Kentish Lady River Tours
Kentish Lady River Tours
4.5
Full view
About
75 seater river boat providing 1hr trips and 3hr lunch/supper cruises on the River Medway. 1hr trips run weekends and schools holidays, family and group friendly, the boat stops at Allington Lock which is 100m from the Kent Life attraction. 3hr cruises run weekdays and include food - pre booking form essential The boat can also be hired for private charter also available. Self-drive boat hire also available from 2 - 4 hrs Seasonal - see website for current schedule.
Maidstone, Kent, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
327 reviews
Excellent
262
Very good
50
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Elaine Louise
Maidstone, UK31 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Last night we hired The Kentish Lady for my Mum’s 80th Birthday celebrations 🎉 On board were our Family and a few friends all together after 2 long years of separation. We all took a Covid test beforehand so we could relax and enjoy 3 wonderful hours cruising from Allington Lock through Maidstone and then down to the Lock at East Farleigh and onto Teston and Barming (and back again!). We picked up a beautiful Fish & Chip supper on the way which was delicious 😋 We were so well looked after by the Crew and nothing was too much trouble. The drinks were flowing from the bar onboard and the kids had an absolute ball. Aged 2 1/2 years to 85 years the evening was enjoyed by absolutely everyone! I’ve had a message from every guest today saying how brilliant it was 🙌🏻🙏🏻 We would all highly recommend chartering the boat for a birthday, wedding or any celebration 🎉 It was absolutely perfect 😍 THANK YOU (Mick 😉)
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comprehensive review, it was a pleasure to spend time with you and your guests and we are delighted that we met your expectations.
Thanks again for sharing your experience, I will pass on your comments to all the crew,
Written 26 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rupert The Bear
Southampton, UK337 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
1st class service from start to finish.
Booked the 3 hour cruise the price was £27 and money well spent,that included fish and chips which was very good and a tea,coffee or water plus a piece of fruit.
The kiosks staff and the crew are a very friendly team and made you very welcome.
I would highly recommend the Kentish lady if you are in Maidstone or the kent area you will not be disappointed.
Many thanks both really enjoyed it.
Booked the 3 hour cruise the price was £27 and money well spent,that included fish and chips which was very good and a tea,coffee or water plus a piece of fruit.
The kiosks staff and the crew are a very friendly team and made you very welcome.
I would highly recommend the Kentish lady if you are in Maidstone or the kent area you will not be disappointed.
Many thanks both really enjoyed it.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and for sharing your experience for others to read, I will pass on your comments to the crew.
Written 3 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue D
Kent63 contributions
Jul 2021
My friend and I took the tour yesterday and would thoroughly recommend it. We set off in blazing hot sunshine and we enjoyed a glass of pimms from the bar which was very reasonably priced. There was a small amount of commentary and the staff were very friendly and cheerful. The castle tour was fab and the staff there who did the tour were very entertaining. A storm broke out towards the end of the tour and the staff were extremely professional making sure that we all got back into the boat before the heavens opened! Tea and cake was very welcome on the way back and the they allowed to wait on the boat until the coach arrived. They even gave my friend and I an umbrella! Great trip and we’re already thinking about taking some friends back again.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, it was certainly a mixed day in terms of the weather, so glad you and your friend still enjoyed your day - thanks again
Written 21 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlanM997
England, UK87 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
A pleasant experience from first booking to returning our hire boat. The staff ever the extra mile to ensure all went smoothly when booking on the phone to a detailed safety briefing and instructions on arrival to navigate the small Diesel engine boat. Went from
Maidstone town to Teston park, a beautiful stretch of the Medway and navigated East Farleigh lock twice! Great instructions from our host thank you! On return journey has time to head out to Allington so a relaxing but full 4 hours round trip in all.
Would thoroughly recommend.
Maidstone town to Teston park, a beautiful stretch of the Medway and navigated East Farleigh lock twice! Great instructions from our host thank you! On return journey has time to head out to Allington so a relaxing but full 4 hours round trip in all.
Would thoroughly recommend.
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review us
Written 23 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LittlestoneLady
7 contributions
Nov 2021
Yesterday, with family and friends, we went on a private 3 hour charter to celebrate the life of my husband. We had an amazing time cruising up the river with music, refreshments and wonderful company. Linda and Mick were so helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I was well informed about everything happening. Afterwards I was inundated with texts and calls, everyone who attended commented on how wonderful and appropriate the trip was.
Thank you, Kentish Lady, we couldn’t have asked for more! Xx
Thank you, Kentish Lady, we couldn’t have asked for more! Xx
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, it was a our please it’s to be part of your day.
Written 11 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travellingmc
East Grinstead, UK33 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
A lovely 3 hour trip from Maidstone on the River Medway with a fish and chip lunch. Most of the other passengers were two groups of mixed ability with regard to boarding and this was done very efficiently by the boats crew. My husband and I were seated near to the back of the boat where we had a good view of the passing river side and a commentary from the crew with regard to the medieval bridges, locks, buildings and wild life. The fish and chips were served just after we cast off which ensured they were hot and tasty.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we appreciate the time you’ve taken to share your experience.
Written 3 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Resort571270
3 contributions
Jun 2022
So much generosity on the part of the boat owners
We were given vouchers for a free drink with our included lunch. During the afternoon there was an array of fruit for us to help ourselves to and even discount vouchers for ice creams when we arrived back in Maidstone. Because we did not have to wait long to get through the locks, the cruise did not take the full three hours before we were back in Maidstone but instead of docking there, we were given extra cruise time by going further up river. A fantastic day out
We were given vouchers for a free drink with our included lunch. During the afternoon there was an array of fruit for us to help ourselves to and even discount vouchers for ice creams when we arrived back in Maidstone. Because we did not have to wait long to get through the locks, the cruise did not take the full three hours before we were back in Maidstone but instead of docking there, we were given extra cruise time by going further up river. A fantastic day out
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review us in such a comprehensive way and for sharing your experience for others to read, i will pass on you lovely comments to all the staff concerned. Thanks again.
Written 5 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thinkgap
Maidstone, UK3 contributions
Aug 2022
Fostering Together (.co.uk) are a specialist fostering agency for children with disabilities. Our families loved yesterday’s boat trip. Children in wheelchairs were able to sit on deck and enjoy the tranquillity of the river setting as we cruised along. Others were thrilled when the skipper allowed one to sound the boat horn. Thank you all for a lovely family experience.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, it was a pleasure for us to assist you with your event.
Written 9 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicky K
Chatham, England, United Kingdom15 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
My husband just made it in time to catch the boat with my toddler son who was looking forward to the trip. The driver saw my husband running to catch the boat and pulled away all the same. I was at a loss as to why someone would do this. After calling the company, I fully expected them to offer my guys a complimentary ride as it is a family run business (I too, run my own) only to be told that wasn’t the drivers story and an apology and a swift cut off.
Personally I’d have invited the family for a ride. Clearly pride in your reputation isn’t a priority anymore?
How sad.
Personally I’d have invited the family for a ride. Clearly pride in your reputation isn’t a priority anymore?
How sad.
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Following our two telephone calls this morning I have now studied our CCTV, your husband arrived at 11:04, the boat leaves at 11:00 sharp as per our schedule, the boat had already left the dock when your husband engaged with the crew member at the rear of the boat not the driver who sits at the front of the boat adjacent to the boarding gate. The driver was totally unaware of the presence of your husband and even if he was he cannot simply reverse back, once he’s committed to leave thats it, the CCTV shows clearly the time scales involved and i welcome you to come to our kiosk and view it.
Written 18 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ros B
3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
I took my elderly mum on the three hour fish and chip cruise on 27th September. From the moment we booked in to the moment we left the boat the experience was amazing. Michael was a brilliant host 👏 They seated you in order of your booking which was all very organised and when Michael saw I was having difficulty walking he straight away accommodated me and sat us at the front of the boat which showed his level of care. The views were lovely, the commentary was so informative and with sone humour too. The fish and chips were to die for not an ounce if grease anywhere and very tasty. To top it off there was the added bonus of big baskets of fruit that were put at the front of the boat courtesy of the staff. The fruit was fresh and very tasty and was a lovely added surprise that we were not expecting at all. The boat was spotlessly clean including the toilets and the organisation of the whole trip was second to none. The owners were very friendly and I would recommend their services and this trip without a second thought Thank you for a lovely day 😊
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The review of your experience with us is much appreciated and we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised in this way - i will pass on your comments to the team, thank you !
Written 17 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have booked a trip for a WI outing in July but keep hearing bad reviews re toilets broken, rickety old boat no Fish and chips although ordered etc from local residents how true is this?
Written 28 April 2022
Good morning, I am flabbergasted to read this and anybody reporting these issues must be confusing us with another excursion provider, the Kentish Lady is kept in immaculate condition, the toilets have no issues and in my 8 years of running the vessel we have never failed to provide the food ordered. We have an exemplary record with groups and tour operators with many booking year on year. Hope this helps. Please read our reviews on here to see the truth about how we operate. Thank you.
Written 2 May 2022
Yes ample parking 2 mins from the river
Written 25 July 2021
How do I book a 1 hour return tour from Maidestone? We called the line but no one was answering and we filled in the form online?
Written 29 August 2020
Please call the office on 01622 753740
Written 30 August 2020
Deborah A
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Can I take a very small dog she fits in a bag
Written 4 August 2020
Yes on the 1hr trips we allow dogs
Written 26 July 2021
hi we r interested in a group booking for the three hour tour with fish and chips are there any discounted tickets and can I take my dog thank you
Written 28 May 2019
Please call our office on 01622 753740 and ask for Linda
Written 29 May 2019
Yes there are toilets on the boat male and female which are spotlessly clean smells nice in there
Written 28 October 2018
Please see our website by searching Kentish Lady Maidstone
Written 19 June 2018
Are dogs allowed on the 1hr cruise?
Written 27 May 2018
Yes we welcome dogs on our 1hr trips - hope to see you
Written 28 May 2018
Hi would this be suitable for disabled as would like to take my mum for 3 hour cruise just wondered how she would get down to river as she walks with a walker , and access to th boat cheers
Written 1 October 2015
Good morning - thank you for your enquiry.
Yes the boat is suitable for disabled , there are no stairs down to our mooring and there is parking close by , also the boat is level to the dock.
Hope to see you soon.
Written 1 October 2015
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