Ferries in London

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Ferries in London

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What travellers are saying

  • Cheekycockney190757
    Basildon, UK8,548 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited on Wednesday 23rd June 2021 As part of a day trip to London. Woolwich Ferry. It was still free and my first time on it since I went on it as part of the circular cycle around East London back in 2012. I exited the King George V DLR Station and walked the rather decrepit streets the short distance to the Woolwich Ferry. You can queue with your vehicle or walk under the Thames using the foot tunnel. I chose to queue and as there was only 1 of the 2 Ferrys in operation the time to wait was circa 20-30 mins. Once the Ferry was on my side, you could access the ferry and either stand in the open or the covered side seating area. The ferry takes about 10 mins to empty its vehicle and people contents and be refilled. The crossing takes about 10 mins and provides a free view down the Thames. Once in Woolwich, it is a similarly poor/decrepit area of now South London. Either way, unless you have a reason to use this free ferry there is little value to doing so.
    Written 18 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Noah Klop
    Santorini, Greece1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice and unique views on the Tower Bridge and London Bridge. The customer service was also great. Special thanks to David Notarius for helping us find the right boat.
    Written 22 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John W
    Hornsea, UK61 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I've looked all over Trip Advisor, but couldn't find an accurate reference to this particular cruise company. True, there are the odd rhapsodical reviews of similar sounding endeavours, often confused with the City Clippers, or with any of the countless operators who pilot tubs of various denominations and river-worthiness up and down the Thames. For this, boys and girls, is London. Capital of Great Britain, the hub, the nexus, The River! And whilst in the Capital on a blindingly hot day (remember them?) what better "activity" for a couple of "Seniors" to do, than to boat up the Thames to Kew Gardens?
    Having checked out the booking cabin the night before, situated by Westminster Pier, we presented ourselves the next morning in time for the 1100 sailing to Hampton Court, with intermediate stops of Kew and Richmond. We paid Seniors rates, which were, I thought, very reasonable. Other fares are available, but you young folk can afford them!
    So what is so special about this cruise. Why am I bothered to put it in the right place on TA?
    After getting past the seething hordes on the pier, all of whom (thank God) appeared to be travelling downstream, rather than up, we found ourselves boarding the venerable (1911) "Connaught". This is the very same “Connaught” which headed the procession of boats for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee back in 2012 – which we had witnessed from Battersea Gardens. A delightful vessel, all of whose attributes I failed to examine as we'd found a nice spot "forrard" against the main body of the craft, above which our very own Captain could be seen on his bridge (or wheel-box). According to the said Captain, all manner of delights could be found within, including a bar at which comestibles could be purchased. We had a hint of our Captain's whimsy when he indicated that sometimes the barmaid would be carrying out further duties at his request - hastily adding that she was trainee crew as well.
    The vessel was not overladen, perhaps reflecting the characteristics of those who prefer to cruise inland rather than brave the far-off perils of the London Barrier. Yes, we were a quieter bunch, more introspective, perhaps and with a keen appreciation of the subtleties of our Captain's discourse. For - after indicating that he did not do "official" commentaries, preferring to entertain passengers (if they wished), our host launched into an excellent and at times irreverent exposition of all things riverly. From identifying the numerous bridges to castigating politicians of all parties, the narrative was joyful, rambunctious and ultimately enjoyable. It was readily apparent that he knew the river like the back of his hand, even going so far as to explain why we were taking a particular line (due to sandbanks) and sharing with us his timetabling woes regarding a certain low-hanging bridge! His delivery was perfect, reminding me of Harry H Corbett from “Steptoe and Son” and it really made our cruise. Certainly the passengers appreciated his efforts and so did we! All the while, we baked in the blistering sun and enjoyed our stately progression.
    I do urge you to take this cruise, if you have the time, as an alternative to other modes of transport. Having said that, Kew is blessed with both rail and Underground services and is always worth a visit.
    Written 12 August 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anne D
    Hemel Hempstead, UK56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Booked exclusive use of the Hurlingham for 30th birthday and the night exceeded our expectations. From start to finish there was a great atmosphere and London looks amazing at night. Surprisingly most of the guests had not enjoyed a boat trip before so it was a real treat. Friendly staff struggled at times at the bar. It says on the video there are 2 bars but we only had 1 - maybe because we did not fill to capacity. All decorations were welcomed as long as they were not “nailed down”. Wayne was helpful, supportive and patient with my many queries beforehand and we would all thoroughly recommend the party boat for a special occasion. Thank you all for a wonderful experience with super photos and memories to cherish.
    Written 17 February 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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