February birthdays can be tricky, especially of you want to do something special like we did when my son turned teenager last weekend. We've done soft play, cinema trips and sleepovers but he's had a difficult few weeks for a variety of reasons so we really wanted to push the boat out. (Pun intended!)
I've worked in the past with Attractiontix, a site which offers discounted days out and experiences all over the world, and had spotted lots of of exciting days out and experiences in London on their website. I gave my boy a budget and let him loose on the website - it didn't take him long to choose a Thames RIB experience as his 13th birthday treat.
Basically this is a thrill ride along the River Thames in London in a powerful RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) like those used by special forces all over the world.
There are a number of experiences available to suit most budgets and we opted for the 20-minute Tower RIB blast starting from Tower Millennium Pier.
The official blurb on the Thames RIB website says:"For those of you who need a quick fix in terms of speed and sights, this is the perfect option for you! "
We would have saved 10% booking through the Attractiontix website compared to the walk up price. although in fact the experience didn't actually cost us anything as I won a blogger's social media competition in 2017 which gave me £100 credit with Attractiontix. I booked the RIB experience and tickets for the London Eye for one adult and one child with my prize.
When booking the tickets I was given a specific time for the boat ride. There are a number of start points and our was at Tower Millennium Pier, right next to the world famous Tower of London and London Bridge, opposite HMS Belfast.
We travelled by tube (London's underground train service) to the Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) then walked the short distance towards the river, arriving early so we were sure not to miss our slot .This also gave us time to stop for a quick lunch one of the many eateries in sight of the pier.
Then we headed to the pier where staff kitted birthday boy and my husband out in warm, waterproof jackets and self inflating life jackets.
It was a bitterly cold day but we think maybe my son's level of weather protection was slightly over the top. He might have been protected against the chilly wind but his view was severely compromised until he adjusted his hood!
They boarded the boat and we waved them off, watching as they bounced at speed over the wakes of passing boats.
When they returned it was obvious they had had a lovely time. Apparently they were given the choice of a more sedate tour with commentary or a more exciting ride without. The whole boat of passengers voted unanimously for speed over education!
My two thrill-seekers said the whole experience was made even more fun by the addition of music. The theme tune from 007 James Bond films and Hawaii 5-0 apparently really fit well with the ride.
There are longer rides available but this is a great treat for younger children or those who aren't sure they can take the excitement for more than 20 minutes.
Children of any age weighing over 15kg are welcome to join in the fun apart from babes in arms who are not allowed on board for obvious reasons. The ride is also not suitable for pregnant women or for anyone with heart or back problems.
It proved to be the perfect treat for the newest teenager in my home. Be warned though, even on a chilly day in February the ride was popular and was fully booked days before our booking. I tried to add another passenger and wasn't able too so plan ahead!
Disclaimer: My son and husband enjoyed their Thames RIB Experience free thanks to my prize from Attractiontix. Views remain honest and my own.
I've worked in the past with Attractiontix, a site which offers discounted days out and experiences all over the world, and had spotted lots of of exciting days out and experiences in London on their website. I gave my boy a budget and let him loose on the website - it didn't take him long to choose a Thames RIB experience as his 13th birthday treat.
Basically this is a thrill ride along the River Thames in London in a powerful RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) like those used by special forces all over the world.
There are a number of experiences available to suit most budgets and we opted for the 20-minute Tower RIB blast starting from Tower Millennium Pier.
The official blurb on the Thames RIB website says:"For those of you who need a quick fix in terms of speed and sights, this is the perfect option for you! "
We would have saved 10% booking through the Attractiontix website compared to the walk up price. although in fact the experience didn't actually cost us anything as I won a blogger's social media competition in 2017 which gave me £100 credit with Attractiontix. I booked the RIB experience and tickets for the London Eye for one adult and one child with my prize.
When booking the tickets I was given a specific time for the boat ride. There are a number of start points and our was at Tower Millennium Pier, right next to the world famous Tower of London and London Bridge, opposite HMS Belfast.
We travelled by tube (London's underground train service) to the Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) then walked the short distance towards the river, arriving early so we were sure not to miss our slot .This also gave us time to stop for a quick lunch one of the many eateries in sight of the pier.
Then we headed to the pier where staff kitted birthday boy and my husband out in warm, waterproof jackets and self inflating life jackets.
It was a bitterly cold day but we think maybe my son's level of weather protection was slightly over the top. He might have been protected against the chilly wind but his view was severely compromised until he adjusted his hood!
They boarded the boat and we waved them off, watching as they bounced at speed over the wakes of passing boats.
When they returned it was obvious they had had a lovely time. Apparently they were given the choice of a more sedate tour with commentary or a more exciting ride without. The whole boat of passengers voted unanimously for speed over education!
My two thrill-seekers said the whole experience was made even more fun by the addition of music. The theme tune from 007 James Bond films and Hawaii 5-0 apparently really fit well with the ride.
There are longer rides available but this is a great treat for younger children or those who aren't sure they can take the excitement for more than 20 minutes.
Children of any age weighing over 15kg are welcome to join in the fun apart from babes in arms who are not allowed on board for obvious reasons. The ride is also not suitable for pregnant women or for anyone with heart or back problems.
It proved to be the perfect treat for the newest teenager in my home. Be warned though, even on a chilly day in February the ride was popular and was fully booked days before our booking. I tried to add another passenger and wasn't able too so plan ahead!
Disclaimer: My son and husband enjoyed their Thames RIB Experience free thanks to my prize from Attractiontix. Views remain honest and my own.