Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Tour

Review by Finley 9 and ¾, and Simon Darnley

★★★★☆ ½ (4 ½ stars)

Boarding at Thames dock and we sat on an open top Thames River cruise boat and embarked up the river towards the Houses of Parliament. For the next 50 odd minutes we were in the safe hands of the talented Horrible Histories team on the Terrible Thames Tour. It was a whirlwind cascade of high energy, fun, facts, music, sound effects, sing-along songs and a lot of laughter.

What we immediately realise is that the Thames is a hugely important historical river and there are so many landmarks and events worthy of mention that the two-man team really fit in an avalanche of information without any let up at all for the whole trip! It can feel slightly overwhelming at times as we jump from Pirates, Traitors Gate, the great fire of London, spy’s using a poisoned umbrella, the gunpowder plot, and our current parliamentary system but everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time.

Both actors are friendly and skilled in presenting everything in a bite sized, entertaining and child friendly way with plenty of sound effects, music, jokes, and audience participation. There is a lovely little song about how and why we have the underground sewer system with an interactive chorus that involves enough poo and farting jokes to keep every child happy!

Taking a tour boat along the Thames has always been a fantastic way to learn about our city and having the Horrible Histories crew design the trip really takes it to another level. This is highly recommended for all the family. Adults and kids will all be happy and come away feeling well informed as well as well entertained. This will be the fifth year of the Terrible Thames boat tour and it’s a very skilled and smooth operation.

A fun-filled way to get the kids interested in London history

This was Finley’s (aged 9 ¾) second Horrible Histories experience having loved the Horrible Christmas pantomime in December. He also loved this experience giving it 4.5 stars as he wished there was an opportunity to buy snacks similar to last time.

Make sure you dress for the weather.

STANDARD TICKETS

Adult – £25.00

Child (Ages 3 – 15)* – £20.00

Senior (65+) – £20.00

FAMILY TICKETS

2 adults, 2 children – £80.00

1 adult, 3 children – £70.00

Book here