River Thames London Boat Blog

The Tidal River Thames

The River Thames in London flows both ways!

This is not technically correct it always flows from source to mouth, but because it is actually tidal all the way from the sea to Teddington where the first lock can be found it does flow in as well as out!

The tide is effectively the rise and fall of the sea (river) caused by gravitational forces as the Earth spins – more here: Tide explained on Wikipedia

As the tide out at the coast rises and falls it affects the rivers and in London actually causes a 5-7metre twice daily rise and fall. As you can imagine this is a large amount of water to be removed and added which results in some very strong currents downstream with the flow and then upstream when the tide is rising.

This has a huge affect on all that surrounds the river, both visually and on navigation. The amount of water affects what the fixed walls, buildings and piers look like and the change of direction of flow and strong currents controls navigation and boat movements.

Example images of the tidal affect on the appearance of London’s landmarks

The tide affects the speed the London Party Boats and Thames Passenger Boats can travel on the river. When going with the flow of the tide they can travel faster and when against the tide often around half the speed. This is obviously not a problem if you are in a speed boat, or Jet boat, but slower vessels travelling larger distances can have at least double the journey time, and of course increased fuel costs, all as a result of the tide.

Above Teddington lock all is peaceful with a steady predictable and controlled flow where the tide has no affect, it is only below the lock where it can be more interesting. Where the wind is against the direction of the tide the water is whipped up causing it to be a little bumpier – fine on the larger Thames boats, but no fun in a small sailing dinghy! Swimming in the river is therefore obviously not advised particularly when the tide is flowing at it’s strongest.

The tide can also be useful – when one of the last remaining Concorde’s had to be relocated from Hammersmith to Scotland a barge was brought up the river through London using the low tides to navigate under the bridges. This feet of planning was only possible over 2 separate tides for both the inbound and outbound journey!

Due to the tide the River Thames in London is a diverse and ever changing exciting location – untamed by human activity right in the heart of the City.

1 comment May 16, 2008

Wedding Reception on a London Party Boat?

The planning of your most special day often can be your biggest headache! With so many venues available and many adding extra £,0’s to their prices as soon as you mention the word ‘wedding reception’ this often is a time of immense frustration, and you aren’t even married yet!

So do you get married abroad with guaranteed good weather, hire a marquee, book your local village hall or base around a hotel? Or do you want something a little different for your special day…

Finding a unique venue for your wedding reception that will be simple to organise, enjoyable for all and not have additional £,000’s added just because it’s your wedding is possible! Have you considered a London Party Boat?

There are some exceptionally pretty London Party Boats on the River Thames in London which a few couples in the know have used for their wedding receptions, wedding transfers and after parties. A boat charter on the Thames in London is not just about the boat though…

A trip down the River Thames in London provides you with one of the prettiest backdrops in the UK with stunning historic architecture mixed with quirky modern design, a multimillion pound interactive lighting system, World famous bridges and attractions. Add to this your very own luxury Thames boat charter, exquisite wines, your nearest and dearest, fine dining, entertainers and of course a photographer or two!

The other advantage is that the you don’t need to worry about the weather in fact most of the boats have covered outside deck spaces. A bit of rain even adds to the intensity and romance of the cruise.

In summary – an intensely romantic, guaranteed memorable, affordable and genuinely unique location for a wedding reception – a London Party Boat.

Examples of London Party Boats

5 comments April 28, 2008

Charter a Boat this summer on the River Thames

Summer time in London can be hot, sticky and uncomfortable. With crammed tubes and buses, boiling temperatures outside and freezing air conditioning inside the fresh air and space on and around the River Thames attracts people in their thousands. Riverside bars and pubs heave with punters, but to really get away and enjoy the fresh air and get a breeze the only answer is to get out on a boat.

There are several permanently moored ships which provide pub style open deck fun on the Embankment at Charring Cross. The two that instantly spring to mind are the Tattershall Castle opposite the London Eye and the Queen Mary which is only a few 100m further down the North bank. They do get very busy though, for the obvious reasons!

If you have a group then a Thames riverboat disco cruise is great fun, + you can usually smoke on the outside decks…

The ultimate is to charter your own London party boat and there are a lot to choose from. Personally I would recommend one with a signisicant amount of outside deck space. For example the Erasmus has as much outside deck space as internal deck space so if the British weather does it’s thing it won’t ruin your party. Of course if it is a glorious evening then everyone onbaord has the option to get outside too….

The Elizabethan is an incredibly elegant vessel, but one of the best for the summer time. She has a companion way circling the entire vessel so guests can simply hang on the rail sipping a cocktail. Over her dance floor is a retractable roof so you can dance under the stars as the night rolls on. Each boat really has it’s own unique options. As I said earlier though I would avoid boats with n, or limited outside deck space and similarly those which are mainly open – you never know what the weather is going to do!

For drinks why not the classic Pimms on reception as guests board, or maybe a Pink Champagne or sparkling Rose. Alcoholic Punch or cocktails are also lots of fun and get everyone in the mood!
With regard to catering you may want to consider a barbecue, very seasonal again for obvious reason, but a great way to really get that summer feeling into your London boat party.

Another fun idea is to charter a London Jet Boat or maybe a RIB, as these fast speed boats really get the wind whistling through your hair. If you have a larger party and are planning to charter a larger Luxury Charter Boat you can always have the speed boat come alongside at a pier and take small groups out for 15 minute blasts. Always goes down well with the gents!

If you would like any further information please drop a comment on the bottom of this blog.

Thanks

Add comment February 29, 2008

Websites that provide information on the River Thames

Here is a list of websites that provide genuinely intersting information on a variety of topics surrounding the River Thames.

Wikipedia: River Thames – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Port of London Authority: http://www.portoflondon.co.uk/

British Waterways (not technically the Thames, but oversee the connecting waterways): http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/home/index.html

Watercape – part of British Waterways: http://www.waterscape.com/

Environment Agency: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/thames/

The River Thames Guide: http://www.riverthames.co.uk/

Movie clips from Filming on the River Thames: http://www.livettslaunches.co.uk/page/2.57.html

The River Thames Society: http://www.riverthamessociety.org.uk/index.htm

Where Thames Smooth Waters Glide: http://thames.me.uk/index.htm

What the Thames was like in the Bronze Age: http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/T/timeteam/snapshot_bronze.html

Conciege Thames Bridges Videos: http://video.concierge.com/?fr_story=1013f8b6bfae204f300fc98bf2ba87feec125b4f&rf=sitemap

Discover the River Thames: http://www.visitthames.co.uk/

Please let me know if you would like your link here.

Add comment February 13, 2008

Websites with information on boats on the River Thames in London

The following websites will help you find information on the River Thames in London, boats for hire and private charter:

River Thames:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Thames#External_links
http://www.portoflondon.co.uk
http://www.tfl.gov.uk

London Speed Boats:

http://www.londonspeedboats.co.uk/
http://www.thamesspeedboats.co.uk/
http://www.thamesspeedboathire.co.uk/

London Jet Boats:

http://www.londonjetboats.co.uk/
http://www.thamesjetboats.co.uk/

London Party Boats:

http://www.londonpartyboat.co.uk/
http://www.partyboatlondon.co.uk/

Thames Boat Hire:

http://www.boathirelondon.co.uk/

Marine Filming:

http://www.filmlondon.org.uk
http://www.livettslaunches.co.uk/page/2.55.html
http://www.divingservicesuk.com
http://www.theknowledgeonline.com

Please let me know any more I can add to this list.

Add comment February 7, 2008

A guide to boats for hire on the river Thames in London

There are a wide range of different boats for hire on the Thames in London. Depending on the type of boat party or celebration you are looking to host on the river Thames in London there are a wide range of different styles of boats available to charter.

Here is a list of a selection of boats available to hire grouped by style.

Speed boats
If you are looking for a speed boat to hire there are many different options available including the most incredible adrenaline rush – a London Jet Boat Experience!

Voyager RIB’s
Jet Boat
Fletcher Arrowhawk
Lima Lima II

Luxury Powerboats
Moving up from small speed boats their are a number of large luxury powerboats / superyachts available for charter on the Thames. Ideal for important business meetings, corporate entertaining and intimate celebrations for smaller groups these craft push the boundaries of service, quality and luxury.

Princess V48
Zephyr / Zodiac
Rum Jungle

Small Launches
Often a simple river transfer from one part of London to a venue and back is considered to avoid London’s busy transport network. There are several small launches suitable for such transfers and very reasonably priced when compared with other ways of transporting larger numbers in a group around London!

Thames Swift
John Harriot
Cabot

Large Launches
Getting a larger group from one place to another in London can be a complete nightmare. A boat is a simple and cost effective solution and even adds another element to the event. For larger parties it can be efficient to charter a private passenger vessel or a Thames river bus. Here are a few options:

Thames Clipper
Sarpedon
Sapele
Edwardian
Golden Salamander

London Party Boats
There is a simply massive selection of party boats for hire on the Thames in London. Choosing which one suits you can be a bit of a headache – should you pay the extra money for one boat – is it worth it?

Here are a list of a selection of ‘approved’ London Party Boats which are generally considered good value for money. Note these boats are not comparable by size or standard, but value for money. If a boat is not included that you feel should be please reply to the thread.

Havengore
High Society
Spirit of London
Edwardian
Golden Salamander
Elizabethan
Erasmus
Silver Barracuda
Silver Sturgeon
Dixie Queen

For further information on hiring a boat on the river Thames in London see: Boat Hire London

I hope this information has been useful?

Add comment January 21, 2008

A cruise through London on the River Thames

Booking a River Thames Boat Cruise is an exciting and enjoyable way of viewing London’s most unique and famous landmarks – from the oldest to the newest. At night the visual feast is enhanced further with an interactive lighting system on key bridges and buildings in the heart of the city which changes the colour of the illuminations as boats pass by.

The River Thames carves it’s way through the very heart of London from West to East as it flows down to the sea from it’s source in the Cotswolds. The section of river downstream of Teddington, i.e. between Teddington, through London and down to the estuary is called the tidal Thames. As the name suggests the river here is tidal, rising and falling by around 7 meters a day.

The tide is actually one of the biggest factors on the river in London. It dictates where boats can go, how fast they will get there and what the river and London will look like. When the tide is low or out you

For more information on the tide and how it affects activity on the Thames see this link: http://www.livettslaunches.co.uk/page/2.45.html

When cruising through London the sights most people are excited to see are:

Putney Pier – the start of the famous Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race
Albert Bridge
Battersea Power Station
MI6 Building – where the James Bond chase scene began
Big Ben and The House of Parliament
BA London Eye
Tate Modern and Tate Britain
St Paul’s Cathedral
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
The Millennium Bridge – The Blade of Light
HMS Belfast
Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Canary Wharf
Cutty Sark
The O2
Thames Barrier
QEII Bridge

There are many river boats in London of varying size and with different levels of quality. Some are very pretty and luxuriously appointed, designed for fine dining, others are much more simple, built for disco cruises, parties and club nights. The choice will usually be based around budget as the more you have available the more choice there is, as with most things in life!

It is worth pointing out that it doesn’t matter which boat you are on, the Thames and London’s sights will look the same…

For more information on the River Thames see this link: http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/thames.htm

2 comments January 4, 2008

Why Charter a Power Boat on the Thames in London?

London is full of large riverboat disco cruise and luxury party boats for hire. However these large Thames cruise boats lack the exciting image people often associate with boats and boating. The popular image, made famous by James Bond, of a large powerboat blasting down the Thames through London is what most people think of when you talk about chartering a boat in London, but until recently it was simply not possible to do.

Usually only the mega rich get the opportunity to cruise in a large powerboat, but now a company is offering the boats for hire on the Thames in London.

These boats are setting new standards of luxury for entertaining in London, but they can only cater for up to 12 guests making the charter costs expensive when compared with the traditional Thames riverboat.

The main difference between a large powerboat and a Thames Party Boat is that of the number of people they can cater for. As the boats are of a similar physical size and one caters for 150 guests and one 12 guests you can imagine the difference in the design! Also the wear and tear a traditional London River Boat goes through with so many party goers onboard means they have to be built strong which affects everything right down to the fixtures and fittings. The large Super yachts are built for a different use and therefore the level of quality and luxury is at another level. They do not receive the level of wear so can have pretty teak decks and mahogany panelled interiors.

I personally couldn’t afford on of these boats in London for private charter, but I can see the appeal for a unique venue for a business meeting, corporate entertainment or product launch. I guess even the mega rich may want to step aboard to entertain friends, after all why buy one of these monsters if you can charter it fully crewed with World class catering as and when you want it!?

The range available for private charter in London is relatively small and really concentrates on the larger, more exclusive boats. The bigger the boat the larger the boat hire cost!

So if you can’t afford to buy one of these beautiful machines you can still experience a few hours on one and know how it feels to be one of the mega rich!

Add comment December 17, 2007

A guide to chartering a boat on the Thames in London this Christmas

Searching for a unique venue to celebrate Christmas and New Year in London, be it a company Christmas party or group of friends or family, you will find a London Party Boat on the river Thames an exciting and different venue.

With festively decorated boats cruising the Thames you and your guests will get to take in London’s most famous landmarks lit up in all their splendour. The size of your group and type of boat party you want to have will guide your choice of vessel. The Thames in London has many different boats of different shapes and sizes. Options include:

Land venues simply cannot compete, the Thames offers views of the most famous of London’s landmarks, viewed through unique and exciting venues of every style and price range imaginable. Funky contemporary party boats such as the Erasmus or Silver Barracuda contrast with the traditional Elizabethan replica paddle steamer or Edwardian replica steam ship. For smaller parties charter a luxury powerboat or a traditional wooden speed boat for the ultimate in exclusivity. All are fully heated and comply with the most rigorous of Europe’s safety standards – the strictest in the World.

When researching which boat is best for your Christmas or New Year celebrations I strongly recommend you view the boats that match your requirements. You will get a better idea of the size and quality of the boat and straight away see the level of service you can expect when onboard. Generally you get what you pay for, but there are exceptions – London Party Boats that do not present the quality the price they are charging suggests they should.

Once you have chosen the boat make sure you provisionally hold the date and times you would like. Friday and Saturday evenings are very popular so I would highly recommend booking several months in advance if you are after a key date. For example New Years Eve tickets are usually sold out by the beginning of December.

Once booked the operator will take you through the process of designing your boat party. Be aware you will need to pay in advance, often in full.

A London Party Boat is truly a fantastic and memorable way to celebrate this Christmas and New Year.