When Girlwrighter and I were offered the promise of a cool ride with ThamesJet, I had to see what all the hype was about.
You see, we weren’t going to be enjoying a leisurely cruise along the River Thames; this was an adrenaline-packed ride featuring more twists and turns than a helter-skelter. How could we say no? So, donning our ‘Bond Girl’ attires and attitudes to match, Girlwrighter and I headed for the Big Smoke…
ThamesJet is located at London’s Westminster Pier (the nearest Tube station being Westminster on the District and Circle line), and offers a speedboat ride along the Thames. The 50-minute experience, which travels from Westminster to Canary Wharf and back, promises sightseeing, speed and some awesome aquabatics.
The experience
We rocked on up about 15 minutes’ prior to boarding and handed over our ticket at the booth to get checked in.
The no-frills waiting room featured a row of eight seats, a small ticket kiosk, two huge boxes (for locking away valuables) and two rails – one for life jackets and the other for large waterproof jackets.
Once everyone had arrived (the boat carries 12 people in total), we were given a safety briefing. This included being shown how to put on our life jackets (and told that misusing them incurs a £50 fine!), reminded to hold on tight while on board and reassured that if we had any problems during the ride we could raise one hand in the air to get the captain’s attention.
We were also told that we could carry valuables and mobile phones – but it would be at our own risk; I took my mobile phone (with a view to putting it away when the boat sped up), while Girlwrighter wore a Go-Pro on her head.
Once boarded, the boat cruised up the Thames for a good 10-15 minutes before it kicked into action; we were told that once it had passed Tower Bridge, that’s when we needed to hold tight!
We needn’t have worried about an adequate forewarning; the loud music that suddenly kicked in along with Bond-style mission instructions told us that things were about to get bumpy.
I should explain here that we actually experienced two rides with ThamesJet; the first time around, we got absolutely soaking wet. And, if I’m completely honest, travelling through torrential rain at 40mph wasn’t pleasant at all. The ride was cut short because people had their heads down trying to shield themselves from being blasted.
Needless to say, when we disembarked we were cold, soaking wet and uncomfortable. However, I could see that the experience would have been superb – if only it had been a dry day.
The kind people at ThamesJet really wanted us to experience the full effect of a pleasurable trip so kindly invited us to come back.
Second time lucky
This time I took my 12-year old, knowing that he’d also get a huge kick out of it. And I was right. We were a bit dubious about the clouds; yet again our great British summer weather was being unpredictable, raining off and on all day – until it was time to take our seats for a 5pm departure.
I couldn’t believe it; the sun decided to stay out for our experience – our luck was in! And I enjoyed every single second. Those who are pregnant, suffer from back problems or any other medical issues are advised not to ride – and I could see why.
The boat would turn sharply from side to side and with the wind in your hair and people screaming and shouting with delight, it can only be described as a thoroughly exhilarating experience.
We were rocked about as the boat twisted and turned, occasionally getting splashed and tried desperately to hold on for dear life. The best bit was that as the boat hit the crest of a wave, our bums would leave our seats, returning to earth with a big thud; let’s just say it was one time in my life when I was grateful for the extra padding I had going on in the rear!
The details
So would I do it again? Hell yeah. As a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, I could have spent the day on the river and never tire of it.
Having said that, despite it being dry and summer, I wish I had worn gloves. This is one of the top tips I’ll pass on to you if you decide to try the experience for yourself.
You forget that the wind can really bite when you’re travelling at high speed – and having to hold on to a metal bar for the best part of the ride (and hold pretty tight) means that your hands will most likely get cold and numb.
The other tip that goes hand in hand with this is to wear the waterproof jacket. Despite the sun shining and my son wearing a t-shirt, jumper AND a waterproof jacket, he was still cold – and this was August. So even if it’s a hot day, trust me when I say wrap up warm.
And finally, as I find out myself…try to book a trip in dry weather! I’m guessing a light drizzle would be fine for the ride, but when it’s really pelting down, it might turn into a short-lived, uncomfortable experience.
The final verdict though was a very positive one; I’d definitely recommend it as something unique and different to try in London – and the fact that you get to do some great sightseeing from the river adds to its appeal.
A 50-minute Thamesrush option with ThamesJet costs from £39 per adult and £29 per child (kids need to be at least 1.35 metres tall to take part).
If you’re travelling as a group – or if you want to add on extras, you can create packages with other local attractions. Prices vary according to the time of year and number of passengers booked, so double check on the website.
A Pin for Things to Do With Kids
41 comments
I really fancy having a go on this, but I think my chronic fatigue would definitely kick in big style afterwards (probably worth it though!).
Thanks Nikki – it might be worth having a go when you’re next in London – it’s great fun!
This sounds really exhilarating! My husband and I would really enjoy this. Thanks so much for sharing your cool experience.
You’re very welcome Melissa – let me know if you end up trying it! I’d be interested to see how you found it.
This looks like such fun! What an amazing experience!
Thanks Emma – certainly was.
Sounds perfect to me! I love all water attractions, boat rides included.
I’m usually no good on boats to be honest, but I found because we were doing stunts on the water, the adrenaline kicked in and stopped me from feeling sick.
Oh my gosh, this looks like so much fun! But I would of totally been freaked out.
Nah – you’d have been fine! The actual stunt bit is around half hour – and there’s always the rail to hang onto! 😉
Sounds like a nice ride. A great way to experience London. I love the Go-Pro. Think I need it.
Ooh I am always up for a ‘thrill ride’ and glad you had a good time despite the freezing cold water! Also what GO Pro do you have?Thinking of getting one for my travels!
Hey Ana! We have the SJCam SJ7 Star. It’s actually REALLY good. Check it out against GoPro itself and all the features under review (except one – stability) performed better than a GoPro. But in all honesty, I haven’t noticed a problem with stability. Good luck!
WOW this sounds amazing. It looks like you both had a wonderful time. I hope you warmed up quickly.
Ami xxx
Yes we were all good thanks! Would do it all again.
This sounds like loads of fun!! I really love fast boats so sounds right up my street 😀 Currently pregnant so may have to wait a little while haha…. x
Wise move! They do mention bad backs and pregnancy, so maybe once you’ve recovered! 😉
Omg that looks so much fun. I’d love to have a go but it on a dry day lol
It is SUCH great fun…everyone got a thrill!
Having a boyfriend who hates amusement parks and rides, I’ve been trying to find something that he ~might~ be in to, that causes a little adrenaline rush. I wonder if I could persuade him…
Good luck Jessy! Unleash his inner Bond! 😉
Now this looks like my kind of experience. I am a bit of an adrenaline junky and I can’t believe I’ve never seen this before. It looks like so much fun (when it’s not raining!). I will take a look next time we are in London x
Worth a look-see for something different and unique.
This looks like so much fun! Such lovely pictures. x
Thanks Steph!
This looks like so much fun!! My eldest would love this x
If you do go Kira – just check if they meet the minimum height requirements x
Oh wow my eldest would LOVE this!! I’m not sure I would appreciate being blasted with freezing cold water but if I had a waterproof jacket on it might be more fun!
Kids and adults love it! Such an adrenaline rush and you come back feeling exhilarated!
Ive seen this whizzing up and down the Thames but had no idea you could go on it x
Yes, I’d seen it before too thinking it was a private party thing, but it’s great you can book and experience it!
Oh this sounds like such a cool experience! I would definitely give it a try
Ask for it as a birthday pressie! 😉
Ooh, this looks really thrilling, I have to say I would also be less than impressed with the torrential rain!
Just pick a dry day if you can (easier said than done!)
Oh I really want to have a go, this looks right up my street. Fab
I think most people would love this to be honest; in fact, my kids were the only ones on there – the rest were adults enjoying the thrills!
This looks like so much fun and a great way to see London. We did a river cruise last year and enjoyed it but this looks much more exciting
It was definitely thrilling – makes for a great gift idea for thrill seekers too.
Wow, that sounds ace – even if you were blasted with freezing cold fast water! I’m glad you got to have a second go though. I would love to have a go at that, so different to the regular old Thames cruise! I’ll have to keep it in mind next time I’m heading down to London with some free time. Thanks for a fun write up.
No worries Sarah! glad you like it!