It has been said that if you are tired of London then you are tired of life. As true as this expression may be, it must also be said that traversing London on foot can be quite tiresome at the best of times. Millions of tourists and Londoners alike journey on the tube and those famous double decker's each day, but why not try something a bit different and hop aboard a
Thames Clipper?
On this year-round service you can travel to a whole bunch of different sights or even sample the whole route in one go. However, one of the most culturally enlightening and enjoyable journeys is aboard the specially designed
Clipper that travels directly between
Tate Britain at Millbank Pier and
Tate Modern at Bankside Pier. The Tate Modern is situated on South Bank but in an area where tube stations are more difficult to come by, and the Tate Britain is much more than a short stroll away. Those clever people at the Tate became conscious of this fact, and so set out to provide a service between the two galleries.
Before you disregard this as another costly tourist gimmick, think again. Many commuters take the Clippers every day and so you can rest assured that this is not a ploy to steal your holiday cash.
The boat itself is quite different to the often smelly and cramped tube or the stomach-turning journey atop a two-story bus; the seating area is spacious, all passengers are guaranteed a seat and the voyage itself is calm and peaceful. And even though we're slowly descending into a chilly winter, no matter the conditions outside the temperature on board is always at a pleasant level. Weather permitting you can also enjoy the deck at the back of the boat. This is the best place for taking some great sightseer snaps. Otherwise, choose a seat by the window if possible for the best riverside views. There are snacks available, bicycle storage, toilet facilities and friendly staff. One of the best parts is that the exterior and interior of some of the boats have been designed by Damien Hirst himself.
The service runs every 40 minutes seven days a week from about 10am to 5pm. A signal journey costs around £5 but students, travelcard holders, children and season ticket holders are eligible for a reduced rate. Or if you think the service is the best thing since sliced bread and willing to test out your sea legs, then purchase a River Roamer for just over £12 which allows you unlimited hop-on, hop-off for a day's travel. On that note, beside the Tate to Tate service there are a vast number of ticket options which can be purchased onboard or online so it is perhaps best to check the
website for more information about ticketing as well as schedules.
So if you fancy travelling between the Tate Britain with its display of art from the Tudor Monarchs and the Romantics, to the Tate Modern with its incredible collection of Rothko's, Warhol's and Dali's then jump aboard a Thames Clipper and you'll be culturally aware and comfortable in no time at all.
