Thames Rockets
DAYS OUT WITH THE FAMILY Thames Rockets For thrill seekers who enjoy sight-seeing with a difference, Thames Rockets may well be what you are looking for. Located just under the London Eye, these speed boats that comfortably seat up to 12 people are a great fun way of sight-seeing from the Thames, combined with a fabulous 20 minute speedboat ride that the entire family will enjoy. Unfortunately for our family, we chose the wettest day in what has been an incredibly hot summer, but even the pouring rain couldn’t dampen our spirits! Following our safety briefing and once our life jackets were fitted, we climbed aboard our vessel where the seating is in pairs, all with bars in front to grip on tightly to once the speed is increased. The Thames has restricted speed limits within the centre of London, so our journey started sedately, cruising past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, where Isobel, our tour guide, regaled us with stories and facts of these famous London landmarks, including the fact that it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament, but if you did, you would be entitled to a State Funeral despite breaking the law! 20
AMERICAN IN BRITAIN
The journey continues past many of London’s most iconic sights, but for some reason they all look different when you view them from the water, and you realise just how much history London has. You pass by Somerset House (universally disliked as it houses part of the Inland Revenue!), the Globe, the Oxo Tower, HMS Belfast, the Ministry of Defence, and the Anchor (the oldest pub in London). There are many bridges crossing over the Thames, but none compare to the majesty of Tower Bridge. This is a bascule and suspension bridge which opened in 1894, and on our trip we were lucky enough to see it open as well as closed. London is a city of contrasts, and this is no better shown from the water when just opposite the Tower of London (dating back to 1066) is the ultra-modern City Hall building and the newly pedestrianised Southbank, with its restaurants and glass dominated offices (dating to late 2002). Once you head past Tower Bridge the river’s speed limit is relaxed, although we wisely waited until we just passed the police station a little further up, and our driver opened up the custom 880 HP engines and we were off on a thrilling (and
very bumpy that day) ride. The music is turned on (spanning all the decades so something for everyone) and the engines revved, and off you go! We hadn’t told Emily and Hamish (aged 18) that this was going to happen, and they were thrilled, and soon singing along whilst I was heard myself letting out the odd squeal! Rocketing past Canary Wharf and the O2, twisting and turning to maximise the excitement is exhilarating, and the rain just added to the experience. Thames Rockets have held the Number 1 spot in their category on TripAdvisor for over 10 years – and your safety is always their priority, with your enjoyment a very close second. Thames Rocket trips are a great mixture of education and thrill, and are perfect for all ages and all weathers, and I can see why they are rated so highly, as they are a great way to spend about an hour whilst visiting London. Try it, you will probably like it more than your kids do! Prices are £44.95 for adults and £39.95 for children, although at the time we travelled a few offers post-COVID were on offer, so please check out Thames Rockets website: www.thamesrockets.com.
