Boat trips and nature walks for everyone.
What we offer
The Thames Explorer Trust is pleased to offer for the 20th year our Richmond boat trip and nature safari for summer playschemes in London.
Boat trip.
All aboard the Merrie Thames. Travel from Richmond Landing Stage to Teddington Lock and back. The trip lasts about 40 minutes. Along the way, our staff will keep you informed and entertained with activity sheets to help spot and record wildlife and river features.
Nature Safari.
Lasting an hour we explore the riverside through activities and games such as a scavenger hunt, nature palettes and bark rubbings. Go hunting in the long grass of Richmond Hill catching grasshoppers and other creepy crawlies.
Costs?
Everything is free apart from the boat trip, which costs £3.50 per person, this is a special rate for our groups only. Pay Brian Parr, the skipper of the Merrie Thames, on the day for the number of people in your group. You can pay in cash or by cheque. Make cheques payable to Parr Boats. Groups will not be admitted onto the boat without payment.
When?
Monday—Friday July 26th to August 18th 2011
Restrictions?
The activities are aimed at children 4 – 15 years.
Parent and child groups and children with special needs are very welcome. Please let us know your group’s requirements before the visit.
Each group must have the correct adult to child ration: 1 adult per 10 children over 8 and 1 adult per 6 children under 8.
Disabled Access?
Yes. The Nature Safari can be led through accessible routes. The boat can take wheelchairs, though there are stairs down to the boat and no special provision for getting them aboard. Skipper Brian Parr is happy to lift those in wheelchairs aboard, though weight can be a limiting factor. If in any doubt, we suggest you do a site visit first. We are happy to organise this and talk through any queries.
How many children can we bring?
As many as you like! If your party is over 30 children, you will be divided into two groups. We can accommodate two groups (i.e. up to 60 children) at the same time. If you have more than 60 children, you can either come on the same day but at different times or on another day. If you have under 10 then come on one of our family days.
Bookings?
If you have a group of over 10 then call us on 0208 742 0057, when we have agreed dates and times please fill in and return the booking form.
If there are less than 10 in your group then come on one of our family days.
What about the weather?
If it rains, we still go out, so make sure you bring wet weather gear. Don’t forget to bring lots of DRINKING WATER and sun protection, if it’s hot.
Where do we meet?
Timing.
Please make sure that you arrive in good time! The public toilets are a 10 minute walk away from our meeting place, so make sure you allow enough time for a toilet stop before you start your activities. If you are late, it may mean that you miss your boat trip. When completing the booking form, don’t forget to allow time for lunch and a toilet stop.
Lunch
We suggest that everyone including adults brings a picnic lunch. You can buy (expensive) food on the river front, but queues are long in the summer and you may not have time. There are pleasant grassy areas next to the river and toilets perfect for a picnic: our staff are happy to help you choose the best spot!
Health & Safety
When you book with us, you will receive written information advising you on how to ensure your visit is healthy and safe. Our staff are first aid trained and have been taken through risk assessments for activities and places. Your group will receive a safety talk on arrival to ensure everyone is clear about roles and responsibilities. A copy of our risk assessment is available on request. The boat we use is a regular passenger vessel, registered with the Port of London Authority. That means that it is licensed to carry passengers and has the necessary safety equipment. You do not need to wear life jackets. You should bring at least 1 adult helper per 10 children if your group is aged 8 or over and 1 adult per 6 children if the children are aged 7 or under. Click here for our full risk assessment.
