John Bunyan Community Boat
John Bunyan Community Boat
John Bunyan Community Boat
4.5
Full view
About
Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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John Bunyan Community Boat
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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
166 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
30
Average
4
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Susan T
northampton15 contributions
May 2023 • Family
This was a bank holiday treat for 5 children aged between 15 and 6 and 4 adults. The volunteers were lovely and the treats on board were very reasonably priced. We parked in Prebend street and it was just a few minutes walk to find the waiting area for the boat. Highly recommend as a way to spend an afternoon and the price was good value too at £7 per adult and £4.50 per child, I believe under 5's are free.
Written 31 May 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.
Andrew C
Bedford, UK2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
The evening fish and chips cruise was booked as a large local church group of around 20 more mature people,this was no problem as everything was organised by the crew so the group were all together.
we were greeted at the mooring and seated without being rushed,the crew introduced themselves and we got on our way up river to Bedford Town centre, the lovely hostesses came round to take the drink orders which were very reasonably priced.
Being local to Bedford it was such a different view of the river and town from the Boat with a lock on the outbound and return journeys.
The fish and chips were delivered to the boat in the Town centre and were hot and delicious and also comes with tea or coffee, everyone commented on how they enjoyed them I think other main is available chicken etc and ordered when booking.
All the crew are volunteers and were very friendly,efficient and enjoyed what they were doing.
A fantastic enjoyable trip 5 stars
we were greeted at the mooring and seated without being rushed,the crew introduced themselves and we got on our way up river to Bedford Town centre, the lovely hostesses came round to take the drink orders which were very reasonably priced.
Being local to Bedford it was such a different view of the river and town from the Boat with a lock on the outbound and return journeys.
The fish and chips were delivered to the boat in the Town centre and were hot and delicious and also comes with tea or coffee, everyone commented on how they enjoyed them I think other main is available chicken etc and ordered when booking.
All the crew are volunteers and were very friendly,efficient and enjoyed what they were doing.
A fantastic enjoyable trip 5 stars
Written 9 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.
Extraordinary779575
Northampton, UK54 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Lovely trip along the river. The volunteers are helpful and enthusiastic. They have all undergone appropriate training.
The disabled lift worked well for my companion who walks with crutches, and another lady who walked with a stick. The volunteers ensured their safety.
Tea and coffee are available on board at a very reasonable price.
Very enjoyable.
The disabled lift worked well for my companion who walks with crutches, and another lady who walked with a stick. The volunteers ensured their safety.
Tea and coffee are available on board at a very reasonable price.
Very enjoyable.
Written 23 April 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.
P4924GEcharlottet
Bedfordshire, UK4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
It was disappointing to say the least, On arrival it looked quite promising, I’ve been on two boat cruises ; one in London and one in Amsterdam neither one served hot food but they did share their history one was two hours and the other was 15-30minutes. A lot cheaper than what we spent on this trip through Bedford , there was no history talks as you travelled through the river , which you’re losing the best features of Bedford town.
As it’s meant to be a John Bunyan boat shouldn’t we be talking about John Bunyan,also I informed my friend about the history some of what I know,I like to take a lot of photos, there’s not a lot of photos on this review. When I asked one of the gentleman named John I believe with a beard if I could take a picture of the back of the boat he was quite abrupt and told me I could but couldn’t take any pictures of passengers or crew which wasn’t my intention too only of me and my friend He didn’t need to appear so rude. On leaving The Priory they were handing out cutlery I assumed you were getting your food right away because they put out bowls of sauce again asking the same person that was quite abrupt could we have more ketchup as we only had two packets for two people, he came across quite abrupt and said “when we get your food will we supply more sauce” this is not verbatim what he said but his tone was like we were bothering him.The food was picked up from Sovereigns quay from just eat delivery, it didn’t state on the box where the food was from, I did check later on on the website which was “Golden Chicken Barbeque “ chips were soggy and food wasn’t very warm I would recommend changing suppliers. When I asked a different chap for ketchup who was older he was lovely he apologised profusely that they didn’t realise that didn’t have enough sauce before leaving the dock. The journey was from priory to the bridge between Queen’s Park and Kempston. I understand these guys are are not paid for this but Improvements get rid of the guy who was quite rude , change the food and do a talk over about things you past to make people appreciate the great stuff about Bedford which is the history .
As it’s meant to be a John Bunyan boat shouldn’t we be talking about John Bunyan,also I informed my friend about the history some of what I know,I like to take a lot of photos, there’s not a lot of photos on this review. When I asked one of the gentleman named John I believe with a beard if I could take a picture of the back of the boat he was quite abrupt and told me I could but couldn’t take any pictures of passengers or crew which wasn’t my intention too only of me and my friend He didn’t need to appear so rude. On leaving The Priory they were handing out cutlery I assumed you were getting your food right away because they put out bowls of sauce again asking the same person that was quite abrupt could we have more ketchup as we only had two packets for two people, he came across quite abrupt and said “when we get your food will we supply more sauce” this is not verbatim what he said but his tone was like we were bothering him.The food was picked up from Sovereigns quay from just eat delivery, it didn’t state on the box where the food was from, I did check later on on the website which was “Golden Chicken Barbeque “ chips were soggy and food wasn’t very warm I would recommend changing suppliers. When I asked a different chap for ketchup who was older he was lovely he apologised profusely that they didn’t realise that didn’t have enough sauce before leaving the dock. The journey was from priory to the bridge between Queen’s Park and Kempston. I understand these guys are are not paid for this but Improvements get rid of the guy who was quite rude , change the food and do a talk over about things you past to make people appreciate the great stuff about Bedford which is the history .
Written 7 August 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.
_pauldorow
London, UK8 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
We went for a 2 hour boat trip on board the John Bunyan boat with a local social club. We all had a ploughman's lunch & hot drink served by the volunteers. The crew shared their local knowledge with us which made it so interesting. The cost.was very reasonable & in aid of Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway charity.
I recommend this as a lovely afternoon excursion.
I recommend this as a lovely afternoon excursion.
Written 6 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.
Karen P
60 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A birthday cruise along the grand union canal was just the perfect way to while away the day.
The peaceful passing through parklands, over aqueducts and past heritage sites normally unseen made for an interesting and unique journey.
The crew were excellent hosts and the event organised wonderfully.
Lunch was delicious, a crisp and chilled salad ploughman's plate, the portion being generous and served well.
A five hour unique trip, with a complimentary hot drink and biscuits, lunch and a fantastic crew for just £36, the peace.... priceless, you'd be daft not to snap up the opportunity to get on board!
The peaceful passing through parklands, over aqueducts and past heritage sites normally unseen made for an interesting and unique journey.
The crew were excellent hosts and the event organised wonderfully.
Lunch was delicious, a crisp and chilled salad ploughman's plate, the portion being generous and served well.
A five hour unique trip, with a complimentary hot drink and biscuits, lunch and a fantastic crew for just £36, the peace.... priceless, you'd be daft not to snap up the opportunity to get on board!
Written 1 September 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.
Smiles
Bedford, UK7 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We’ve just done the curry night cruise. A superb couple of hours along the Ouse.
The food was superb. We’ve eaten in the restaurant a number of times and having it bought out on to the boat works a treat.
All the volunteers couldn’t be more helpful.
The food was superb. We’ve eaten in the restaurant a number of times and having it bought out on to the boat works a treat.
All the volunteers couldn’t be more helpful.
Written 14 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.
Rebecca R
Ampthill, UK8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Myself and daughter went on the Fish and Chip Supper cruise and we had a lovely time. The volunteers on the boat were really welcoming and friendly. We had some drinks and set off along the river. It was a beautiful evening and stunning to see the river and sights of Bedford from a different perspective. The fish and chips were really lovely and the journey was amazing on the way back to the sun setting into the river. Would definitely recommend one of these cruises. This one lasted 2 hours and was so relaxing, a great way to spend a Saturday evening. 10/10
Written 10 September 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.
TheFoodie
4 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The volunteer team were absolutely brilliant! Nothing was too much trouble and the raising of funds for such a worthwhile cause has to be highly commended. The experience from start to finish was a total pleasure and I would recommend that you take a trip and see Bedford from a very different perspective. I will be recommending this to all I know!
Written 2 September 2024
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.
So glad you enjoyed the trip!
Written 5 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderer19022092108
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A group of WI Ladies enjoyed a very pleasant trip on the river up to Cardington Lock and back. We booked a cream tea and that didn't disappoint either!
Nothing was too much trouble for the volunteers who run this boat and they should be applauded for all the work they do to keep this idyllic trip going.
Nothing was too much trouble for the volunteers who run this boat and they should be applauded for all the work they do to keep this idyllic trip going.
Written 1 September 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.
Hi there, we are booked on an evening trip this week but are concerned about the temperayure inside the boat as it is moored outside all day. thanks.
Written 11 July 2022
All the windows on the boat are opened and the doors at the front and rear so there is a constant breeze through the boat. I think the water also has a cooling effect.
It is warm but personally and having been on the boat this week it is not too bad.
I hope you enjoy a nice evening cruise.
Written 12 July 2022
Just wondered if I can bring my dog on the boat ride she's a well behaved puggle. Many thanks Claire
Written 28 July 2018
No animals on board during my trips so suspect the answer will be ‘no’. Contact the organisers for confirmation.
Written 4 August 2018
Do you offer public cruises on Bank Holiday Monday?
Written 6 May 2018
There are cruises on some bank holidays. Please go to our web page to check. We often run short taster cruises but sometimes they are in conjunction with the Barns fun Days.
Written 18 April 2019
Where are you based and how do we book? You haven't answered the questions above so I'm not expecting too much of a reply.
Written 28 August 2016
JBboat
Bedford, United Kingdom
Hi,
We're based at Priory Marina in Bedford and you can book on our website.
the JB team.
Written 27 September 2016
jackiegoodship
Bedford, United Kingdom
how do you book a trip on the boat and whats on offer
Written 1 August 2016
JBboat
Bedford, United Kingdom
Hi,
We're based at Priory Marina in Bedford and you can book on our website. All our trip information is on there.
the JB team.
Written 27 September 2016
jackiegoodship
Bedford, United Kingdom
how do you book a trip on the boat and whats on offer
Written 1 August 2016
JBboat
Bedford, United Kingdom
Hi,
We're based at Priory Marina in Bedford and you can book on our website. All our trip information is on there.
the JB team.
Written 27 September 2016
How easy is it to access the boat for disability passengers ?
Written 8 May 2016
JBboat
Bedford, United Kingdom
Hi,
We have a lift to allow wheelchair users, or anyone with mobility issues, onto the boat. Both our regular moorings are accessible, but you can find more information on our website.
The JB Team.
Written 27 September 2016
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