LOOK Insurance launched their ‘What Floats Your Boat’ campaign by publishing their guide to Britain’s Top 5 Canals, which got me thinking about about a fabulous trip I recently took along one of England’s scenic waterways…
As the sun sinks, the sky seems to catch on fire – blazing hues of red and orange mirrored in the rippling water of the River Thames. We truly could not have picked a more glorious evening to go cruising down these world-famous waterways.
We’d set off from Shepperton Marina, south-west of London, on a beautiful sunset river cruise to celebrate a friend’s 40th. I’d been on tourist boat rides along the tidal Thames, and walked along the city’s canals, but had never explored the non-tidal waterways by boat before.
From the moment we pulled away, it felt as if we were leaving the stress of everyday life behind on those riverbanks. There’s just a different ‘feel’ on the river; people are relaxed and friendly, and no ones passes without a smile and a cheery wave. Try doing that on the Underground!
Travelling along the river allows you a unique perspective of Surrey and London, from stunning riverside mansions, to bijoux weekend bungalows. Some stand empty and obviously water damaged, reminding you that the devastation of the New Year flooding still lingers for some homeowners.
We cruise slowly, watching the landscape change – from narrow canals and locks, to wide bodies of water. We float gently past Hampton Court Palace, and watch as a line of ducklings paddles across our wake.
When we reach Richmond we pull up at the pier of one of the riverside bars. We had planned to go in for a drink, but the river seems so magical tonight that no one wants to leave. Instead we ‘order in’ with one volunteer bring a tray of shots boat side for us to toast the birthday girl.
As the last lingering rays of the sun are extinguished, the sky turns a deep cobalt blue. The stars begin to wink awake above us, while the lightest breeze swirls up off the water to cool the balmy temperatures. We sit on the open deck area at the back of the boat, marvelling at just how perfect the night is.
This unforgettable evening has revealed an entirely new watery world, and a side of Greater London I’d never seen before. I’ve already turned my mind to another cruise I want to take – this time taking the whole family on a narrow boat up through Windsor and Oxford. The girls would love it!
Just then a fireworks display unexpectedly begins – the bright phosphorescence of the rockets illuminating the now-dark waters, and it’s like they’re putting on a show just for us. It’s a picturesque end to a perfect evening.
• this is written in collaboration with LOOK, but is based on my actual experience
