Ahoy there!

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I'm not a big fan of boats.  Especially big ones which disappear out to sea without even a hint of landscape on the horizon. I find that very scary and much prefer my landlubber ways.  Saying that, I do like a boat on a river or a canal, especially if it's docked.  So with summer upon us, I thought I'd collaborate ten of the best boat venues in London, ranging from a floating restaurant to a floating Church.  In no particular order...


1. Feng Shang Princess Floating Chinese Restaurant

An unusual Chinese restaurant located on the Regents Canal. So close to London Zoo, you may very well spot a panda dining there!


Cumberland Basin,
Prince Albert Road,
Regents Park,
London NW1 7SS
020 7485 8137
(open 7 days a week)




2. Tamesis Dock

Tamesis was the ancient name for the River Thames dontcha know! This Tamesis a converted 1930's Dutch barge now used as a floating pub, and offers great views of the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Albert Embankment
between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridges  
SE1 7TP
0207 582 1066





3. Puppet Theatre Barge

A magical floating puppet theatre in Little Venice which will delight children young and old. 

Moored at Little Venice opposite
35 Blomfield Road
W9 2PF
020 7249 6876
(Warwick Avenue tube)








4. Tattershall Castle

A fun, busy pub on a boat on Thames with views of London landmarks including the London Eye. Perfect for sundowners!

Victoria Embankment
London
SW1A 2HR
(Embankment tube)
Open 11am til late 7 days a week






5. St. Peter's Barge

London's only floating Church, St Peter's Barge is an Anglican evangelical Church situated on the water at Canary Wharf. Sunday service 4pm and 6.30pm and some weekday lunch services 

St Peter's Barge, West India Quay
Off Hertsmere Rd
London E14 4AL
020 7093 1212


http://stpetersbarge.org/






6. Thames Clipper

The ideal alternative mode of transport for commuting, sightseeing or just getting from A to B. The Thames Clipper is a speedy catamaran which runs a regular shuttle service up and down the river from the London Eye to the O2 and Woolwich. It's even got a bar! Definitely one of my favourite ways of seeing the Thames.


Email: web@thamesclippers.com 
http://www.thamesclippers.com/




7.  R S Hispaniola

R S Hispaniola is one of London's only floating restaurants and is something of an institution, serving fine modern European cuisine.

Victoria Embankment

London 
WC2N 5DJ

(Embankment tube)

020 7839 3011 

8.  London Waterbus to London Zoo

Take a cruise along Regents Canal from the mayhem of Camden Lock to the tranquility of Little Venice. Stop at London Zoo via the secret canal gate entrance and avoid the queues!  Just turn up and pay on board. One way or round trips.

Service info: 020 7482 2660
Booking line: 020 7482 2550
http://www.londonwaterbus.co.uk/







9.  Couper Collection

A floating art gallery, the Couper Collection exhibits artwork and installations by London artist Max Couper made onboard a fleet of historic Thames barges over the past two decades.


Battersea Beach, Riverside Walk
Hester Road
SW11 4AN
020 7738 1935


Entrance free
Open Tue to Friday 10am - 4pm
(by appointment only)






10. HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a legend amongst ships. Originally a Royal Navy light cruiser, it is now a fascinating museum permanently moored on the Thames and is operated by the Imperial War Museum. The new gun turret experience opens 31st July


HMS Belfast 
Morgan's Lane
Tooley Street
London SE1 2JH
(London Bridge station)

I hope some of those will float your boat!  I'm off to find a floating shoe shop...