Messing About On The River With GoBoat
Planning anything which involves the great outdoors and requires warm (or at least rain-free) weather is a risky business in London. With weather as unpredictable as the outcome of a lottery, it has taken us years and lot of practice, but we have finally learned to accept it. So when we booked a date for GoBoat London about a month in advance, all we could do was to hope and pray that luck would be on our side.
The day arrived and the first thing we did was peek out the windows. Sunshine! We did a little ‘happy dance’, and got ready for our planned adventure.
GoBoat London offers Londoners and visitors alike the opportunity to see and experience London differently, off the beaten tourist tracks and instead by route of the Thames. Based in Merchant Square in Paddington Basin, the boats cruise at a perfect speed of approximately 4mph without the requirement of a licence.
The boats are also eco-friendly, made from 80% recycled plastic bottles and sustainably sourced wood, and fitted with Torqeedo electric motors.
Each boat has a table in the middle and allows up to 8 people at a time (children and dogs are welcome too); offering a perfect setting for a spot of picnic food and a bottle of bubbly. We met at the little GoBoat kiosk, each armed with bags filled with nibbles and drinks.
We were taken to our allocated boat and given a briefing by a friendly member of staff. We chose our designated driver up front (the captain is not allowed to drink whilst operating the boat) and after running through our route one more time, we set off on our adventure.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! It was a beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. We laid the food on the table and popped the champagne cork; straw hats and sunglasses ready and we set off on our two-hour voyage.
We cruised through Little Venice, past Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill and London Zoo, before turning back at Camden Lock. People walking alongside the canal waived and said hello, and we can’t even imagine how many tourist pictures we’ve ended up in. Our rendition of the famous “Leo & Kate” scene from Titanic won us rapturous applause from passers by.
It really was a cruisey afternoon, in every sense of the word. A fantastic setting and beautiful scenery, great food, catching up with old friends and making new friendships – it was the perfect day.
We love walking in London, especially taking the less beaten track, but there’s something very special about viewing our beautiful city from the water. Now, if only we could plan the weather this well every day…
- GoBoat is open 7 days a week from 10am until dusk. Prices start at £65 for 1 hour, £95 for 2 hours and £125 for 3 hours. There is a limit to how much alcohol is permitted on board so do check www.goboat.co.uk for more details. Booking in advance is advisable. Nearest tubes Paddington and Edgware Road.
