John Bunyan Community Boat’s 2022 cruise programme
APRIL to September will see the familiar sight of the blue and white John Bunyan Community Boat gracing the River Great Ouse in and around Bedford.
More than 50,000 passengers have enjoyed cruising on the vessel in the past nine years on various trips, from Kempston in the west to Great Barford in the east, manned entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the residents of Bedford and surrounding districts.
Now is the time to book a trip on the boat and enjoy the spring sunshine and calming waters of the river. It is hard to improve on a peaceful and tranquil meander through the countryside around Bedford or enjoy views of the town and Embankment from a new vantage point, while taking refreshments from the galley.
This summer the John Bunyan Community Boat will be retaining popular cruises from previous years plus introducing a gin tasting in conjunction with The Secret Bar, a curry night in conjunction with Thali and Tandoor on May 12, history cruises and Irish nights with Inis Eire. As part of the community the John Bunyan’s aim is to provide something for everyone while involving local businesses.
Children will be able to enjoy popular EyeSpy cruises along the Embankment during school holidays, new History cruises in conjunction with the Mercure Bedford Central Hotel and Family Walkers trips on a Thursday. They are all designed to give mums, dads and grandparents something to keep the little ones occupied outside term time.
A popular returning cruise for adults is the Wednesday Mercure Bedford Afternoon Tea Cruise. Following a leisurely cruise from Priory Marina, disembark at St Mary’s Garden and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, prepared by Will Smith – a finalist on TV’s professional Masterchef – while savouring the spectacular view over the Town Bridge, Embankment and river before boarding and cruising back to Priory Marina.
Departing from Newnham Road Steps on Thursday evenings will be the popular music cruises Jazz, Irish, Motown. The Embankment Hotel will be offering a pre-cruise gourmet meal at a discount for all revellers.
For those looking for a special treat, a Wednesday three- hour cruise from Bedford Priory Marina, buffet lunch at the Anchor Great Barford, followed by a coach trip back to the marina is highly recommended, along with Thursday and Sunday afternoon public cruises towards Kempston and Cardington Lock from Sovereigns Quay or a Saturday evening Fish & Chip Supper Cruise from Priory Marina.