When the solar is shining, there are few higher methods to discover London than by boat – however it’s not simply the sightseeing cruises on the Thames which can be good for households, as we found once we tried out GoBoat with youngsters.
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You’ll be able to rent one of many fleet of electrical boats from a number of completely different areas across the metropolis – for our GoBoat overview, we headed to Paddington Basin, however there’s additionally the choice of ranging from Kingston and from Canary Wharf (in addition to Birmingham in case you’re exterior London).
As a result of whilst you would possibly suppose that the Thames is the one choice in London, there’s multiple waterway operating by way of the capital, and even after a long time dwelling within the metropolis, a cruise alongside the canals gave me a very completely different viewpoint to take pleasure in.
GoBoat Paddington overview
With two hours behind the wheel – or reasonably, with our fingers on the tiller – we headed to the Grand Union Canal to find simply how simple it’s to discover by boat.
The brief reply? Very simple! I delegated the precise driving/captaining to my husband, who very effectively steered us from the Grand Union canal to the Regent’s canal, round barges, beneath bridges, by way of tunnels and all the way in which to the sides of Regent’s Park and London Zoo.
In the meantime, I nominated myself official first mate and navigator for our boating expertise.
As there’s just one route you may take, one (quiet) water roundabout to barter and one stretch the place it’s a must to cross to the other facet of the river forward of a tunnel, that meant I principally received to sit down again, absorb the spring sunshine and luxuriate in a complete new view of my dwelling metropolis.
As a result of whereas I’ve visited Paddington, Little Venice and Regent’s Park extra instances than I can rely, to not point out London Zoo, I’ve by no means cruised alongside that entire stretch aboard my very own little boat.
Prime pace is round 3-4mph, so that you’ll end up being overtaken by joggers on the towpath. However half the enjoyable is slowing down, taking a deep breath and absorbing all of the sights with out feeling such as you’ve received to hurry.
And there are various to identify alongside the way in which. Passing the Puppet Theatre Barge, we had a style of Little Venice – supposedly named by the poet Robert Browning, the banks are lined with narrowboats and flanked by some spectacular homes.
As you sail, maintain your eyes open to spy a plaque to the house of the second Lord’s cricket floor, in addition to some actually jaw-dropping mansions as you get nearer to Regent’s Park.
First, although, comes the 249 metre lengthy Maida Hill tunnel: vast sufficient for a single craft to sail by way of, it takes a number of minutes to get from one facet by way of the darkness to the sunshine on the opposite facet.
Loads of time to check the echoes and bounce on the occasional drop of water dripping down your neck!
When you attain Regent’s Park, you’ll additionally end up crusing between two sections of London Zoo. Whereas the painted canines on one facet of the canal have been holding a low profile, we had a terrific view of Monkey Valley, one of many zoo’s latest areas.
Dwelling to colobus monkeys, we noticed half a dozen of those beautiful black and white creatures swinging by way of the enclosure and calling to one another.
The habitat stretches 80ft up, with climbing sections lined by the netting, and the monkeys all however flying by way of the air to get from one facet to a different – or discovering a quiet spot in a tree to settle again.
In contrast to the water buses which cruise on previous to Camden, having our personal self-drive boat meant we might cease to look at for a short time – not the one ones to have that concept, with a gaggle of kayakers and a small crowd on the trail as properly.
If you happen to do need to get the very best view and head inside, purchase tickets for London Zoo right here
However a visit on GoBoat with youngsters isn’t about ticking off sights and landmarks, it’s about sitting again and having enjoyable as a household, watching out for the little issues – a mandarin duck at one level, a coot constructing its nest at one other.
Carry a picnic or some snacks with you – there’s a useful little desk within the centre of the boat – and you may graze as you go. If you happen to’re heading out for longer or in search of an much more memorable boating expertise, you can even convey a mini afternoon tea to have on board.
There’s no alcohol allowed for the Paddington boats although (and the captain has to remain sober on the different areas).
It’s properly price bringing one thing comfortable to sit down on although, or selecting one of many upgrades – Cosy Boat comes with snuggly blankets (plus some snacks and handwarmers), or there are seat-warmer cushions out there at Paddington – as my bum was going distinctly numb in direction of the tip of our two-hour session. Even with loads of padding…
There’s a lot to see round Paddington as properly, in case you’re seeking to spend longer within the space earlier than or after your GoBoat journey.
For starters, it’s top-of-the-line locations to identify Paddington in London, together with a few statues alongside the canalside in addition to contained in the station.
Save a while to take a look at the Floating Pocket Park too, a collection of mini inexperienced areas which bob on the water, in addition to Paddington’s uncommon bridges.
The rolling bridge is each sculpture and moveable bridge, which curls up into an octagon form, often on Wednesday and Friday at midday and 2pm on Saturdays.
Not distant, the Fan Bridge additionally lifts, wanting like a standard fan at noon on Wednesdays and Fridays.
You’ll additionally discover a string of locations to eat and drink round Paddington Basin, from quirky bars on transformed barges to some chain eating places and cafes.
GoBoat with youngsters: have to know
If you happen to’re planning to check out GoBoat with youngsters, it’s quite a lot of enjoyable – however as you’re out on generally busy waterways with youngsters, right here’s how GoBoat works and what it is advisable to know first.
How protected is GoBoat?
Life jackets are supplied for youngsters, together with child variations, and should be worn on board.
There are additionally grownup lifejackets out there within the boat itself however these aren’t obligatory. It’s very simple to get the cling of steering, it’s positively extra of a precaution than a necessity.
How simple is it to function?
It is best to arrive quarter-hour prematurely for a security briefing explaining how every part works – you too can watch the video beforehand. It’s price understanding there are not any bathrooms on the dock (or on the boat!) so go to these, and choose up any foods and drinks you need earlier than you get there.
Then there’s a brief take a look at drive from the GoBoat dock – within the case of Paddington, this goes up in direction of the floating park, earlier than turning again once more to move out alongside the primary canal, so if there’s something you’re unsure of, you may cease in your well past.
There’s a map supplied and workers will provide you with recommendation on the place to show round with a view to get again in time for the tip of your slot.
How lengthy do I would like?
Our two-hour session gave us lengthy sufficient to get from Paddington to London Zoo earlier than having to move again. You’ll be able to’t moor up alongside the way in which and boats must be returned to the beginning level.
Boats will be booked for one hour, two hours or three hours (and 4 hours from Kingston).
Charges range however begin from £85 for one hour, £125 for 2 – it’s price reserving the longer session, particularly as it’s possible you’ll not be capable to lengthen it at busy instances, in case you resolve you need extra time on the day.
Ebook your GoBoat self-drive boating expertise right here
What if my plans change?
You’ll be able to rearrange the reserving or cancel to obtain a voucher as much as 48 hours forward of your sail out time. After that time, there’s no choice to rearrange.
Don’t count on sailings to be cancelled if it rains both: until there’s low visibility or different harmful climate circumstances, every part will go forward rain, shine or snow!
It’s also possible to ebook by way of GetYourGuide, which has free cancellation as much as 24 hours beforehand
What number of youngsters can I convey?
The boats have house for 8 on board they usually’re dog-friendly too. There’s no minimal age both so it’s high quality for the entire household – we noticed one other group cruising previous who’d even managed to get their child’s buggy on board!
Nonetheless, the captain driving the boat should be aged 18+. It’s also possible to rent as much as three boats in a single reserving, in case you fancy heading out as a part of an enormous household group.
What shall I convey with me?
Any foods and drinks or snacks that you really want (though no alcohol on the Paddington location, restricted quantities for passengers and none for the captain elsewhere).
It’s properly price having one thing comfortable to sit down on, in addition to something you want for the climate circumstances – there’s no shade, so SPF, hat and sun shades if it’s a sunny day, raincoats/umbrella if it’s wet, and one thing to wrap up in if it’s cool as there’s typically a breeze on the water.
You might be able to borrow ponchos and umbrellas free of charge from GoBoat if the climate adjustments unexpectedly.
There’s nowhere to depart possessions if you choose the boat up, though there’s house within the boat itself. If you happen to’re an enormous group, keep in mind that can be restricted so don’t attempt to convey an excessive amount of on board although.
It’s also possible to convey decorations (though you do must take away them earlier than you permit) however no audio system are allowed on board, in case you have been planning a boating soundtrack.
And no, you may’t go swimming from the boat, so depart your towels at dwelling!
What if now we have issues as soon as we set off?
If you happen to do run into hassle, assistance is at hand: there’s a cellphone quantity to name on the map with GoBoat’s model of the AA cruising alongside the identical stretch of water at larger pace, to allow them to head over to assist any of the GoBoats that want them.
We ended up with some pond weed tangled across the propeller – not a significant concern however it was slowing us down, and round 5-10 minutes after calling, our rescuer appeared to untangle it in moments and ship us on our manner.
For extra uncommon issues to do in London with youngsters, together with a string of different much less well-known household actions, take a look at my high picks
Disclosure: My journey was courtesy of GoBoat London for the needs of overview – all opinions about making an attempt GoBoat with youngsters are my very own. This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photographs copyright MummyTravels
