Judith Barge
Location: King Edward Quay, Colchester, gb
Star Rating: 9.7 Stars
Property Type: Houseboat
About this Property
Unique Accommodation Experience
Discover a one-of-a-kind stay aboard Judith Barge, offering free bikes and modern amenities like air conditioning. Enjoy river views from the terrace and indulge in complimentary chocolates or cookies.
Convenient Location
Located just 4.3 km from Colchester Castle, with easy access to nearby attractions like Hedingham Castle and Freeport Braintree. Take advantage of the free WiFi and on-site parking during your stay.
Market and Relaxation
Unwind in this non-smoking property featuring a fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV, and comfortable bed linen. Benefit from the minimarket on-site for added convenience.
Book now for an unforgettable waterfront experience at Judith Barge.
Important Information
Please note that pets will incur an additional charge of GBP 25 per day, per dog. Please note that a maximum of 2 pets is allowed per booking.This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Managed by a private host
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- Pets allowed
- Non-smoking throughout
- Outdoor furniture
- Pet bowls
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Invoice provided
- Smoke alarms
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Key access
- Food delivered to guest room
- CCTV outside property
- Access to health care professionals
- Shopping on site
- Free wired internet
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Covered parking
- Bicycle-friendly property
Rooms Available
-
Mobile Home
The air-conditioned mobile home features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The well-equipped kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. Featuring a terrace with river views, this mobile home also offers a washing machine and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Minibar
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Radio
- Refrigerator
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Washing machine
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Sofa
- Electric kettle
- Tumble dryer
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Cleaning products
- Terrace
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Clothes rack
- Drying rack for clothing
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Chocolate or cookies
- Wine glasses
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Feather pillow
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- simon (10/5): -
- Jette (9/5): Very clean, with lots of little welcoming treats like hot chocolate, coffee, jams, biscuits etc - Brought own breakfast. Location not awfully nice , but the boat itself perfect Slightly tricky approach from quay, and same for the steps down into cabin - but probably impossible to improve
- Jess (9/5): -
- Liz (10/5): Perfect location for our visit to Colchester and a unique place to stay. - Location was perfect, as we were attending a birthday meal 5 minute walk away. Nothing I can think of
- Jeffrey (10/5): An Easter well spent - A great experience with lots of thoughtful touches to make this a "must do" stay. Really impressed with the layout and facilities and the uniqueness of this accommodation. Everything was perfect.
- kelly (10/5): We’ve already booked to come back again - We have stayed a few times and it’s always great Clean, peaceful
- Sam (10/5): This barge is so cosy! It has all the facilities and more, is super quirky and even a little honesty bar! There is no - Location, coziness, quirky!! Step steps to get in but not enough to put us off
- Elena (10/5): A place to return - Gorgeous location, great size barge with all you need inside, amazing host. NA
- Mark (9/5): Amazing stay in something unique. A restful stay - Clean comfortable and well equipped . Great alternative to a hotel room for a night No complaints
- Clarke (10/5): Leon & Teresa - Very nice stay and lots of finishing touches and everything was at hand,a lovely stay thank you Nothing bad about the place but the sofa was very cosy and missed the tv in there,not a bad thing at all
- Sander (10/5): Great - Beautiful boat. Highly recommended
- Prior (9/5): - The boat is stocked with free stuff and toiletries and very well maintained The open roof not having any way to be covered at night
- Benjamin (9/5): Lovely - I liked how looks can be deceiving, as was beautiful inside! N/A
- David (10/5): Awesome barge away from home - Lovely little barge with all the conveniences you need- full kitchen, washer, dryer, straighteners, and hairdryer. Reallly well considered.
- Jessica (10/5): Beautiful barge, will definitely stay again! - Very clean and furnished lovely! Nothing
- Laurence (8/5): Nice - The layout was nice and comfortable Not much room down side of bed but to be fair it is a barge
- Roy (9/5): As everything was first class , big shout out to our host Stacey - Everything Being a bit old the stairs wet a bit difficult
- dave (10/5): Fantastic place to stay - Everything Nothing
- mark (10/5): - Another amazing stay Nothing
- Seaman (10/5): -
- Dawn (10/5): Absolutely delightful can’t wait to come again - Everything little detail had been thought about, from having straighteners & hairdryer to use to the little extra touches considered. Spacious inside & yet quite a cosy feeling at the same time. First time ever staying on a barge and throughly enjoyed my/our stay. Definitely will be back, absolutely loved it! Other half wants to know where the sofa is from! Ha ha Nothing - there is nothing not to like about this property!! It’s beautiful and I’d love to own one myself!
- Demi (10/5): The perfect barge get away - Everything! Stacy was wonderful! We loved the bench on top deck! The layout of everything and the living space is massive! We had everything there we needed. Stacy really covered for everything! All the little touches made it perfect! We even got to feed the ducks ! (And pigeons) we had a lovely walk of a night looking at the other barges. We went for a lovely visit to the nature reserve and a squirrel took a peanut from my hand! ☺️ we see the castle! The stay was just amazing. They had gone above and beyond to make our stay perfect and that it was. Immaculate not a spec of dust in sight! We will be back 1000% this will be a regular for us now. Our families have fallen in-love from the photos and videos we showed them too and want to book. :) thank you so much! The only thing I didn’t like is that we didn’t book another night :( definitely need more than a night there!
- paul (10/5): -
- aitken (10/5): Judith Barge - Everything about the barge was fantastic, it had everything you could need and more. Already recommended to family and friends, we will definitely return. Book Judith Barge, you will not be disappointed. Ubers had trouble locating us but this was not the hosts fault!
- Sam (10/5): A little haven - The barge was so cosy! There is everything you could possibly need and more. Nothing
- Peter (10/5): Enjoyed our stay on the barge visiting friends in Colchester and walks in the area. - The location was good for a walk on the opposite side of the river to Wivenhoe. Also we did good walks in High Woods Country park. It was a good location for us to visit our friends in Colchester. It was good staying on a boat being a bit more unusual. The extract fan wasn’t working in the bathroom. The ladder access was not really suitable for a larger dog but you cannot change that, it’s just how the boat is built. Possibly people booking would not be aware of the access ladder.
- Rhonda (10/5): - Amazing place to stay! Would definitely recommend and return.
- David (10/5): Amazing - Loved how quiet it was and remotely out the way nice and tidy had everything you needed Nice and tidy
- Darren (10/5): This was our 2nd stay last time was in June, the -3 temperature outside didn’t stop the barge from being warm and cozy. - The quirky property with everything we needed, with added snow to make it even more special. That we couldn’t stay longer
- Emma (9/5): Just lovely (and the host Stacy is fantastic) - We loved the peace & quiet of staying on the barge. In the middle of a very cold spell, the barge was warm & comfortable. Nothing to dislike
- Laine (10/5): A short new years stay with our pug - Has character, really warm and cosy and very well equipped! Nice little nautical memorabilia, clean, lovely outdoors deck as well, friendly and responsive host, parking right next to the barge. We liked everything! The steps to the living area are steep, so our dog had to be carried, maybe not suitable for large dogs, but this really wasnt a problem.
- Gavin (10/5): Fantastic 5 stars 🌟 - The boat was fantastic everything you needed ✨️ was so well organised and looked after definitely be back Everything was fantastic
- Linda (10/5): - Love it so close to my children so thay can come to see us ,so I don't have to look at messy houses There is nothing not to like
- Christopher (5/5): Barge OK to far to walk to town centre - There was a funky smell not good
- Laura (10/5): Fantastic. - Brilliant and so well planned out. Different too and also such good value for money. Nothing
- Paul (10/5): A quirky place to stay and a great experience - Lovely house boat not too far from Colchester centre. Allocated parking right outside. Beautifully furnished inside and immaculately clean, with lots of thought to space and many extras.
- Michael (10/5): Will be back stayed before and will again - Great stayed before extremely easy , fantastic value and who wouldn’t love a barge to themselves All was great
- Laura Bluett (10/5): Love love love Judith's barge! - It's so comfortable and cosy, really spacious. Extra comfy bed and a lovely big powerful shower. The little touches they left us to celebrate our anniversary was so unexpected and made it extra special for us. We will 100% be staying again. There honestly wasn't one thing we didn't like!
- Adrian (10/5): -
- Karen (8/5): Good fun experience, the barge was very clean, a lot of thought has gone into providing extras. It was quite cold when w - Quirky Cold when we got there
- Tanya (10/5): A wonderful, comfortable stay. Warm and cosy. Home from home. - Absolute little gem of a place.
The owners had thought about every little details.
Really comfortable and quirky. We loved everything.
- Levene-Sayer (10/5): - I booked this for my son and his girlfriend and they had a lovely stay. Would definitely recommend.
- Kevin (10/5): -
- Courtney (10/5): Beautiful barge, had everything we needed. Would definitely recommend! - Beautifully furnished and had everything we needed! Felt like a home away from home. Bed was super comfy too. We had an amazing night away for my partners 30th and highly recommend! Nothing! Everything was clean and tidy and lovely finishing touches.
- De Souza (10/5): We'll definitely comeback! - The barge and location were excellent,not.too far from colchester city centre.The barge was very comfortable and clean and provided with a lot goodies didn't expect. N/A
- Diane (10/5): - A unique stay, very comfortable.
Many extras, including the hair straightener, are much appreciated
- ISABELLE (9/5): Une expérience qui vaut le détour ! - Emplacement top (à 5 mns des Maltings où ma fille réside) - chouette déco - très propre et très bien aménagé - très sympa de pouvoir boire un verre sur le pont par beau temps Rien
- Mills (10/5): - I wanted to make my little one smile, and oh my gosh did we both. The property internally especially was beautifully finished and presented. The host had gone above and beyond with attention to detail to make your stay so memorable. We were sad to leave and cannot recommend it highly enough, or wait to book again. Thank you Judith Barge, hopefully see you soon 😊
- Andrew (10/5): Outstanding option - Spacious, comfortable and every detail considered Nothing
- Hayley (10/5): Pictures dont do ir justice so lovely and cozy - Absolutely amazing Nothing i didnt like
- Bev (9/5): A great find. - Finding an usual place to stay not too far from home to celebrate a birthday. A complete surprise as to how big the barge is inside. A fully equipped kitchen, fridge, washing machine & tumble dryer. The bathroom & bedroom modern & well equipped. The decor throughout is well designed. The bed was comfortable. The extra large sofa was comfortable. The property welcomed our dog for an extra fee. We were lucky to have an earlier check in time accepted. The surrounding area was very quiet. A little bit of maintenance was required on the barge & was communicated well & sorted promptly. Our contact host Stacy was helpful & communication with her was easy with prompt response. We all very much enjoyed our stay & would completely recommend to others & in fact already have done so! The view of the flats wasn't very exciting but doesn't effect the stay itself.
And just a shame the weather was wet & windy as were looking forward to having a takeaway on the deck. But we can't control that!
- Kym (10/5): Perfect getaway - Absolutely everything, the small touches were amazing, it felt like a home from home, I stayed here as I was working in the area and will definitely be booking again next time I’m this way, Nothing
- caroline (10/5): We had a very enjoyable stay - The barge was very comfortable and incredibly well equipped. Nothing
- Marcus (8/5): -
- Nicholas (10/5): Love the badge - So beautiful and relaxing Nothing
- Ron (10/5): So good we're coming back! - Wonderful place to stay, but don't all rush!!! We want to return so leavecsome dates please!🤣
It really is exactly as everyone says. Great location, practically perfect in every way (thanks Mary Poppins for that). Cery good kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and so many quirky little thought.
We loved it. Best of all is watching the tide come in/out and the differences in levels.
Great for the city centre as is a short taxi ride away.
Thank you. We'll be back Not one thing
- kelly (10/5): Extremely enjoyable - Everything, this was our second time visiting and we will certainly be back again Nothing
- Michele (9/5): A comfortable adventure home from home , - It was a home from home , very comfy . I loved the wheelhouse space especially in the morning and evening . It gave us an insight into life on the water.
- Claire (8/5): If you are looking for a quirky place to stay, Judith Barge is ideal - We had a very comfortable stay on the barge. It is quirky but we enjoyed it a change from a hotel.
The barge is very well equipped and the shower is amazing.
I inadvertently left something which the owners very kindly posted to me. The river the barge is moored on is tidal river and not the best location. However, we didn't go to sit looking at the river.
- Steve (10/5): Beautiful place to stay - What a stunning place to stay.
Very quirky and homely. Everything you will ever need is there for you to use. Kept to a very high standard with lots of thought for what people staying would need Absolutely everything
- jonathan (10/5): -
- Eloise (10/5): -
- Natasha (10/5): The best mini break I’ve ever had - First time on a boat and it was amazing loved it. Much more spacious than I thought it would be, clean and well equipped. The extra touches made such a difference and we loved the bikes and did a long day trip on them seeing along the river I’m not sure there is anything
- Susan (10/5): - Quiet location with parking and close to amenities. Very well laid out inside considering small space with excellent shower.
- Annabel (10/5): Fabulous cosy little place, would definitely stay here again! - Beautiful decor, all very clean. Lots of toiletries and other amenities provided by the hosts. It was wonderful! Nothing!
- Sarah (10/5): Amazing place to stay! - Absolutely perfect!
Such a lovely place to stay and would most definitely come again. Nothing to not like!!
- Dan (10/5): Exceptional - Absolutely brilliant, so many little finishing touches :) one of my best stats from booking .com Not much
- Donna (10/5): Perfect - would love to return #please - Everything ~ thank you Nothing x
- Michael (10/5): Great place totally recommend staying here - Everything thought of everything great place Had a alarm go off at 3 am - which was the air conditioner I believe turned it off and alarm went off
- Nathan (10/5): Exceptional - Just a lovely place to stay Nothing
- Linda (10/5): Exceptional - Love coming back to stay here it's home from home There's nothing
- Linda (10/5): Exceptional -
- Jane (10/5): Very enjoyable - Surprised how nice it was👍 Wasps around top of deck susi there might be a nest somewhere near to the bargesuspect
- Benedick (10/5): Exceptional -
- Joanna (10/5): Amazing birthday treat, at such a unique place. Comfortable with exceptional hosts - Wow! My second time coming to Judith Barge and it’s such a gem of a find! My sister and I went for my birthday celebration and Stacy and Chantel are such lovely hosts, they even got us a bottle of bubbly! Also the barge is gorgeous inside and out, we had such a lovely time. There are thoughtful touches in the kitchen, (yummy biscuits for one!) and also thoughtful touches in the bathroom, which was really helpful. Sitting on the pub bench as the sun was going down while drinking a cocktail was amazing! Everything was perfect and I cannot recommend highly enough, thank you Stacy and Chantel, we will be back! Nothing, the place is spot on
- Darryl (10/5): 5 star - Really nice place to stay. Enjoyed having a brew on the terrace watching the ducks. Lovely scenery quiet location. Great host.
- Onourtravels (10/5): Exceptional - It's was amazing. Even in the hot weather, the barge was lovely and has everything you could think of. Would definitely recommend!!
- Darren (10/5): I booked this for our wedding anniversary as we got married in Colchester, We stay in hotels all the time so wanted some - Everything was just perfect! I’m the world’s biggest moaner, but couldn’t find a single thing to moan about.
- Katherine (10/5): Exceptional -
- Small (10/5): Exceptional -
- Carla (10/5): Highly recommend booking the Judith Barge. Superb! - Everything was just amazing. Fully equipped with everything you could possibly need. Comfortable and clean. Location was great. I will be returning and recommending to family. There is nothing not to like! Superb!!
- Sam (10/5): Great value for money, I was shocked by the sheer size of the boat and the hosts were amazing - I loved the amenities and effort put in by the hosts to make it seem really special Shower door was abit knakkered but really good shower
- Adrian (10/5): Would highly recommend loved every minute of it - Everything couldn’t find anything to dislike amazing place everything was such good quality extremely comfortable bed Nothing
- Andrina (9/5): Fun place to stay - Judith Barge is well equipped so easy to make meals aboard if you wish. Access and parking were easy. Instructions for gaining entry were simple and we had no problem. Bed was comfy and comfy pillows. Bathroom was well appointed and shower worked well. We loved the quirkiness of the place. It was fun being on a barge and watching the tide come in and out. Plenty of ducks and other birds to watch out for on the water. There are restaurants and a Pizza parlour within very easy walking distance. Also, the bus stop is only a couple of minutes away and there are frequent buses into Colchester. Also in the opposite direction is Wivenhoe. We wish we had seen that on Google earlier as that looked worth a visit. We had a problem with the parking as stupid me sent my car registration but put a typo error in it and we got a ticket. However, Judith Barge have sorted that for me for which I am very grateful. Do make sure you register your car with them(correctly!) as you will get a ticket otherwise. Another point of caution, it is a little tricky getting on and off the barge as the entrance is narrow. However, I managed it with care despite my dodgy hip and once aboard getting round is easy. My husband loved the tv in the wheelhouse, that was fun. Getting a parking ticket but that was due to my own stupidity and Judith Barge have sorted that for me. Just annoyed that the warden saw my husband and didn't point out the one letter error before coming back later when my husband wasn't there and leaving the ticket. My husband was furious but the Barge made up for this.
- Zara (10/5): Exceptional -
- Anne (9/5): Superb -
- Karen (10/5): Exceptional - Judith Barge was well laid out, very comfortable, well equipped, the owners had thought of everything and everywhere was spotless. The owners were very responsive when we contacted them, excellent parking, access was tricky but fun
Would definitely recommend 👌 Nothing
- Kath (3/5): Would not recommend based on mould - Washing machine and dryer, comfortable bed, car parking Mould everywhere including smell of mould, terrible location, a lot of waking hours barge on mud flat with no water in river, neighbour in next barge made feel unsafe with his activities and visitors through the night/morning, mould made us feel unwell
- Sarah (8/5): Good alternative accommodation, spacious and well appointed - Quirky and different
Well equipped overall
Pleasant decor
Responsive host
Brilliant in nice weather Decor needs a bit of touch up/ mould removed in places
- Dawn (10/5): Wonderful overnight stay experience - It was just as good as all its reviews if not better … will re book Nothing
- Clair (10/5): Absolutely fabulous and a treat to stay in - Fabulous overnight stay on the Judith barge. Birthday treat for my husband and it didn’t disappoint.. the attention to detail was exceptional. It had everything you needed and more and the bed was soooo comfortable. 10 mins away from the zoo which was ideal. Would definitely stay again 😊😊 Nothing to dislike at all
- Kirsten (10/5): Exceptional - Absolutely beautiful, spotlessly clean I felt relaxed the minute I walked in.
- Kyle (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kei (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sarah (9/5): Superb - Lovely location, very spacious, very relaxing weekend,
- Mark (10/5): Couldn’t recommend this property more. - One of the best local finds we have made. Such a clean beautiful barge. Very spacious which came as a pleasant surprise, all the rooms were finished to an excellent standard. Host was very quick to reply with any questions we had. Will definitely be back to stay.
- Ilse (9/5): It is such a cosy and relaxing place, will definitely be back 😊 - Very cosy and lovely Little cold in the evening and morning
- Billy (10/5): My stay on the Judith Barge was a peaceful and relaxing experience, offering comfort and charm in a quiet, cozy setting. - I really enjoyed my time on the barge in Colchester. It was so cosy and comfortable, offering the perfect environment to just relax and unwind. The peaceful, quiet setting was exactly what I needed, making it a great escape from the usual hustle and bustle. It truly felt like a hidden gem! The only downside was that the barge was a bit tricky for the delivery takeaway to find.
- Jason (10/5): 2 nights on the Judith Barge - The barge is great with everything you could need to eat in or have a takeaway. Very central to drive into the centre in 10 mins or walk in about 45. The barge itself is great to relax and enjoy a book and a drink on the deck. Will hopefully be back soon.
- Raymond (10/5): Loved would come back - Quirky place to stay
Photos