Welcome to Fortnum's on Thames

Of course- we won’t let a touch of cool weather spoil your time on the river. Soft, cosy blankets are available on board, perfect for wrapping up and remaining comfortable as you drift along the Thames.

Our Fortnum’s on the Thames experiences are designed with our picnics at their heart, and each guest is warmly invited to enjoy one as part of the occasion. It’s all part of what makes the journey so distinctly Fortnum’s, a perfectly packed picnic, best enjoyed boating on the Thames.

Yes! It is yours to keep.

To ensure the comfort and safety of all on board, our Fortnum’s on the Thames experiences are reserved for guests aged 18 and over. We thank you for your understanding.

Yes, there is a toilet on-board.

The comfort and safety of our guests and crew is always our first consideration. While it is only on the rarest of occasions that we are unable to set sail due to adverse river conditions, our vintage boat is thoughtfully equipped with rain covers, allowing your experience to go ahead even when it rains.

We closely follow guidance from the Environment Agency and will be in touch at the earliest opportunity should conditions mean your journey cannot proceed. In such cases, a refund will, of course, be arranged with our compliments. 

Cancellations made at least seven days prior to your experience are eligible for a 50% refund. Unfortunately, cancellations received within seven days of the experience are non‑refundable.

Our concierge team is at your service from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. You are most welcome to get in touch by emailing concierge@fortnumandmason.com or by calling 0207 465 8668 — we’ll be very pleased to assist in planning your time on the Thames.

Each Fortnum’s on the Thames experience is offered on a private charter basis, ensuring the boat is exclusively yours for the duration of your journey.

Why, of course. At Fortnum’s, we believe every outing should feel rather special. Our Fortnum’s on the Thames experiences are thoughtfully tailored to you, and we delight in adding those little flourishes that make all the difference, from upgrading to our elegant Brut Réserve Champagne, to arranging a birthday surprise for a fellow guest, or tucking in a few extra boxes of our most irresistible biscuits. Whatever you have in mind, we’ll be only too pleased to help make your picnic perfectly, delightfully yours.

To preserve the spirit of a truly Fortnum’s experience, each guest is invited to enjoy one of our carefully curated picnics as part of their time on the Thames. Should you wish to add further delights, our concierge team would be more than happy to arrange these for you. With the exception of water, all food and drink served on board is thoughtfully provided by Fortnum & Mason, ensuring every detail is as deliciously considered as the setting itself.

Much as we adore our four-legged companions, we’re afraid that pets are not permitted on board. Owing to the characterful design of our vintage boat, including its lower side rails- this is a necessary measure to ensure everyone’s safety. We hope you understand.

Yes, there is complimentary still and sparkling water on-board.

Our Fortnum’s on Thames experiences are delightfully bespoke and are thoughtfully arranged rather than simply reserved. Whether you’d care to elevate your picnic with a bottle of fizz, or arrange a thoughtful gift for a fellow guest, we’re here to attend to every detail with the utmost care. For that reason, we prefer to speak with you directly, ensuring your time on the river is perfectly tailored from beginning to end. Do give us a call or send us an email, and it will be our pleasure to bring your plans to life

Our concierge team will be delighted to arrange payment for your bespoke experience, either by sending a secure payment link or, should you prefer, via bank transfer. To ensure every detail is prepared to perfection, full payment is required prior to confirming your reservation.

Our vintage boats are full of character, though we’re afraid accessibility was not part of their original design. Due to their narrow passageways and traditional layout, guests will need to be comfortable stepping down into the boat, with a helping hand from our crew. We would warmly encourage you to speak with us when considering your booking, and our team will do everything we can to assist and ensure your experience is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Of course, every good outing deserves a fitting soundtrack. We have a Bluetooth speaker on board for your use, and the boat is also equipped with a full stereo system should you wish to connect and set the tone for your journey. We kindly ask that any music played on board is free from offensive language and would appreciate it being paused when passing through the quieter stretches of the river.

The experience will last for approximately 2 hours.

Along this stretch of the Thames, we glide gently at a maximum of 8 km/h (approximately 5 mph or 4.2 knots). This unhurried pace helps to protect the riverbanks, preserve the natural habitat, and ensure the journey remains as tranquil as it is picturesque. It also allows us to be considerate to fellow river-goers, from passing anglers to moored boats.