Type: Boating and Canoeing
If you enjoy the finer things in life, you’ll know that some ways of celebrating special occasions can be a bit, well, disappointing.
Here in Bath you’ll find any number of fine hotels, restaurants and private caterers who’ll provide you with a very nice corporate or private get together. But if you’re looking for something truly memorable and utterly unique – a skippered trip aboard a truly historic river launch could be just the tonic.
25 years ago we decided to restore the oldest electric river launch in existence to its former glory. Lady Lena is forty-one and a half feet long – built in 1890 from mahogany, oak, teak and ash.
Restoration has been a labour of love – and now you can join us – for parties of 2 to ten – for a crystal flute of Champagne on arrival, followed by a relaxing cruise of anything from 2 hours to an entire day. We have access to a 9-mile stretch of the Kennet & Avon canal – recognised as one of the most picturesque stretches of waterway in the world.
What’s unusual about our beautiful river boat is that it’s electric – and it always was. So all you and your guests get to hear is the gentle wash of water and nature itself; (punctuated by laughter and the chink of glasses if our experience is anything to go by).
Lady Lena is carpeted and fully upholstered and seats 10 comfortably for canapés, an afternoon picnic or a feast worthy of a Michelin Star or two. And because we’re a family concern, we are able to offer the finest catering through our own caterer, or let you bring your own ideal menu without corkage charges or other such unnecessary hindrances.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion or you’re a group of like-minded souls who appreciate the nicer things in life – or maybe you just want to enjoy the most special, out of the ordinary experience with family and friends – Lady Lena is, we hope, unforgettable. Private charter of this magnificent, historic boat ranges from £200 to £400 per day, with no disappointments or extras, or £50 per person for a small more romantic party to include champagne or a cream tea.
Our boat is very beautiful, and we personally take you on every trip – however formal or relaxed. Our objective is simple: to make sure you have the very best experience; whether that’s laughter, romance, celebration or just a fantastic get-together.
Lady Lena built in 1890 is believed to be the oldest electric launch in existence and still powered by electric.
She was built on the Thames at Kingston by Alfred Burgoine to an order placed by Moritz Immisch` company the General Electric and Traction Co.
In June 1891 she was licensed to operate as a river service on smooth waters and carry 24 passengers. She operated in the Maidenhead area and was drawn out of service with Immisch in about 1914.
In 1919 she was added to the Bedford Steamboat Co’s fleet, and along with another Maidenhead electric launch Lorne Doone ran a regular service along the River Ouse at Bedford. At the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, all the fleet lay submerged in a backwater. In 1943 the Bedford Steamboat Co was bought by Mr and Mrs E.H. Smith, but unfortunately only Lady Lena was worth salvaging and, after restoration with substandard materials, was renamed Silver Stream and joined two smaller boats for regular trips at Bedford.
In 1956 Silver Stream was the first boat to use the newly restored Bedford Town Lock.
Silver Stream was taken out of service in 1963 and left on the river bank to rot. She was saved by Mr Peter Bridge of Cotterstock, who stored her in his garden up until 1980. As Mr Bridge had sold his house and the new owners were going to burn the hull, Jenkyn Knill paid £1.00 for the hull to secure its future. The now very fragile Lady Lena was strapped onto a trailer and transported to Bath Boating Station were she was restored over a three year period. A steam engine was installed and Lady Lena was taken to her new home at Bathampton on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
She was used intermittently over the next 19 years, the high light being the official boat at the reopening of Dundas Aqueduct by Sir Frank Price in 1984.
In 2004 Lady Lena was converted back to electric propulsion by the Thames Electric Launch Co. She was then taken out of the water and had a saloon fitted, and a new stern post, counter keel and 8 planks replaced due to rot. She was re launched in January 2007 and transferred to John Knill And Sons Ltd for skippered charter, and is now regularly seen cruising between Bath and Bradford on Avon.
The normal starting point is from Bathampton, opposite the school, and heading either west to Bath or East to Bradford. Other embarkation locations can be used but would incur extra charge owing to the extension of our running time to that point.
On leaving the pick up point guests will be offered a complimentary glass of champagne served in lead crystal flutes, or a soft alternative for the non drinkers.
Lunch if required can be served on the boat and we can supply table cloths, china plates, knives forks and spoons and glasses. You can either bring your own food, or our caterer can supply a meal to your requirements. There is a small fridge on board for cold drinks etc.
A traditional cream tea with award winning home made scones is also available if required, please contact us for costs. There is a small toilet on board.
Our charges are simple –
• 2 hours £200
• 3 hours £275
• 4 hours £325
• 5 hours £350
• 6 hours £375
• 7 hours £400
Or £50 per head for a small party to include a bottle of champagne or a cream tea, for a 2 hr cruise.
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