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Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
My first-ever river holiday on the outskirts of the UK capital – with palaces, locks and barbeques on the top deck
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE clamber out of the boat and on to the pavement, piling into the bakery to stock up with fresh snacks and local treats for our adventure ahead. Our destination? Staines, to the west of London. 4 Swans on the river near Windsor Castle Credit: Getty 4 There's plenty of space on board the Mystique Credit: Mark Hudson It may not sound glamorous and we may have only been a few junctions along the M25 from home, but as we plodded along the Thames on our first-ever river holiday, the winding waterway shimmering in the sun's morning glow, it felt like we were worlds away. My family and I had booked our floating holiday home through the boat-rental site Le Boat, which operates in 18 destinations across nine different countries in Europe and Canada. Our vessel, the eight-person Mystique, had a fully functioning kitchen, an airy living room, three bedrooms and a sundeck. I'd never been on a boating holiday before, but that didn't matter as Le Boat's friendly staff talked us through all the dos and don'ts, including how to drive and tie ropes, upon arrival to Penton Hook Marina. After that we were free to take the wheel, slowly weaving our way along the Thames, with no experience or special licence needed. Captaining our vessel felt like driving a car on ice. And while we barely got above 10mph, the first few hours were a little nervy — particularly as we approached our first lock. Luckily, we spotted a retired couple in a canal boat up ahead who knew exactly what they were doing (and could clearly see we didn't!). Most read in Cruise HIGH SEAS Inside the super cool cruise with no kids, a spa, nightclub and drag queen bingo Boating folk are a friendly bunch and my new water buddy Roger, who'd been travelling this stretch of the Thames for more than 50 years, talked me through the simple mechanisms for the lock. We opened the gate, lining our boat up next to his, and tied our ropes to one of the moorings on the pavement. Viking Sun ship docks in London for start of world's longest cruise of 245 days with 100,000 bottles of champers It had to be loose to ensure that when the water level changed, the boat was able to move up or down with it, Roger told us. Then, I headed to the simple control panel before opening the sluices, the mechanisms that controlled the flow of water. We watched as the canal — and our boats — slowly drifted down to the next level with a big sense of achievement. It's good etiquette to leave the gates and sluices closed after you've finished, so as not to cause any issues for the next travellers using the lock, Roger told us before waving us off. Go with the flow With each lock we faced, our confidence grew until myself, my sister and brother-in-law plus our five kids were a well-oiled lock-conquering machine. Everyone knew their jobs and the kids relished being given responsibilities. Roger and his partner weren't the only friendly locals we met that weekend. We passed families, couples and big groups sipping champagne and lager as they pootled along the river, all exchanging tips on the best places to moor for the night. That's the beauty of a boating trip: you have the freedom to go with the flow (literally). Our first night on board was a little tricky, I'm a light sleeper and a host of new noises kept me awake. 4 One of the three bedrooms below deck Credit: Supplied 4 Everyone has a part to play on board Credit: Mark Hudson Fortunately the bedding on board Mystique was comfortable enough to make it feel like a home from home. And despite filling the boat to its maximum passenger capacity, we never felt cramped, especially with use of the top deck, where nightly barbecues were a big hit. And from the top deck, we could take in all the sights, too. I've lived locally for much of my life but was stunned to see sides of the river I'd never encountered before, thanks to Le Boat's Thames Guide which gave us information on all of the destinations between Benson in Oxfordshire to Chertsey in Surrey. Along the many routes you'll find former palaces and National Trust parks as well as quaint cafes and shops. The town of Windsor was the highlight for us, though, and we were treated to the best view of its famous castle from our vantage point on the river. Exploring the 11th century historic fortress and tucking into huge scoops of colourful ice cream was the perfect way to round-off our river adventure. We may have been boating novices, but now we've got our river-legs, who knows where our next adventure will take us.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
My first-ever river holiday on the outskirts of the UK capital – with palaces, locks and barbeques on the top deck
WE clamber out of the boat and on to the pavement, piling into the bakery to stock up with fresh snacks and local treats for our adventure ahead. Our destination? Staines, to the west of London. Advertisement 4 Swans on the river near Windsor Castle Credit: Getty 4 There's plenty of space on board the Mystique Credit: Mark Hudson It may not sound glamorous and we may have only been a few junctions along the M25 from home, but as we plodded along the Thames on our first-ever river holiday, the winding waterway shimmering in the sun's morning glow, it felt like we were worlds away. My family and I had booked our floating holiday home through the boat-rental site Le Boat, which operates in 18 destinations across nine different countries in Europe and Canada. Our vessel, the eight-person Mystique, had a fully functioning kitchen, an airy living room, three bedrooms and a sundeck. I'd never been on a boating holiday before, but that didn't matter as Le Boat's friendly staff talked us through all the dos and don'ts, including how to drive and tie ropes, upon arrival to Penton Hook Marina. Advertisement Read More on Travel After that we were free to take the wheel, slowly weaving our way along the Thames, with no experience or special licence needed. Captaining our vessel felt like driving a car on ice. And while we barely got above 10mph, the first few hours were a little nervy — particularly as we approached our first lock. Luckily, we spotted a retired couple in a canal boat up ahead who knew exactly what they were doing (and could clearly see we didn't!). Advertisement Most read in Cruise Boating folk are a friendly bunch and my new water buddy Roger, who'd been travelling this stretch of the Thames for more than 50 years, talked me through the simple mechanisms for the lock. We opened the gate, lining our boat up next to his, and tied our ropes to one of the moorings on the pavement. Viking Sun ship docks in London for start of world's longest cruise of 245 days with 100,000 bottles of champers It had to be loose to ensure that when the water level changed, the boat was able to move up or down with it, Roger told us. Then, I headed to the simple control panel before opening the sluices, the mechanisms that controlled the flow of water. Advertisement We watched as the canal — and our boats — slowly drifted down to the next level with a big sense of achievement. It's good etiquette to leave the gates and sluices closed after you've finished, so as not to cause any issues for the next travellers using the lock, Roger told us before waving us off. Go with the flow With each lock we faced, our confidence grew until myself, my sister and brother-in-law plus our five kids were a well-oiled lock-conquering machine. Everyone knew their jobs and the kids relished being given responsibilities. Advertisement Roger and his partner weren't the only friendly locals we met that weekend. We passed families, couples and big groups sipping champagne and lager as they pootled along the river, all exchanging tips on the best places to moor for the night. That's the beauty of a boating trip: you have the freedom to go with the flow (literally). Our first night on board was a little tricky, I'm a light sleeper and a host of new noises kept me awake. Advertisement 4 One of the three bedrooms below deck Credit: Supplied 4 Everyone has a part to play on board Credit: Mark Hudson Fortunately the bedding on board Mystique was comfortable enough to make it feel like a home from home. And despite filling the boat to its maximum passenger capacity, we never felt cramped, especially with use of the top deck, where nightly barbecues were a big hit. Advertisement And from the top deck, we could take in all the sights, too. I've lived locally for much of my life but was stunned to see sides of the river I'd never encountered before, thanks to Le Boat's Thames Guide which gave us information on all of the destinations between Benson in Oxfordshire to Chertsey in Surrey. Along the many routes you'll find former palaces and National Trust parks as well as quaint cafes and shops. The town of Windsor was the highlight for us, though, and we were treated to the best view of its famous castle from our vantage point on the river. Advertisement Exploring the 11th century historic fortress and tucking into huge scoops of colourful ice cream was the perfect way to round-off our river adventure. We may have been boating novices, but now we've got our river-legs, who knows where our next adventure will take us. GO: THE THAMES GETTING/STAYING THERE: A seven-night self-catered stay on board Mystique is from £1,079 (or £134.88pp, based on eight sharing). This year Le Boat will operate on the Thames until October 31, 2025. Call 023 9222 2177 or see
The Sun
16-05-2025
- The Sun
My first-ever river holiday on the outskirts of the UK capital – with palaces, locks and barbeques on the top deck
WE clamber out of the boat and on to the pavement, piling into the bakery to stock up with fresh snacks and local treats for our adventure ahead. Our destination? Staines, to the west of London. 4 4 It may not sound glamorous and we may have only been a few junctions along the M25 from home, but as we plodded along the Thames on our first-ever river holiday, the winding waterway shimmering in the sun's morning glow, it felt like we were worlds away. My family and I had booked our floating holiday home through the boat-rental site Le Boat, which operates in 18 destinations across nine different countries in Europe and Canada. Our vessel, the eight-person Mystique, had a fully functioning kitchen, an airy living room, three bedrooms and a sundeck. I'd never been on a boating holiday before, but that didn't matter as Le Boat's friendly staff talked us through all the dos and don'ts, including how to drive and tie ropes, upon arrival to Penton Hook Marina. After that we were free to take the wheel, slowly weaving our way along the Thames, with no experience or special licence needed. Captaining our vessel felt like driving a car on ice. And while we barely got above 10mph, the first few hours were a little nervy — particularly as we approached our first lock. Luckily, we spotted a retired couple in a canal boat up ahead who knew exactly what they were doing (and could clearly see we didn't!). Boating folk are a friendly bunch and my new water buddy Roger, who'd been travelling this stretch of the Thames for more than 50 years, talked me through the simple mechanisms for the lock. We opened the gate, lining our boat up next to his, and tied our ropes to one of the moorings on the pavement. Viking Sun ship docks in London for start of world's longest cruise of 245 days with 100,000 bottles of champers It had to be loose to ensure that when the water level changed, the boat was able to move up or down with it, Roger told us. Then, I headed to the simple control panel before opening the sluices, the mechanisms that controlled the flow of water. We watched as the canal — and our boats — slowly drifted down to the next level with a big sense of achievement. It's good etiquette to leave the gates and sluices closed after you've finished, so as not to cause any issues for the next travellers using the lock, Roger told us before waving us off. Go with the flow With each lock we faced, our confidence grew until myself, my sister and brother-in-law plus our five kids were a well-oiled lock-conquering machine. Everyone knew their jobs and the kids relished being given responsibilities. Roger and his partner weren't the only friendly locals we met that weekend. We passed families, couples and big groups sipping champagne and lager as they pootled along the river, all exchanging tips on the best places to moor for the night. That's the beauty of a boating trip: you have the freedom to go with the flow (literally). Our first night on board was a little tricky, I'm a light sleeper and a host of new noises kept me awake. 4 4 Fortunately the bedding on board Mystique was comfortable enough to make it feel like a home from home. And despite filling the boat to its maximum passenger capacity, we never felt cramped, especially with use of the top deck, where nightly barbecues were a big hit. And from the top deck, we could take in all the sights, too. I've lived locally for much of my life but was stunned to see sides of the river I'd never encountered before, thanks to Le Boat's Thames Guide which gave us information on all of the destinations between Benson in Oxfordshire to Chertsey in Surrey. Along the many routes you'll find former palaces and National Trust parks as well as quaint cafes and shops. The town of Windsor was the highlight for us, though, and we were treated to the best view of its famous castle from our vantage point on the river. Exploring the 11th century historic fortress and tucking into huge scoops of colourful ice cream was the perfect way to round-off our river adventure.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
You can boat through France's 'Wild West' where wild horses, black bulls and flamingos roam free
From a neon-pink salt lake that looked like it belonged in the Barbie movie to an unconventional cattle ranch where bulls double as cowboys' family pets, my trip with Le Boat was no ordinary cruise. Having boarded our vessel, the five-bedroom Horizon 5, in St Gilles, a gorgeous old town on the Rhone-Sete Canal, we glided off on an adventure of discovery. I'd visited Camargue in the South of France before, but had never experienced it from the top deck of a self-drive riverboat, the water beneath glittering brightly as it reflected the sun. It was tempting to lounge, watching white horses graze by the waterways as we dreamily cruised by, but with new things to see around every bend, there was more on my agenda than relaxing. At times the area reminded me of Carcassonne without the crowds, the Everglades without the alligators and France's very own answer to Clarkson's Farm. Although they're geographically close, the Camargue culture couldn't be more different to life in the nearby glitzy French Riviera. Unknown EU region tempts tourists with beauty and very unusual dishes First stop-off was at the Manade Saint Louis cattle ranch. Bull-fighting is a tradition around here, but it's a million miles from the bloodshed-fuelled clashes seen in Spain. Instead, in one version of the fight, bulls are goaded by men who pose as prey – but once the animal's fight instinct kicks in, they race off to evade them as they charge at them in hot pursuit. No sooner have they escaped than they head back to the centre of the ring to brave its fury again. Fans go there to witness an adrenalin-pumping sport of skill and strategy. Fighters can earn £100,000 from a single event. At the Manade Saint Louis, run by husband and wife team Jean-Claude and Karine Groul, who are third-generation bull farm breeders, it's not about the fight. Instead, visitors get an insight into the relationship between humans and animals. While I'd seen horses grazing by the canal, I was about to get closer when one poked its head through the window of our 4x4 and leaned in for a kiss. Karine – a dead ringer for Shania Twain – had a clear rapport with her cattle, leaping out of the car at one point to greet her favourite cow and declaring: 'This one is my daughter!' Karine's husband then went on to lead a herding demonstration on horseback, which saw bulls respond with military precision. Although it's a controversial sport, our tour guide later offered a different perspective: 'Audiences are not coming to watch an animal die. They're coming to watch a man risk his life.' No sooner had we acquainted ourselves with the local cattle than we were heading to our next destination, Le Grau du Roi, where you have the chance to ride them. Taking the reins of the boat was a different experience entirely. It was remarkably easy as there are no locks to negotiate on the waterways of the Camargue, so no prior experience is necessary. It can be driven in the open air on the upstairs sundeck or from the interior below in cases where we needed respite from the weather. With five ensuite cabins, plus a spacious sofa in the saloon that can convert into an extra bed, there was plenty of space for everyone. And our next excursion plunged us straight into the quintessentially Camarguaise scene that adorns the postcards and fridge magnets in the souvenir shops – slender white horses walking on water as they stroll down the beach at sunset, a flame orange hue lighting up the sky. To become part of the postcard, Ecurie des Dunes offers two-hour beach riding sessions for around £50. Also in the area is the unmissable 17th century lighthouse Phare de l'Espiguette, which boasts panoramic views to those willing to climb the spiral staircase to the top. The wildlife adventures continued when we spotted flamingos. For close-up views of the elegant pink birds with no need to zoom on your camera, Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau fits the bill. But you can also see wild flamingos at Scamandre Nature Reserve – a haven of biodiversity surrounded by beautiful marshes that can be accessed via boardwalks. Here I caught sight of tiny flamingos so young they hadn't yet turned pink. The region is also one of a tiny number of locations in the world to boast naturally pink lakes, and it's certainly the closest one to Britain, with some others as far afield as Senegal and Australia. The colour is derived from the high salt content. In normal conditions, shrimps feed on its algae, but the extra-high salt level of these particular waters is inhospitable for them, so the pigmented algae remains and turns the water pink. The shade can vary depending on the time of the year, sometimes appearing orange or lilac. The surrounding salt marshes and pans provide sea salt for the food industry, with harvesting taking place in summer. The lake's 'organic pink algae gel' is also the miracle ingredient in the gift shop's face creams. We continued our love affair with local products at a wine tasting, enjoying the Caveau les Sablons brand which had come directly from nearby vineyards. Beyond the marshes, rice fields and languid pink lakes, there are cities to be explored. A walk along the ramparts of picturesque Aigues-Mortes was one of the highlights of the trip. We'd moored our boat there, next to the city's medieval fortress, before heading out to the salt marsh which inspired its name (Aigues-Mortes translates to dead water.) We also headed to Arles, famed for its Roman ruins, including a 20,000-seat amphitheatre that once staged gladiator fights and chariot races, but now offers bull-fights. Concerts are held at the Roman Theatre too. Another highlight was the Cryptoporticus, an underground gallery packed with art, dating back to the 1st century BC. Yet the piece de resistance was being led to the spot where Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear. Lively commentary was provided by our guide Anne, who spoke about local culture, as well as taking us to multiple locations painted by the artist, including the hospital where he received treatment and the cafe seen in one of his most famous works, Cafe Terrace At Night. It wasn't originally neon yellow but was painted that hue years later to resemble the way Van Gogh portrayed it when it was bathed by the bright light of a full moon. As we cruised, we also stopped off at smaller places for a taste of Camargue far from the tourist trail. The village bakery of Gallician operates at rock bottom prices and we filled our bags with brioche, baguettes and hot slices of pizza before heading back to the boat. Bull looms large on restaurant menus, although veggie and vegan options are available. My culinary highlight was a blue buffalo cheese with a kick of chilli, and the local rice was delicious. Restaurants we enjoyed included L'Atelier des Halles in Saint Gilles and Le Dit Vin and L'Oustau Camarguais in Aigues Mortes. The latter stood out as a living art museum, rotating its pieces to replace ones purchased by diners. On our last night, we lived like the locals and cooked up a feast on board the boat, using exclusively Camargue-bought ingredients. This region is all about picturesque rural nature scenes and I was left in no doubt that the most rewarding way to experience it is at the helm of a boat. Book the holiday
