Weird and wonderful ways to travel the Thames
Looking for a unique way to explore London by river? Try one of these off-kilter water trips and see the city sights in a whole new light.
Need for speed
Channel your inner James Bond and take to the Thames on this London speedboat sightseeing tour. The Thames Taster is a super-speedy 15-minute whirlwind trip around the Docklands and Canary Wharf. Expect the wind to whip your face and put your teeth on edge as you try to keep your eyes open for long enough to catch a glimpse of Tower Bridge.
thamesrockets.com
The party boat
Who doesn’t love a silent disco? Hop aboard The Dutch Master boat, a two-storey party boat bringing you the best banging tunes (of your own choosing) as you float past London’s greatest sights. Drink, dance and declare your love for one of the world’s best cities while you admire the capital’s most famous landmarks. This epic trip along the Thames makes for a mega fun night out with friends. Ticket prices range from £25-£30.
designmynight.com
Go your own way
London’s ultimate DIY boating tour, GoBoat, is the only self-drive, powered boating experience in the capital. Spend an evening with friends exploring the London canals, with you as the captain of your very own vessel. Boaters will leave Merchant Square, sail up to Little Venice and along Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock. Pack your favourite snacks and enjoy a delicious picnic when you moor up somewhere nice for luch.
goboat.co.uk
A boat that’s also a hot tub!
Why bother with a spa trip when you can sit back and relax in the HotTug – an electric, self-drive, wood-fired hot tub? Grab your friends and put on your swimmers, this weird mode of travel can be experienced all year round. The overall hot tub trip lasts for 90 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of safety demonstration (I mean, what could possibly go wrong in a hot tub on the Thames, after a couple of glasses of bubbly).
You can set off in your tub from one of two locations, either Angel/Old Street or West India Quay. The price is £225 per HotTug and each fits up to seven people.
hottuguk.com