cruising fun
Taking to the river is a fun and educational way to see London’s top sights, says Kieran Meeke
Riding across the Thames in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) used by special forces worldwide may not seem like the best thing to do with kids, but it actually makes for an exciting way to see London from a different perspective. The powerful boats run from under the London Eye to the Houses of Parliament and then downriver to the Thames Barrier, passing sights such as the Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral and going under several bridges, including the iconic Tower Bridge.
Everyone on board has their own seat — there’s no age restriction, but passengers need to be able to sit unaided — and waterproof sailing jackets, trousers and goggles are available if needed. Life jackets must also be worn for the duration of the trip, which takes about 80 minutes. It can be cold on the river, so wrapping up warm is also a good idea.
Once all the safety business is over and done with, passengers can enjoy a mix of educational information provided by on-board guides and entertainment in the form of fast fun: the 12-seater boats are safe, comfortable and very speedy, covering a fair distance as it takes in some of London’s best riverside landmarks. A real family treat.
Hyde Park is larger than the entire principality of Monaco and has been a Royal Park since 1536. It was also the site of The Great Exhibition of 1851.
