You don’t have to go to Cambridge or Oxford to try kicking, or have a chauffeur who’s a student from one of the best universities. London can offer you all this and more. East London Boats is licensed by British Waterways, which fully endorses the first London company.
Whose idea was that?
Medical student David Carruthers heard about the puns (flat bottom jars) being sold in his hometown of Bath and had the idea to clear near Queen Mary University in East London where he is studying. What started out as fun with friends has grown into his own business for the summer each year.
Can I take out a pan without a driver?
Absolutely! Each punt can hold up to six people, including the one standing with the pole. It’s a cozy fit on tight clearances, but you’ll probably only try it with good friends or family. There are also canoes for up to three people available to hire.
The idea is to lower the pole down to the bottom of the channel and then push yourself forward. If the post gets stuck and keeps moving, release it as it has a paddle to pick it up again.
It may be best to book a chauffeur, at least for the first time in London, as it is a wonderfully enjoyable way to relax and watch the world go by from the water and let an expert propel you.
What will I see?
East London is not rural England, but the London waterways in East London are a quiet area. You’ll see drinkers in pub gardens, people on their balconies overlooking the water, and passersby walking the bridges. The towpath is popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. In addition to the brightly painted graffiti, you will be amazed at how lush and green the area is.
While Cambridge and Oxford are known for their puns and therefore have busy waterways, there was not much traffic on the Regent’s Canal when I visited: a narrow canal boat, a family of swans with youngsters, a few ducklings and the other two puns owned by East London Boats.
Due to the canal locks, the play area on the Regent’s Canal is between Mile End Lock and Old Ford Lock at the corner of Victoria Park, but you can turn right onto the Hertford Union Canal which runs alongside Victoria Park and continue to Top Lock. This is about a mile and then it’s time to turn around and head back to the play station where you will feel calm and relaxed (as long as you are not playing the game). This trip takes about an hour and you can hire puns and canoes for an hour or two.
How to book Punting in London
The play station is open on weekends from 12 to 6 pm, but has to close in bad weather.
You can book ahead or just show up and see if there is any free time that day.
To book in advance, email to check availability and then pay through the website.
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.eastlondonboats.com
Where to find it
The play station is on the Regent Canal towpath, near the Mile End Road bridge. It’s a ten minute walk from the Mile End tube station and there are clear instructions on the official website. Mile End is just two tube stops from Liverpool Street Station, making it easy to combine a trip with the fun of Spitalfields and Brick Lane. Or walk along the canal and visit Victoria Park to relax in the sun, then try one of the local pubs.
