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  • Thames RIB Experience

  • Until Sep 29 2010
    • Critics' Choice
  • Thames RIB Experience, Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2 6NU
  • Rating:
  • Thames RIB Experience

  • By Chris Parkin

    Posted: Mon Jul 21

  • Hurtling along the Thames in a Rib (rigid inflatable boat) at 30 knots (35mph) is the closest thing we’ve got to riding a white-knuckle ride in central London. It feels a great deal safer than any rollercoaster, too. The company’s various skippers have been travelling up and down the Thames for years, both on comparably slower Clippers and – reassuringly for this zippy ride – in the employ of the RNLI.

    The Thames Rib Experience is run by a husband-and-wife duo new to the boating business, so everything, including the choice of cap’n, is done with encouraging caution. Lifejackets and waterproofs are provided and you’re in for a ticking off should you even think about standing up in the boat. In fact, they’re such sticklers for detail that they ordered (and helped to design) their Rib to fit into the long unused V docks on Embankment Pier and, as on all the best rollercoasters, they are happy to take pictures of you mid-scream and print them off on land (for an extra cost, of course).

    It takes just under 40 minutes to travel by Rib from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Then our tour guide, Chris Bradshaw, who runs a punk rock label out of Wanstead, sits down and grips on to the metal rails. The turbo engines kick in and we’re off, bumping across the open water between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, turning in terrifyingly tight figures of eight. It’s the quickest, most thrilling way to see London from the river, though you’d be advised to ride before you’ve been to the hairdresser.
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6 comments

  1. Posted by mike morgan on 13 Aug 2008 21:30

    I had been looking forward to this trip for months. The boat was superb and very well equipped. Chris was an excellent guide. My wife and I were the only ones on the boat, so all the team came along. Unfortunately for us, about a third of the way into our ride we had a torrential downpour lasting the rest of the trip and this meant we cloud not experience the speedy part of the ride, but we all just laughed about it and we still enjoyed it. We intend to go back for another try next time we visit London.
    Thanks to all concerned at the Thames RIB Experience.

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  2. Posted by oli on 31 Jul 2008 10:03

    10 out of 10 - Best Trip In London!
    Brand new boats, very funny guides what more could you ask for!

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  3. Posted by Sarah on 23 Jul 2008 17:03

    What a ride ! I would thoroughly recommend this trip for tourists and Londoners alike. A perfect mixture of sightseeing and thrills.

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  4. Posted by Helen on 23 Jul 2008 16:39

    It was a fabulous trip and such a treat to see London from the river - definately tie your hair back for the fast bits!

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  5. Posted by Jane Austin on 23 Jul 2008 12:18

    Fun, Fast and Exhilerating! If you need waking up or having them cobwebs blown away get yourself on this trip. V.Fast!!

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  6. Posted by Sharon Perkins on 23 Jul 2008 12:15

    WOW! Def the coolest trip in the capital at the moment. Highly recommended and in view of weather forecast for this weekend, a must if you can get on it!

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6 comments

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  • Details

  • Thames RIB Experience, Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2 6NU
    , UK
  • 0207 930 5746/ 07960 931145
  • Category: Museums & Attractions
  • Times: Daily during daylight hours, with departures on the hour and half hour; booking essential
  • Tube: Embankment
  • Website: Website

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