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The Harpy – London’s Most Iconic Houseboat

Built in 1904, HMS Harpy was the world’s first floating Customs & Excise office and The City of London's royal landing stage.  Moored just west of Tower Bridge, King George V visited in 1920 (see the photo in our Gallery). 

The Harpy features in the Legoland London model – a true London icon.

Decommissioned in 1980, The Harpy was acquired by pioneer Docklands developer Andrew Wadsworth, relocated to the South Bank, 400m east of Tower Bridge, and transformed into a spectacular 1,850 sq ft (172 sq m) four-bedroom floating home. 

The Daily Telegraph described The Harpy as “A Magical Family Home.”

Available for holiday lets/vacation rentals, The Harpy offers unbeatable views of Tower Bridge, The City, and Canary Wharf.  

The Harpy sleeps up to 12 guests in 4 cabins, 3 sofa beds, and a cot - perfect for families or groups. 

Nearby London landmarks: Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, St. Katherine's Dock,  HMS Belfast, Southwark Cathedral and the 1,000 year old Borough Market, are within easy walking distance.

Bermondsey Station, on the Jubilee Line is 10 minutes walk, London Bridge Mainline & Underground Station; 15 minutes.

• Minimum stay: 3 nights (7 over Christmas/New Year/Easter)

• Discounts: 15% off 4 weeknights or 10% off 7+ nights

• Deposit: 25% to secure, with balance due 2 months before arrival

• Occasional 2-night stays available – please ask

Book online or contact Andrew:

📞 +44 (0)7836 262222 (also on WhatsApp)

📧 andrew@theharpy.com

The Harpy has been meticulously restored and refitted into a one-off London home - original features with modern comfort and style.

The Sunday Times Travel Magazine described The Harpy as:

“So carefully restored she feels as much museum as home-from-home.”

1920s early modernist Heal’s oak furniture, deep sofas, organic cotton mattresses, Egyptian linen, and luxurious bathrooms. The fully equipped kitchen and bold, eclectic décor include oak floors, Turkish kilims, tribal fabrics, and curated art and objects. Smart touches include dimmable LED lighting, super-fast fibre optic WiFi, Sky Q TV, a 55” curved QLED TV, and an 8-speaker Sonos/Bose system.

Spacious decks and the unrivalled postcard view of Tower Bridge complete the unique and memorable experience.

From 2015, when first available for holiday lets/vacation rentals, guests have consistently given The Harpy 5 star reviews - on this website, Facebook, Google, and Airbnb – with many distinguished guests returning time and again.