It’s the season for leaving the cosseting confines of a pub — briefly — and getting out on the water. Sunhats should be mandatory, reciting Keats is strongly encouraged. Though London’s stretch of the Thames is hardly relaxing (too busy, too tidal), the canals and park lakes are ideal for a wistful afternoon of splashing about in a self-drive hire boat. They’re fun, not the usual, and usually even better if you get going on the rosé.
GoBoat
The grey, humming GoBoat cruisers have been motoring through London for the best part of a decade now, the Danish company first opening here in Paddington, in 2017. Now there are four sites in London, the original having been joined by operations in Canary Wharf, Kingston and Thames Ditton. Each offer something slightly different from each other — the Paddington site supplies a beautiful potter up through Little Venice; Kingston and Thames Ditton feel like being out in the countryside; Canary Wharf boasts a towering cityscape. But at each, the electric self-drive boats have room for eight, with pets welcome too. Picnics are strongly encouraged at all, and drinking is permitted, except at Paddington. Prices start at £10 per person, based on a full boat, and cruises can be booked for up to three hours.
Skuna Boats
The word is unconventional; Skuna doesn’t do typical. At Canary Wharf (and also out in Essex), these self-captained vessels are barely boats at all — they float, but that’s about it. One is a floating barbecue, the grill in middle and seats all around. Another is a wood-fired hot tub; you bathe as you motor about. There’s also a floating igloo that combines a cruise with fondue, and even a (static) sauna boat. Skuna specialises in experiences, in memories. Prices, cruise times and locations vary, but the website is helpful. Booking is advised at all but isn’t strictly necessary. Drinking is usually permitted for all but the captain.
Lee Valley Boat Centre
Just outside London but worth the journey, not least because these boats offer notable value — an electric, self-drive boat for eight is £52 for an hour, or £37 for half an hour. Smaller boats seating seven, five and four are also available, at correspondingly smaller prices. These smaller boats aren’t pet-friendly, but the larger offerings are. Those feeling more energetic can opt for a pedalo or a traditional rowing boat, instead. The water is prettily surrounded by greenery. Afterwards, a meal might be had at the nearby Crown pub.
