Kew to Westminster Boat Trip Review: Is it Worth It?
Planning a trip to London and considering a boat ride from Kew to Westminster? So, too you’re thinking about a fantastic way to see the city from a very unusual angle, right? A river excursion on the Thames gives, that, is a unique perspective and gets you up close and rather personal with some seriously iconic landmarks. But, a question arises: is the boat ride really worth your precious vacation time and money? I will share insights and details so you may decide if, very, it is a worthwhile addition to your travel plans, actually, in fact.
What to Expect on Your River Thames Boat Ride
OK, so the boat trip from Kew to Westminster usually lasts between two and three hours, yet, it sort of depends on the boat operator and any specific stops. During the trip, you’ll pass lots of places, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, historic homes, parks and, as you get closer to Westminster, seriously famous sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and, that, of course, Tower Bridge. Most boats usually provide commentary pointing out points of interest along the way, so it’s a bit like having a guided tour. Some boats have open decks which, basically, are amazing for taking photos, while others might be fully enclosed to provide shelter from whatever the elements throw at you, in a way, to be honest.
Starting at Kew: The Beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens
Setting off from Kew is, too, a really pleasant way to start. The Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, looks incredibly beautiful from the river. So it’s a real treat if, that, is the first landmark you glimpse, in that case. The gardens themselves are amazing, but the river view offers an altogether different kind of charm, frankly, as a matter of fact. As you leave Kew, the river begins, clearly, to show a less urban side of London, still, it’s all rather interesting, very, really.
Cruising Past Historic Landmarks and Scenic Views
As the boat makes, that, is its way towards Westminster, arguably, you’re treated to a real mix of historic buildings and stunning views. You pass places like Richmond, with its lovely riverside pubs and green spaces. That you get to see historic homes that line the riverbanks – each, basically, with its own very story. It is amazing to learn a bit, naturally, about the background of these places, right? As a matter of fact it makes the trip a great deal more interesting and memorable. Now, seeing these beautiful places slowly drifting past is special.
Approaching Westminster: Iconic London from the Water
The grand approach to Westminster is awesome, now, as the city skyline opens up before you, there are iconic landmarks at very every turn, actually, for instance. First you get, of course, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben and that are extremely impressive from the water. The London Eye looms majestically and looks equally impressive from the water, frankly, in fact. Then, very of course, there is Tower Bridge, or if you’re lucky, sometimes the bridge might even lift as you pass. It is such a popular place. These spots look completely different from a boat, just, right?
What to Consider Before Booking Your Boat Ride
So, planning ahead can really make or break your experience, naturally, that said, right? Here are the things that you should consider before you go ahead and book anything.
Booking Tickets and Checking Timetables
It’s a super plan to book your tickets beforehand. You are pretty much assured of your spot, specifically during the busy vacation months, definitely, just. Also, by booking ahead you quite often get slightly better deals than walking up and just purchasing a ticket on the day, usually, in fact. Most boat tour operators will have their timetables online, in fact, alright. Pay particular awareness of the departure times from Kew and arrival times at Westminster, still, that way you will get to organise any connecting travel appropriately. And be sure you check their refund policy, too!
What’s Included and What to Bring
So, take a minute to examine what your ticket involves, really, at the end of the day. Most often a sightseeing tour usually offers commentary, at least, right? Still some even offer refreshments or the chance to buy some snacks and drinks on board. That being said you might want, honestly, to take along some of your nibbles and drinks, in the meantime, that’s alright. If it’s, like your, a day that seems particularly sunny then consider taking a hat, sunglasses and sunblock and basically protect yourself from the sun, very, actually. And naturally, seriously, if there is the risk of drizzle remember that taking a rain jacket or umbrella can save the day.
Accessibility and Comfort Onboard
Something you want to do is actually examine the accessibility, as a matter of fact. Some boats are designed, you know, to fully accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs; others might be more challenging, I mean, if you or somebody in your group has got, kind of, specific mobility needs then checking this ahead will save any worry, honestly, very. When it comes to that the comfort can also be significant, especially on longer rides. Check if there are restroom facilities available and consider selecting seating which, basically, gives shade if it happens to be a bright day.
Is the Kew to Westminster Boat Trip Right for You?
Determining whether the boat ride aligns with your interests and budget can ensure that your trip is extremely pleasing, by the way, actually. Below is a simple break down.
For Sightseeing Enthusiasts: A Unique Perspective
So, the Kew to Westminster boat ride will, you know, probably suit those who like a touch of sightseeing very, very much. The Thames brings, very, is quite a unique vantage point. So instead of pounding the streets you actually get to see some sights whilst calmly relaxing, definitely, anyway. Plus, actually, commentary on board many trips might provide you with the chance to find, kind of, about bits of history and intriguing facts which you won’t get just from viewing these sites on foot.
Families: A Relaxing Day Out
It’s extremely rare to hear a young person, you, just enjoy long walks. Now, that is a pretty common story. And naturally a boat tour lets everyone put their feet up. Be that as it might if your little ones happen, actually, to be easily restless, then a nearly 3 hour journey may perhaps strain their patience just a bit. Yet the chance to actually move about the boat and witness landmarks from the water probably holds their interest better than many things, very, probably, basically. Just bear that one in your mind. And basically that is why it’s good for a day out for families, just, like.
Budget-Conscious Travelers: Weighing the Costs
Arguably the boat ride could be a touch costly when it comes to seeing London’s landmarks, in other words, definitely. When the prices seem particularly steep think about all of what is included: transportation combined with an informing guided tour that presents very special viewpoints, instead, honestly, still. If funds tend, right, to be quite limited consider other options such as, honestly, utilising the tube and walking around and visit sights separately. You are sure to discover many cost effective approaches, kind of.
Alternatives to the Kew to Westminster Boat Trip
Now that we understand a bit more that does not suggest it may automatically become your choice, just, well. Just have a glance at, actually, alternative things.
Other River Cruises in London
You do not, you know, have to be restricted just to the Kew to Westminster path, actually, anyway. There are lots of other cruises running, honestly, on the Thames, actually, as a matter of fact. Maybe a shorter loop beginning and finishing in Westminster perhaps suits your time frame more. Or maybe you would very much like to travel further east to, honestly, see Greenwich, and it might depend just, like, what you would like to experience. You’ll see they frequently offer different focal points or styles than the one which, I mean, begins at Kew. Look, just to make certain you discover the perfect fit for the taste and plans that your group have.
Exploring London by Public Transportation and Walking
Using public transport combined with walking is, like, basically a cost-effective approach of getting out there to enjoy everything London is able to offer. So, of course you can jump, seriously, on the tube to lots of important attractions rather cheaply. So of course you could discover a lot more with the freedom of wandering round at your own rate. It, definitely, depends on whether you will like to observe and experience sites up closely from the roads, that is. And also how comfy are you and the remainder of your group walking long ranges?
Visiting these important attractions gives some amazing photographic chances.
Quick Reference
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Departure: Kew Pier
- Arrival: Westminster Pier
- Key Sights: Royal Botanic Gardens, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge
Hope this helps! Safe travels, as they say.
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