Without doubt, one of my favourite things about London in the winter is boating along the Thames. This ancient river has a special feel when the season turns wintry. Meandering along the river in a comfortable, heated barge or yacht means you can use it as a floating base and still benefit from the many comfortable and cheap hotel London has to offer.
The water may be muddy and the breeze chilly, but the river produces majestically haunting wintry moods and the season paints memorably evocative scenes along its banks. This whimsical atmosphere is charming because of its brooding melancholia, a quality that also produces a strangely calming and meditative tone. This subdued, sombre melody is vaguely present in autumn, but is lost in the spring and summer which have altogether a different feel.
Even though most people prefer to sail in the English Channel rather than inland waters, the Thames Estuary, the stretch of river from Southend up to the capital, plus the upper reaches to Oxford, have a charm all of their own. Care is appropriate at all times because the river has many shallow patches, particularly at low tide. Mud cuts water visibility to zero. A careful study of the relevant marine chart is essential.
Winter can produce challenging sailing conditions in the United Kingdom. Sustained winds of 70 knots or more are experienced at least a few times each winter. During these periods, the inland waters of the River Thames can be unpleasant, but rarely dangerous.
Wintry weather in England is characterized by high pressure systems that push stiff easterlies across the English Channel for days on end. Additionally, there is heightened risk of blustery thunderstorms drifting north from the Mediterranean or the gusty dregs of hurricanes blowing across the Atlantic.
Also, it certainly gets cold on the water during winter. When not crewing on deck, it helps you to warm-up if your boat is equipped with a heating system, air conditioning or both. These facilities are common on modern yachts.
Sailing up the Thames from its estuary can be a thrilling experience watching all the historic sites glide by. With some mental agility, you can easily imagine yourself to be a weary mariner returning home to fanfare and kudos after a successful, path breaking expedition during some fabulous historic golden era when Britannia truly ruled the waves.
Up river, right in the middle of the vibrant financial district of the great capital, you can berth your vessel at the famous St Katherines Dock. This is the only public marina in the city centre. It has a large modern hotel located right next to the marina which is located a short walk from The City, Canary Wharf and the many hotels and attractions these districts have to offer. The dock sits immediately next to the Tower Bridge. Tower Hill tube station is across the road.
In short, boating the Thames is one of my favourite things about London in the winter. Travelling along in a boat is a fantastic way to visit the city and benefit from the fabulous offers extended by the large selection of hotels kings cross. The large number of marinas make the whole process easy and flexible.
Finding your cheap hotels london during winter means you have plenty to do in town – See the Wardonia Hotel to take advantage of merely one of the best kings cross hotels