News

Scenic London all in one trip

Jul 2, 2008

A great new early bird trip. See all the sights of London from MI6 at Vauxhall, past the Houses of Parliament, under the bridges and then on past the Tower of London to Greenwich, O2 Arena and the Thames Barrier, all under one and a half hours. The best value trip in London seeing more of the sights than any other trip on our fantastic jet boat. Totally unique and memorable. Saturday at 10am.

We check the market regularly for prices and trips, and make sure that we match them and offer more. Leaving from our pier at Blackfriars gets you away from the hustle and bustle, where you can meet our shore staff, prepare for your trip, and enjoy the experience.

This trip allows you to experience all of the major sites of London, with an entertaining guide. We take great pride in our customers having a great time, and the feedback shows these trips are immensely popular. We look forward to seeing you on our unique jet boat.

Testimonial

Jun 17, 2008

The Flying Fish jet boat tour from Blackfriars to the Thames Barrier beats any of the other tourist attractions available in London hands down and offers a really personal service. We had an absolutely fantastic time. I recommend this to anyone who wants to have some serious fun away from the crowds and usual London tourist scene. It was such a buzz to be be speed boating along the Thames and in an area of London I already knew really well I still saw things from the river aspect I’d otherwise never come across. Truly brilliant trip, would do it again and again and again. Would make an excellent corporate trip, seriously memorable.

Early Bird

Jun 12, 2008

The Early Bird leaves Blackfriars at 10.30am on Saturday morning, takes in the sights between the bridges from Westminster to Tower Bridge, and goes all the way to Greenwich with great views of the O2 Arena. This is the best value speedboat ride in London and takes just under one hour. Great value and fantastic fun.

Disabled access

May 2, 2008

Thanks to all the staff who enabled my disabled son to join a family group on the RIB. His comment on leaving was that was incredible! The rest of the group agreed.

Judith Nicholson

Testimonials

Mar 16, 2008

Chris,
 
Can you please pass on my thanks to the crew on Thursday.
 
Everyone really enjoyed the trip and the crew ensured that we got the most out of our FLYING FISH experience! They were polite, professional and most importantly ensured that everyone was comfortable with them so that they could have as much FUN as possible.
 
An excellent experience that I know they will all recommend to others.
 
Thanks again.
 
Chris Gardiner

 

Hi Chris
 
Just to quickly say how much we enjoyed our trip on the Flying Marling - it was fantastic, certainly blew our hangovers away.  (We were on a hen weekend, and had had a rather heavy night!) It was so much more that we expected, I just felt I had to write and say thank you.  The boys were loads of fun too, o thank you to them too.  We just had such a laugh, and such a thrill. 
 
What great fun, brilliant way to see London from the River, so much more interesting that the slow old things that potter about on the river all day.
 
We all said that we won't hesitate to recommend you to everyone we know who is visiting London, and will certainly be seeing you again next year,
 
thanks again,
 
Carol Button

Chris

We all thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the boat yesterday; it provided the perfect start for my stag do and much to talk about.
 
All in all a really good experience and one we will all be recommending to others on days out. Thanks for your help in the arrangements.
Cheers
Julian

 

Thames Barrier for the price of the O2 Arena

Feb 25, 2008

Until the end of May, we are going all the way to the Thames Barrier for the price of our normal trip to the O2 Arena, via Greenwich. Leaving from Blackfriars, we quickly leave behind the speed limits between the bridges from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. Our trip starts with an exciting burst of acceleration, pointing out the most interesting sights of London, from the Millenium Bridge, Globe Theatre, Golden Hind, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and many others.

This trip is proving to be very popular at an unrepeatable price. Blackfriars pier is easy to get to, and is away from the crowds at other tourist sights, giving an overall experience that is second to none. We look forward to seeing you for an event you will not forget.

Thames Barrier popular trip

Feb 24, 2008

Flying Fish Tours are offering a great value trip to the Thames Barrier for only £26 a person for adults, and £16 for children. This is a great value trip, reduced from £39. Flying Fish Tours are the only company to offer all their trips to the barrier, making for the best value speedboat ride in London.

The weather has held up well so far this year, making for a particularly pleasant and comfortable trip. As trips leave from Blackfriars pier, we can move into clear open waters immediately, avoiding much of the speed restrictions introduced between the London Eye and Tower of London.

The trip goes by most of the most popular tourist sites of London, with an entertaining guided tour from a guide.

Make sure you book well in advance, as space is limited. We look forward to seeing you at Blackfriars whilst this offer runs.

New location - Blackfriars Pier

Feb 1, 2008

History

HMS President is an Anchusa class corvette of the Royal Navy, completed in 1918. She was originally named HMS Saxifrage, from the Saxifrage genus of plants which includes the variety London Pride and has been permanently moored at Victoria Embankment for over 80 years.

Commissioned as a 'Q' Ship (or Mystery Ship), she was originally part of the flower class built in World War 1 and was known as Saxifrage (The pride of London). Saxifrage was built in Renfrew, part of a small class of convoy protection ships built to look like merchant ships for use as Q-ships in World War I. Disguised as a merchant ship, she was designed to attract German U boats that she would then try and destroy with hidden weapons. HMS President is listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels.

The Ball Room

This magnificent spacious room is unique amongst Thames river venues in that it offers 2500 square feet without columns.

This room was originally the Drill Hall, used by the RNR and RNVR when the ship was part of the Royal Navy fleet.

Elements of this rich heritage have been retained, such as the hammock hooks, the gun racks and the original parquet flooring. The room is a spacious 2500 sq foot. with no columns, making it a remarkably versatile and unusual space on the Thames. Floor to ceiling south facing windows look directly out over the Thames creating an idyllic sunrise to sunset backdrop.

The versatility and adaptability of this spectacular room makes it perfect for formal dinners, weddings or conferences, as well as being the venue that you and your friends will never forget.

This floor can hold up to 350 guests, with a maximum of 210 for a sit-down formal dinner.

The Gun Room

With a large bar and access to the Quarter Deck, the gun room offers panoramic views of the city, Tate Modern and the South Bank

The Gun Room and the Quarterdeck are usually both included in the hire of the Ballroom. The Gun Room has large floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Thames and a full service bar. The thousand square foot Quarterdeck offers panoramic views of the City of London, the Tate Modern and The South Bank and is the ideal location for informal outdoor buffets, barbeques or drinks reception.

 

 

The Ward Room

Retains much of the original character of the Officer's Mess with a fully equipped bar and an annexe for dancing or syndicate meeting area.

Originally the Officers' Mess, the Ward Room has retained much of its original character and is the ideal space to host receptions, dinners, meetings, product launches, etc for parties of up to 120 guests.

The Ward Room has a fully equipped bar, and an annexe which can be used for dancing or as a syndicate meeting area.

Large windows provide the room with natural daylight, and offer excellent views of the river and its ever-changing scenery. For the warmer days, the Quarterdeck can be accessed from the Ward Room via an external staircase.

The President Suite

The newly-opened area at the front of the ship, comprising a large meeting room linked to a bar with breathtaking views.

The President Suite is an exciting, newly-opened area at the front of the ship, comprising a large meeting room on the main deck, linked by a staircase to a bar on the upper deck.

The bar has large windows and offers breathtaking views up-river, as well as access to the fore deck.

The décor in this area is modern and stylish, making it the ideal self-contained venue for holding conferences, meetings, parties and any other event where something different is required.

Board Rooms

We have a variety of rooms available for hire for 10 - 20 delegates. These can be supplied with full audio visual and conference equipment.

HMS President (1918) also offers small Training / Meeting rooms for between 8 and 20 people. Hire prices are available on request.

Open Air Decks

From our decks you can view most of London’s famous landmarks views. Heaters and canopy provided in winter.

Reflect London's vibrant surroundings on one of our open air decks; from our decks you can view most of London's famous landmarks. Our decks are ideal for summer corporate BBQ's, formal summer alfresco dining, family celebrations or just a wonderful way to start your evening with your guests enjoying Champagne and canapÈs before dinner is served.

Beat the smoking ban for your guests: Smoking is permitted on all our decks - heaters and canopy provided in winter.

Quarter Deck And Front Deck

Give your guests a unique open air experience; invite them to dine outside with 360 degree panoramic views of London. HMS President's open air decks are ideal for alfresco dining, whether it is a formally seated lunch or dinner with full table service or one of our succulent BBQ menus, it will give your guests a dining experience they will never forget. You can choose between the Front and the Quarter Deck. Both spaces boost amazing views of the river surrounded by London's famous landmarks such as the London Eye, South Bank, The Gherkin & Tate Modern. While having a glass of champagne your guest can enjoy the sunset and our mouth-watering cuisine.

We can also provide any styles of marquee for London's temperamental weather - ideal for your London wedding reception.

Exclusive Events

We can provide you with a full event planning service and can help your event come alive with props, dÈcor and a touch of magic.

Mouth-watering Cuisine

We pride ourselves on fresh quality catering of the highest standards. Whether you are getting married, want to impress your delegates with an exotic menu, director's luncheon, breakfast meeting, product launches or provide food that will bring your theme alive - we guarantee to impress you with our cuisine.

Let us take all the worries from you, and leave you to enjoy your event.

We take inspiration from each season for the ingredients of our cuisine. Our succulent menus should satisfy even the most discerning palate. The menus we offer are only a guide; our chefs are very experienced and can design your meal to perfection. Our speciality is to create and design a menu that will suit the flavours and themes to make your event special.

Listed below are a few themes that we have provided. Ask for further details today.

Mexican Fiesta, Night in Havana, Moulin Rouge, School Disco, Arabian Nights, Molls & Mobsters, Venetian Masked Ball, 5 Continents, James Bond, 50's rock around the clock, Country Western Buckaroo Party, 60's 70's flashback retro, Everything BBQ, Mardi Gras...

We can also arrange discos, jazz bands, look-a-like entertainers and, for the really bold, high speed boat trips on the Thames.

Conferences

Tailor make your own conferences and away days

• Arrange your your corporate conference around our unique venue.
• We can accommodate up to 200 delegates.
• An event tailored to your requirements.
• Flip charts, video/data projection systems plus full wireless broadband internet connections.
• Catering to suit your needs, from full silver service to finger buffet (minimum numbers may apply).
• An Ideal venue to take your employees or colleagues out of the work environment.
• Entertainment and activities can be arranged.
• Local accommodation can be arranged.
• Colour schemes and corporate backdrop and staging arranged.
• Break-out seminar rooms available.

Exclusive events

We can provide you with a full event planning service and can help your event come alive with props, décor and a touch of magic.

Mouth-watering Cuisine

We pride ourselves on fresh quality catering of the highest standards. Whether you are getting married, want to impress your delegates with an exotic menu, director's luncheon, breakfast meeting, product launches or provide food that will bring your theme alive - we guarantee to impress you with our cuisine.

Let us take all the worries from you, and leave you to enjoy the event.

We take inspiration from each season for the ingredients of our cuisine. Our succulent menus should satisfy even the most discerning palate. The menus we offer are only a guide; our chefs are very experienced and can design your meal to perfection. Our speciality is to create and design a menu that will suit the flavours and themes to make your event special.

Listed below are a few themes that we have provided. Ask for further details today.

Mexican Fiesta, Night in Havana, Moulin Rouge, School Disco, Arabian Nights, Molls & Mobsters, Venetian Masked Ball, 5 Continents, James Bond, 50's rock around the clock, Country Western Buckaroo Party, 60's 70's flashback retro, Everything BBQ, Mardi Gras...

We can also arrange discos, jazz bands, look-a-like entertainers and, for the really bold, high speed boat trips on the Thames.

Weddings

Fabulous wedding location.

HMS President (1918) is moored amidst some of London's most famous landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, the London Eye, the Southbank and the National Theatre. She boasts breathtaking river views which make the perfect backdrop for any wedding reception. Whether your reception is formal or fun, intimate or grand, HMS President is a stunning location for your special day.

We can collect your wedding party at any central London pier, and bring you and your guests by river to our venue.

Our adept & original in-house team are devoted in creating events which are as unique and varied as our clients.

Sample package below:

Wedding Package

• Exclusive Upper Deck hire
• Personalised directional signs
• Changing Room for the Bride and Groom
• Secure storage areas for presents
• Secured Cloakroom
• Event Co-ordinator
• All staffing and service
• 1 glass sparkling wine per guest on arrival inc. soft drinks
• 3 course seated dinner
• Half bottle of house wine per guest
• Table layout and diagrams
• Linen table cloths
• Fresh flowers arrangements in the reception areas
• PA system for speeches

Location:

The President is moored right in the heart of the City of London, on the Victoria Embankment. Alongside the ship are the Inns of Court, on the opposite bank are the OXO Tower, The National Theatre, The Tate Modern, The London Eye, and the re-created Globe Theatre, St Paul's Cathedral, Somerset House and Fleet Street are a short walk.

Nearest Tube stations are Blackfriars (exit 7), Temple, (District or Circle lines), all a 5 minute walk.

Nearest mainline stations are Blackfriars Mainline and Thameslink.

Or if in doubt, simply look in any London street map where you will find us listed.

Parking

Parking is very easy in the side roads opposite the boat; Temple Avenue or John Carpenter Street. You can't access these from the Embankment directly as they are no entry, so turn left at Blackfriars roundabout and then take either of the next two lefts and effectively drive until you are opposite the boat and park in either Temple Avenue or John Carpenter Street.

Please note that you can park in Solo Motorcycle bays every day. Cars can park on Saturday after 1.30pm and all day Sunday free of charge.