Hiring a boat is a brilliant way to explore the UK’s capital, London, a culturally vibrant city known for world-class entertainment. London is full of museums, natural beauty, and exceptional buildings and sculptures. So, renting a boat, or a yacht charter in London can enable you to enjoy and mesmerize yourself with several different activities. Everyone knows about the eye-catching yachts, boats, and cruises floating on River Thames, but many people miss the activities according to their taste just because they didn’t know about it. You can easily find the ideal catamaran, motor yacht, sailboat, speedboat, or canal boat of your choice from the unique ports and marinas in London. You can directly contact the owners of the vessels for the ideal boat, or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a captain, or without if you have a license, and enjoy a full-day trip on the River Thames. With the option to rent a motorboat or RIB, you can enjoy an exciting river cruise in absolute style. If you book a catamaran, you will be able to enjoy the best stag and hen party or have a wonderful cocktail or booze cruise. You can also hire a luxury motor yacht and enjoy a romantic sunset trip, or celebrate the ultimate wedding anniversary onboard. Finally, you can cruise the River Thames with your favorite boat for more than just a day and take in one of the most iconic sightseeing trips you can imagine.
London is the capital city of the UK, a large part of its success as a city is thanks to the River Thames; a port and centre for trade and commerce. London is also one of the most important financial centres in the world and has the second-best global air connections in the world after Dubai. The very first settlers and invaders in London built castles and forts along the Thames to protect their possessions along the river. The banks of the Thames became known as the “string of Pearls” where the most gorgeous buildings were constructed, many of which tourists still visit today.
Key players in English history such as King William went on to control the Thames and William the Conqueror constructed the Tower of London, which became the gateway to the capital. From the Middle Ages, all the way to the Tudors and the Stuarts, Kings and Queens built riverside palaces you can still visit till the present day, such as Richmond Palace and Hampton Court. Entering a period of war and trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, the great City of London kept local shipbuilders busy, where sea-going vessels flourished and gave way to half of the Nation’s trade. Arriving in the 21st century, the River Thames not only has become one of the cleanest rivers in the world (also home to over 115 different species of fish) but has huge blocks of luxury apartments and has become a key area for business meetings, wedding and weekend breaks with a plethora of docks for sailing and canoeing. With a private river cruise or self-driving your way through the heart of London, you will have a memorable and delightful experience.
A luxury yacht charter in the Thames River is one of the most mind-blowing experiences any tourist can ever come across. The city provides a deep insight into historical landscapes, museums, art galleries, and a transition to lush green and culturally rich countrysides. London has a lot to offer to everyone with different tastes and moods. With an elegant yet speedy motor yacht, you can enjoy mesmerizing sights such as the London Eye Pier, Cleopatra’s Needle, The Shard, and even sail past Shakespeare’s Global Theatre.
Cruising the Thames with a meal on board is the best thing to experience when on vacation with your friends, family, and loved ones. Many cruise ships and catamarans offer luxury, mouthwatering menus to enjoy on the boats while taking in delightful sceneries. A dinner cruise will keep you in holiday mode and allow you to explore the diverse city in style. Moreover, cruise ships or skippered vessels offer informative tours about the area, a great option for the first-timers.
London city cruises allow hop-on and hop-off options between three important piers (docks): Westminster, tower, and London Eye. You can rent a motorboat or speedboat for 24 hours with the option to hop off on any of the docks and hop on again whenever you want.
If you are an art lover, you must know the best art galleries in London are the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern. If these are on your travel wish list, then a special Tate to Tate cruise can be an unforgettable experience towards your favorite art destination. You can travel between them and towards them with a narrowboat or any yacht you desire and create unforgettable memories.
If you decide to cruise the River Thames for a whole week, you can sail through central London and navigate the upper and lower channels. You will notice that the unique river runs over 90 miles from the sea to Teddington. You will also pass by the Oxford downstream and the great castles and Royal Palaces of Windsor in Maidenhead. Making your way to the Thames Barrier, you can propel your way through the fitting gateway that approaches the sea. Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Somerset House, Cutty Shark, and The Island Gardens are other interesting sights to behold. Passenger boats and yachts meander their way through the beautiful countryside, including Abingdon, Reading, Hampton Court, and Kingston. Even after all these compelling historical sites, you will spot interesting wildlife such as kingfishers, otters, and ducks from Lechlade to all sorts of marine mammals and bottlenose dolphins down at Teddington Weir. There is something for everyone in London who decides to spend their yacht charter in the Thames.
Below you will find some useful information for your boat hire in London.
Windsor Marina: Situated three miles from Windsor town and can berth up to 175 vessels. From here you can cruise to central London or Oxford. The marina offers fuel and extensive facilities and services.
London Heathrow Airport is approximately 12 miles from Windsor Marina.
Penton Hook Marina: This is Britain’s largest marina that can accommodate 575 berths. The marina can moor vessels up to 30 meters in length as well as pontoons, narrowboats, and Dutch barges. From here you can cruise to Windsors and Datchet and follow the route right into Central London.
London Heathrow Airport is roughly 17 km from Penton Hook Marina.
Shepperton Marina: Can accommodate over 400 boats with electricity and water. The marina is open 7 days a week and has closed-circuit surveillance. There are full chandlery and marine stores and large servicing and repair workshops. The marina has ample car parking and is only 30 minutes from London by road. Overall, a top marina for cruising the Thames with a variety of sailing choices.
The London Heathrow Airport is 5.2 miles/8.4 kilometers from Shepperton Marina. Next is London Gatwick Airport, which is 20 miles away/ 33 kilometers. The London City Airport is roughly 23 miles/ 37 kilometers away.
Abingdon Marina: A picturesque marina that can accommodate cruisers, narrowboats, and barges. The marina can withstand severe weather conditions, keeping the boat safe during flood conditions. Water and electricity are available to all moorings. There is a secure compound for parking your car, as well as a wealth of pubs and restaurants nearby.
The closest airport is London Heathrow, which is 38 miles away from Abingdon. Next is London Luton Airport, which is roughly 42 miles away.
Bossoms Marina: Situated in the Oxford canal and has 120 walkways, berths for all sorts of vessels.
Walton Marina: Offers direct access onto the River Thames with over 170 berths. All sorts of facilities and services are offered here, including free Wi-Fi to annual moorers and engineering services for all types of motor cruisers.
The London Heathrow Airport is roughly 10 km away from Walton Marina.
Titchmarsh Marina: Located on the Essex Coast and can berth over 400 vessels. There is 24-hour security, chandler services, and engineering for all mechanical needs.
Chertsey Marina: Situated near Chertsey Bridge and can berth up to 110 vessels that go up to 12 meters in length. There is 24-hour security for all, as well as engine repairs on site. The marina is only 5 minutes away from Thorpe Park.
Tips for cruising the River Thames:
A rigorous lookout should be maintained when entering the river.
A vessel must not cross or enter a fairway when other vessels are coming the other way, and if they do, stick to the right.
Navigational lights are operational. Also watch out for white flashing lights on the bridges and prevent using that arch as this often means a large craft is approaching.
Cruise at a safe speed to avoid collisions.
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