Thames Rockets – the fun way to sightsee the highway of London

Can you speed on the River Thames?

Both of us are Londoners born and bred, and we tend to think that we know most things about our City, but we couldn’t resist the lure of speed when the invitation came from Thames Rockets to try out their evening speedboat cruise down the Thames complete with a cocktail.  It sounded right up our street – or should I say right down our river?

We boarded at the London Eye pier, which gave us an opportunity to admire this ‘temporary’ attraction.  The London Eye is always a favourite with anyone visiting London for the first time and rightfully so as it really does give a great view across the City.  We donned our life-jackets and boarded our rocket, guided by the chirpy and very funny Rory.  From Ireland, he was like our personal Graham Norton.

First, we headed towards the Houses of Parliament, while Rory regaled us with quirky facts.   Then we turned and headed east, taking in iconic London sites too numerous to mention.

We learnt things we didn’t know which surprised us both, for example that Waterloo Bridge was built by a women only workforce, and that you can spot the point where the Thames turns from fresh to sea water by the type of birds on the shore.  We also spotted this huge super yacht, and could only speculate who might own it…if anyone knows please share!

The lovely Rory leapt around taking everyone’s photos, so here we are – two of London’s well known landmarks!  The Shard, Tower Bridge and the Walkie Talkie building are behind us.  (I can recommend a visit to the Sky Garden inside the Walkie Talkie building which is actually 20 Fenchurch Street)

Once we reached Canary Wharf it was time for the excitement to begin.  The Captain opened the throttle and rock music blasted out, London Calling by the Clash seeming very apt, the theme from Titanic less so!  

After our exhilarating ride, the boat slowed, we were treated to a cocktail and then we were privy to the most amazing sunset.  This photo (like all of them on the page) is unfiltered, the sky really was this amazing.

The speedboat trip lasted 50 minutes, and was so much fun.  This was a great way to be a tourist in our own city and a spectacular ‘must do’ for any visitor to London.

If you’d like to try for yourself, check the Thames Rockets website.  Our adult only evening trip costs £43.50, including the cocktail, but there are a range of different options and price points.

And if you are planning on visiting London soon, do pin this post for later.

 

Disclaimer: We were guests of Thames Rockets.

 

If you are looking for a more leisurely river cruise then you might be interested in our feature on Thames River Cruises from Windsor