LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

We were lucky to experience The Horrible Histories Terrible Thames tour before it retires in September. As soon as my history loving daughter and I stepped aboard we travelled back in time to experience London’s gory past.

We arrived at Tower Hill Underground station and walked up past the Tower of London towards Tower Bridge but you can also ascend at Dead Man’s stairs to really start off the ‘terrible’ experience.

As we waited to board the boat, near The Tower of London at Saint Katherines Quay (Tower Bridge), she could hardly contain her excitement. She has watched all of the programmes on repeat and is one of the greatest fans so it was a real treat. We visited The Tower of London last winter this was a great chance to return and see it all again by boat in the warm sunshine.

During the 45 minute cruise which began taking in the sights of Cleopatra’s Needle, London Bridge, Westminster and Execution Dock to name but a few.

The show, brought to us by The Birmingham Stage Company and Wood’s Silver Fleet, is raucous and lively from start to finish, performed by talented actors who regale tales from King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca and Jack The Ripper.

We set off on the 1:45 sailing, the third of five departures each day, and secured front row seats. From the outset, we were captivated by a unique history lesson brought to life by two talented actors. Their narration and performances were phenomenal – thoroughly entertaining and engaging throughout – we were hooked from the start.

The actors played the parts of Ben and Billie who roared onto the stage and regaled us with some gruesome facts and entertainment as we sailed past some of the capital’s most famous historical sights.

Beginning the trip at The Tower of London we were treated to some little known nuggets of information about the landmark built by William The Conqueror, before sailing past HMS Belfast and London Bridge where they narrated the tale of the ill-fated Italian painter who met an untimely death by the Mafia.

We also got a close up view of Parliament and learned about Guy Fawkes and his plot to blow up the Palace. My daughter was laughing all the way through at their show and particularly when the farty sounds played she was rolling around the deck in laughter. We loved joining in with the singing particularly the pirate songs.

The show is hosted aboard Silver Sockeye, one of Woods Silver Fleet’s premier luxury sightseeing cruisers. After you alight you can see all the sights and even go in The Tower of London.

We loved being outdoors with the wind rippling through our hair, seeing London in a way we had never seen before. We loved every moment and would be back but after five years sailing the Thames, it is now time to anchor up for good but don’t worry as there’s still a chance to see the West End Show. The Horrible Histories Concert tours next year bringing all the magic to the stage.

ADVANCE TICKETS

Adult £25 (15+) | Child £15 (3-15) | Senior (65+) £20 | 0-3 Go Free 

Family Ticket £70 (2x Adult | 2x Children) and £60 (1x Adult | 3 x Children)

Tickets: terriblethames.com