Rising tides
Exploring the country by boat can make a refreshing change from coach travel. Kerry Bailey offers a round up of group options on the water that will leave you overflowing with ideas.
A river or canal cruise is an excellent way for groups to travel deep into the heart of a destination and explore locations and sights than cannot always be reached by coach. With over 3,000 miles of inland waterways and 11,000 miles of coastline, the UK has a wealth of opportunities for those looking to indulge in this gentle pastime. Many cruise operators welcome groups with discounts and free places on scheduled cruises in addition to the option of a private charter with a tailor-made programme.
The Passenger Boats Association is a particularly good resource for GTOs planning this kind of activity. It represents a variety of pleasure boat operators and vessels – from small narrow boats to the larger paddle steamers – and can offer advice on the best operators, trips and journeys to suit your individual needs.
Capital cruising
A good place to start when planning a boat trip in London is to contact British Waterways London, a government appointed body that looks over 100 miles of canals and rivers in London. Here, GTOs can obtain a Groups and Travel Trade Guide, offering information on things to see and do around the capital’s waterways in addition to the London Waterways Pass, which gives GTOs free entry to a variety of attractions and boat trips.
Groups cannot visit the capital without enjoying a peaceful cruise along the historic River Thames, which runs directly through the heart of the bustling city.
The largest riverboat operator on the River Thames is City Cruises, boasting a fleet of vessels that can cater for groups of all sizes. The most basic option offered by the company is a ‘Sightseeing Cruise’, which includes an audio commentary on the landmarks and sights as you pass. Another popular option is the ‘Cruise and Visit’ package, which combines a river cruise with a visit to a top London attraction. GTOs can take advantage of discounted cruises and the ‘River Red Rover’ ticket, which allows you to hop on and off the company’s vessels all day as they travel between Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers. Alternatively, GTOs can arrange private charters with meals and refreshments onboard including breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner.
Another company that offers river cruises on the Thames is Catamaran Cruisers, which is based on The Embankment. Groups can choose from a ‘Circular Cruise’, which passes sights such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, in addition to a combined ticket that offers unlimited travel on any of the company’s vessels for the day complete with entry to a London-based attraction such as the London Dungeon or Vinopolis. Discounts are offered to pre-booked groups on a sliding scale.
Groups can also take a sightseeing cruise of London’s famous sights whilst enjoying an evening meal and live musical entertainment with Bateaux London, sister company of Catamaran Cruisers. GTOs can tailor-make menus and private charters to meet with the specific requirements of their group.
Also based on The Embankment is Westminster Party Boats, which operates sightseeing tours and private group charters from Westminster Pier to Greenwich and the Thames Barrier.
For something a little different, Thames Luxury Charters offers the ‘River Thames Murders’ cruise amongst others, where groups can learn about the murky past of the capital city and its villainous residents whilst enjoying a buffet lunch or afternoon tea. Groups can negotiate discounted rates.
London Ducktours, meanwhile, also offers an unusual cruising experience onboard one of its amphibious vessels known as DUKWS, originally used during World War II to transport troops both on the water and on the shore. Once aboard, groups are treated to a drive around the main sights of London before the vehicle launches into the River Thames to continue the tour, all without passengers having to leave their seats. A new tour option is the ‘Bond Tour’, which was launched to coincide with the release of ‘Casino Royale’, the latest James Bond film. The tour takes in famous Bond locations from the films and books. Groups can negotiate discounts.
London-based river cruising options do not stop at the Thames. Groups can also weave their way along one of the city’s canals.
Groups can arrange a full or half day cruise onboard one of the London-based Pirate Castle Group’s narrow boats. Accompanied by an experience skipper, group members can have a go at working the canal locks and steering or can merely relax and enjoy the ride as the boats drift through Camden Town on the Regents Canal. Groups must book in advance.
Staying on the Regents Canal, located on the fringes of Regents Park, the London Waterbus Company provides a series of options on traditional canal narrow boats. Pre-booked groups of 20 or more are offered discounted rates.
Floating up stream
The River Thames stretches over 215 miles and so Thames sightseeing cruises are not restricted to London.
Operating on the Upper Thames between Hampton Court and Oxford, Surrey-based Chris Cruises can provide general sightseeing trips in addition to various dining options onboard its vessels from traditional ‘Fish and Chip’ or ‘Curry Cruises’ to a ‘BBQ Cruise’ in the summer. Cruises are generally for groups of 35 or more; however, smaller groups can be catered for.
French Brothers, meanwhile, based in Berkshire, offers a variety of options that travel the route between Windsor, Maidenhead and Runnymede, taking in attractions such as Windsor Castle, Eton College and the Savill Garden. Onboard lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner options can also be arranged. A particularly popular option for groups is the ‘Lives of the Rich and Famous’ cruise, which travels from Maidenhead to Windsor and takes in the homes of the likes of Rolf Harris and Michael Parkinson. In winter, meanwhile, GTOs may like to consider the ‘Santa Special’ option, a three-hour river cruise complete with a Christmas meal and a visit from Santa. Pre-booked groups are offered discounted rates.
Part of the Thames Luxury Charters Group is the Maidenhead Steam Navigation Company in Berkshire, which also operates between Windsor and Runnymede and runs two tours especially for groups. These are the ‘Homes of the Rich and Famous’ tour, where the river’s connections with famous personalities are explored and ‘The Lives and Loves of the Royal Family’.
The family run operator Salters Steamers, meanwhile, based in Oxford, was established in 1858 and offers sightseeing cruises and private charters between Oxford and Staines encompassing locations such as Reading, Henley and Windsor. GTOs receive a 20% discount on cruises whilst group members receive 10%.
Based on the River Thames at Henley in Oxfordshire is Hobbs of Henley. As well as enjoying hour-long public cruises between Marsh Lock and Hambleden Lock with this company, groups can tailor-make their own private charter with a choice of menus and entertainment including live bands, magicians and casinos.
Also providing a choice of entertainment and menus on its cruises is Thames Rivercruise, based in Reading. In addition to general sightseeing cruises, groups of 40 or more can take advantage of a 20% discount on the company’s combined ‘Cruise and Visit’ packages that take in Reading-based locations such as Mapledurham House and Beale Park, the organic farm. Private charters are also offered to groups.
‘Mad Hatter Tea Parties’ and ‘Wind in the Willows Picnics’ are both popular themed options for groups cruising with Oxford River Cruises in Oxford. All cruises travel the stretch of Thames through Oxford, the very same area that inspired classic children’s author Lewis Carroll in the first telling of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in addition to inspiring Kenneth Graham in the writing of the well-loved children’s classic ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Pre-booked groups receive a 10% discount.
Travelling a little further up stream, Cotswold River Cruises, based in Lechlade-on-Thames, has a variety of options available to groups onboard its ‘Adventuress’ vessel. These range from private charters and casino and disco themed evenings to ‘Cruise and Visit’ packages visiting local attractions such as Kelmscot Manor, former home of designer William Morris. Cruises are for a maximum of 68 people.
Named after the Indian princess buried in Gravesend, the MV Princess Pocahontas, based in Tonbridge, offers a variety of cruising options to groups starting in Gravesend. As well as a cruise to Greenwich with free time ashore to visit attractions such as the National Maritime Museum, groups can enjoy a sightseeing river tour of central London’s attractions and a full day cruise to Southend-on-Sea. The ‘Pocahontas’ is also available for exclusive group charters to Whitstable and Rochester in Kent.
Enjoy more of England’s sights by boat
Make the transition from urban to rural and explore the rest of England by boat.
Starting in Northumberland, River Escapes, based in Morpeth, takes groups on a tour of the north’s sights and offers an insight into the history and evolving industries of the area with its two sightseeing cruises. The three-hour ‘Quay to Sea’ cruise travels down the River Tyne taking in sights such as the shipyards of Tyneside whilst groups can enjoy seal and heron spotting on the ‘Quayside to Countryside’ cruise, which floats upstream to the Ryton Willows Nature Reserve. Pre-booked groups receive discounts on sightseeing cruises with private charters also available.
Moving to Cumbria, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ in Glenridding operates scheduled sailings and private charters for groups on Ullswater in the Lake District. New for 2007 is the completely refurbished ‘Lady Wakefield’ vessel, which now offers sit-down dining options. Groups can negotiate free places and discounts on scheduled sailings.
Staying in the Lake District, the Bowness-on-Windermere operator Windermere Lake Cruises’ offerings range from a 45-minute cruise of Windermere and its surrounding areas to ‘Cruise and Visit’ packages that combine a cruise with entry to nearby visitor attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. The ‘Islands Tour’ is a popular draw for groups and offers a 45-minute cruise that takes in the mountain scenery, secluded bays and many wooded islands around the central parts of the lake. New for 2007, groups receive a 20% discount when pre-booking a cruise before 10am and after 4pm.
Operating on the River Tees is Princess River Cruises’ ‘Teeside Princess’ vessel, which departs from its base at Castlegate Quay in Stockton-on-Tees and takes in the river’s various historic connections including the replica of Captain Cook’s Bark HM Endeavour. The ‘Nottingham Princess’ vessel, meanwhile, travels the River Trent encompassing the sights of Nottingham. Private charters are offered to pre-booked groups with various entertainment and meal options available.
Groups can see where the Saxons fought the Vikings in 1066 and where witches were ducked in the Middle Ages with a YorkBoat cruise of the River Ouse through York. Options include one-hour scheduled sailings with live captain’s commentary, ‘Ghost Cruises’ with costumed storytellers and ‘Summer Nights Afloat’ cruises, which offer a selection of themed entertainment and meal packages. Groups of 20 or more are offered discounted rates.
Visitors to West Yorkshire, meanwhile, can take advantage of the combined ticket offered by Bronte Boats, which encompasses a one-hour cruise on the Rochdale Canal, a trip on the Keighley and Worth Steam Valley Railway and a visit to the Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth. Regular scheduled sailings and private charters are also available.
Staying in West Yorkshire but moving to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Skipton, Pennine Boat Trips operates a number of cruises that travel through the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales. These range from 75-minute scheduled sailings to lunch and afternoon tea cruises.
Cream teas and meat and potato pies are on the menu when dining on a cruise along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with Foulridge Canal Cruises, based in Lancashire. As well as these catering options, groups can take advantage of scheduled sailings and the ‘Shop and Sail’ package, which combines a spot of retail therapy at either Barden Mill or Oswaldtwistle Mills with a boat trip. Additionally, ‘The Ultimate Day Out’ package, which combines a river cruise with a visit to a neighbouring visitor attraction such as Rourkes Forge.
Merseyside-based Mersey Ferries, meanwhile, offers passengers a round-trip cruise of the River Mersey. Another popular option for groups is the ‘Manchester Ship Canal Cruise’, which departs from Salford Quays, Manchester or Livepool Pier and embarks on a six-hour journey of the 35 miles of canal whilst offering an insightful historic commentary. Groups receive discounted rates.
Moving a little further south, Second City Canal Cruises in Birmingham offers an insight into the history and development of Birmingham for groups cruising on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal through the city on one of its two narrowboats, ‘Europe’ and ‘Dragonfly’. Cruises can last anything between one hour and three hours with onboard catering ranging from tea and cakes to fish ‘n’ chips. Groups are offered discounts on a sliding scale.
To the east of Birmingham in Rutland, groups can enjoy a 45-minute scheduled sailing of Rutland Water on the Rutland Belle. Due to the large areas of wetland surrounding the lake, the cruises offer the perfect opportunity for wildlife spotting. Groups can also take advantage of a combined ticket that offers a boat trip and entry to the Normanton Church Museum. Discounts are available.
Moving into Worcestershire, the Evesham-based Handsam Boat Company operates 45-minute sailings on the River Avon through the historic town of Evesham. Groups of 20 or more can take advantage of the ‘Four Star Day Out’, which includes coffee and biscuits on arrival in Evesham, free time to explore the town, a guided tour of the Museum and The Almonry Heritage Centre in Evesham and a river cruise.
For a real touch of luxury, groups can climb aboard English Holidays Cruises’ luxury floating hotel based in Gloucester. Believed to be the largest riverboat hotel in the UK, The ‘Oliver Cromwell’ – a 44-berth vessel designed to resemble a Mississippi Paddlewheeler – offers groups the option of two, four or six day holidays, which cruise the River Severn between Sharpness and Bewdley and allow passengers to alight at locations of particular interest.
Travelling to Cosgrove, near Milton Keynes, groups can privately charter the Cosgrove Narrowboat Company’s ‘Elizabeth of Glamis’ narrowboat for a cruise along the Grand Union Canal. GTOs can pre-book onboard buffet meals.
The Lee Valley Boat Centre in Hertfordshire, meanwhile, offers a number of cruises along the River Lee on its ‘Lady of Lee Valley’ vessel, which range from ‘Cream Tea Cruises’ to ‘Fish ‘n’ Chip Cruises’. Groups of 20 or more receive discounted rates.
Moving into Essex, Topsail Charters in Maldon has five sailing barges and offers a variety of two-hour, half-day and full-day cruises from Maldon, Ipswich, London, Tilbury and Brightlingsea on the River Thames as well as on the Blackwater and Colne rivers. These range from general sightseeing cruises with live commentary to bird watching cruises. Full onboard catering can be provided.
Built in 1924, the Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle is believed to be the last coal-fired paddle steamer remaining in service in Britain. Based at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent, groups of 10 or more are able to enjoy discounts on its scheduled journeys on the River Medway and the River Thames whilst groups of 40 or more can privately charter the vessel.
Travelling to the west of London, the Kennet Horse Boat Company, based in Berkshire, offers groups the opportunity to relax and take in the surrounding countryside of the Kennet and Avon Canal onboard its motor barge ‘Avon’ or its horse-drawn barge ‘Kennet Valley’. A well stocked bar can be found on both vessels serving tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and confectionary whilst, for something extra special, GTOs can pre-book the services of a jazz band.
Cruising Bristol’s historic harbour on its year-round timetable of sightseeing trips is the Bristol Ferry Boat Co. Groups can also privately charter the vessels and cruise as far as the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Additionally, entertainment cruises and ‘Booze Cruises’ can be arranged.
Murder mystery cruises, themed 60s sailings and Sunday lunch cruises are all new offerings for this year from the Devon-based pleasure boat operator River Link. Scheduled sailings along the River Dart from Dartmouth to Totnes are also still available, with groups having the added option of a private charter.
Scottish sailings
Groups wanting to explore Scotland’s countryside, lochs and rivers have many cruise options to choose from.
Starting in the Highlands, Loch Shiel Cruises, based in Glenfinnan, operates a number of wildlife cruises onboard its ‘M.V Sileas’ vessel, which travel from Glenfinnan to Arharacle and back again on Loch Shiel. Whilst cruising the route, groups may see golden eagles and red deer.
Operating on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, the Inverness-based Jacobite – Experience Loch Ness has three vessels, which are available to groups for scheduled sightseeing trips and private charters. Discounts are available when groups pre-book.
Clyde Waterbus Services in Glasgow cruises the section of the River Clyde between the Braehead Shopping Centre and Glasgow city centre offering passengers an informative 30-minute commentary on the history and development of the River. Groups receive discounted rates.
Not far from Glasgow, meanwhile, Sweeney’s Cruises in Dunbartonshire, has been operating on Loch Lomand for over 100 years. In addition to being able to privately charter two of the company’s five vessels, groups can take a one-hour scheduled cruise of the Loch or a two and a half hour cruise to Luss, with a 30-minute stop in the village. An evening cruise is also available, which sails around the Island of Inchmurrin as the sun sets.
Cruising Loch Katrine in the district of Stirling, the inspiration of Sir Walter Scott’s poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’, is The Steamship Sir Walter Scott. In operation since 1900, the vessel retains its steam engine and coal fired boilers and offers regular scheduled sailings from Trossachs Pier, taking passengers as far as Stronachlachar, before returning to the departure point. Groups receive discounts on a sliding scale.
Coast to coast
Being an island, the UK has plenty of coastline for groups to discover.
Starting in the north west coast of Scotland and sailing around its base at Kyle of Lochalsh is Seaprobe Atlantis, a custom-built vessel with a semi-submersible glass bottom that aims to showcase the local widlife living in the area. On a cruise, groups may see 18 species of seabirds, otters and the resident colony of seals. Some trips can also include a cruise over the shipwreck of the World War II HMS Port Napier, a 500 foot minelayer that sank in 1942.
To explore Yorkshire’s rugged coastline, groups can climb aboard the Yorkshire Belle, which was built in 1947 and is based at Bridlington Harbour, for a one-hour tour of Bridlington, Scarborough and the Bempton Bird Sanctuary near Flamborough Head. Groups receive discounted rates on a sliding scale.
Moving to the south of England, Southampton-based Blue Funnel Cruises operates a variety of passenger trips on the Solent, the area that separates the mainland of England from the Isle of Wight. The cruises can be tailor-made to follow a historical or enviromental theme with catering options ranging from free onboard tea and coffee to a three-course meal. Groups receive discounts on scheduled sailings and can also privately charter vessels.
Staying in the south, 45-minute Harbour Tours of Portsmouth Harbour can be arranged via Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Travelling to the south west of England, meanwhile, Stuart Line Cruises, based in Devon, can offer a number of trips to suit individual group’s interests. These include cruises to the Exe Estuary, where passengers can indulge in a spot of wildlife watching and cruises along the Jurrasic Coast towards Torquay and Brixham. Groups can enjoy scheduled sailings at a discounted rate or pre-book their own private charter.