 2 adults or one adult and one child, but you will need to share the small double bed- there is no space for a separate bed or travel cot.
Smoking outside only please.
There is a pay car park right behind the mooring, which is £5,40 per day. You can pay using an app ( Mipermit) or at the machine. You can park for free on many of side streets leading to the beach.
Shops, cafes and restaurants are all a short walk away.
The boat is easily reached by public transport. Please note- most of the time Jellybean sits on mudflats and she only floats when the tides are 6m and above. Even if the tides are low, you are still able to watch the ever changing landscape of the bird reserve. Please message me ahead of booking if you would like to know the tide schedule.