London Waterbus Compnay
Article researched and written by Jeannette Briggs.
Thanks to Maggie French for the photographs and information supplied.
This month sees a very special anniversary for a London-based leisure boating company. The London Waterbus Company celebrates 50 golden years of operations on the Regent's Canal, and the River Thames Guide take this opportunity to congratulate them and to wish them every continuing success in the future.
The London Waterbus Company started as the "Zoo Waterbus" in 1959, carrying passengers along London's Regent's Canal from Little Venice to London Zoo. In 1984 the London Waterbus Company took over responsibility for the operation of the service, and they extended it eastwards to their base at Camden next to the Market. From this point in their history, they have gone from strength to strength.
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The company owns and operates four canalboats, which were all formerly cargo carrying vessels. These have been fitted out with seats and all-weather windows, and they have carried literally millions of people along the Regent's Canal, over their years of operation. It is a lovely trip, along parts of London that most people never knew existed, and you can enjoy the delights of Little Venice at one end and the bustling eclectic melange of people and food in Camden Lock market at the other end - not forgetting the animals in the Zoological Gardens London on the way!
Travelling close to the water in what was the carge hold children as well as adults enjoy the trips. In the summer months the company runs special trips further along the Regent's Canal as far as Limehouse in the east, and along the Paddington Arm beyond Little Venice to the Black Horse Public House at Greenford. The Waterbus crew pride themselves in giving their passengers the personal touch, and it is incredibly relaxing as you sit in their canal boats gently moving along close to the water.
London Waterbus at Greenford
The London Waterbus Company also prides itself on keeping the trips affordable for all - if you havn't experienced this unique way of travelling in London then you really should get along to Little Venice or Camden Lock Basin and take a trip yourself!
Telephone 020 7482 2660 or visit www.londonwaterbus.com for full details.
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