Coast Guard Boat House on Belfast Lough

Stay a metre from the Sea at the only Coastguard Boat House on Belfast Lough

Experience a unique stay, and take in the sea, sunrises and scenery and at high tide you will be so close that the waves sometimes touch the windows.

Stay safe in a fully self-contained cottage – with its own entrance, slipway, amenities. Enjoy Whiteabbey village life and a unique coastline – but if you want brighter lights than Belfast is only 15 minutes away.

How Safe is the Boat House?

The Coastguard Boat House was one of the first to be awarded to “Good to Go” brand recognising its commitment to ensuring its visitors experience a safe stay. As the Boat House is completely self contained you don’t need to meet or interact with anyone. The coastal path can be busy, so we provide a tide clock so you can time your walks for low tide when there is miles of space. We also provide extension outdoor seating on our slipway so you can (when it is allowed) meet friends outside in a private area, with sea views and the refreshing sea breeze.

And now for some additional boring stuff. In these unusual times we go the extra mile to keep people safe and so use professionally qualified cleaners and have invested in UV anti-bacterial vacuum cleaner to ensure that soft materials are clinically clean. We have also used a special solution on frequently touched surfaces to add additional reassurance. All bedlinen and towels are washed at 60 degrees and quarantined.   All check in is contactless and although we are not far away we offer extensive support via text (including videos) on how to operate the TV etc.

What about Fiddo?

Doggy guests are well catered for with little towels for sandy feet, a spare lead, torch and a treat pack!   We welcome up to two dogs (as long as they are not puppies.) As well as the extensive beach, there are two doggy parks nearby (within a 5 minute drive) and you will meet lots of fellow dog lovers on the path as it is a really popular attraction.

Local attractions?

Trek on the beach stretching for miles at low tide, explore shipwrecks and the unique coastal experience of industry and setting on the start of the Causeway Coastal Route. If you get bored with the sea, then Cavehill is just a 15 min drive away and a must do sunrise location. Many hidden gems are also available including the engineering feat that is the viaducts located in Whiteabbey Glen (a lovely walk from Mossley Mill.) For wild swimmers we offer the chance to dip in Belfast Lough and introductions to local groups who swim in the Lough, a secret beach and in a waterfall nearby. And we also have the famous Gobbins coastal path and Blackhead Lighthouse Path a 20 minute drive away. And, if you want to combine your break with a walking tour of Belfast’s famous street art and outdoor markets then less the Boat House is less than 15 drive. It truly is a combination of village life and big city lights.

I’m almost sold – what’s inside?

When inside the Boat House enjoy heritage features including a window from eighteenth century, hooks and original shelves and beams, all dating back to the period of the United Irishman when the cottage housed the Boat House used to catch smugglers along the Coast. Although packed full of heritage features, the Boat House has all mod-cons including a fully kitted kitchen, Nespresso coffee machine, microwave and fanned oven. A Belfast brick shower room for guests and a spacious Belfast made sprung bedroom with a king and double bed. The Boat House sleeping up to four adults or two (one adult) and two (three) children.

You also get Belfast lemonade on arrival, chocolates and Tayto crisps and if you quote “Trek21” you can also enjoy a bottle of chilled sparkling wine!

What are your rates?

Our rates start at £85 per couple per night – minimum two night stay; in summer it is £95 per night with minimum three night stay. We do however, sometimes have two nights available so get in touch. Reductions apply for week long stays.

I’m an exhausted NHS worker?

Then you really deserve a break! We are part of the international #MyTravelPledge and offer you a 10% reduction on your stay, please just send some ID.

Usually the only Coastguard Boat House welcomes international visitors and is booked up a year in advance, but this year it is available as a staycation venue. Make 2021 memorable (for a good reason ) with a stay at the only Coastguard Boat House on Belfast Lough.

Find out more about Coast Guard Boat House here.

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