QUEENBOROUGH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Six hours upriver: Queenborough to Aylesford Bridge aboard a historic pilot vessel
A six-hour cruise from Queenborough that sails the River Medway to Aylesford Bridge, passing castles, forts, dockyards and a Russian submarine—this guide explains what you’ll see and practical details for the voyage.
Six hours upriver: Queenborough to Aylesford Bridge aboard a historic pilot vessel.
Sail along the historic River Medway, passing castles, forts, a Russian submarine, and scenic villages. Enjoy captivating stories from the crew as you relax and soak in stunning views on this memorable voyage.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Historic pilot vessel
The cruise is run from an historic pilot vessel, giving passengers a direct, working-boat perspective on the river and its working ports.
Live local commentary
Both the captain and crew share their local knowledge throughout the trip while you relax and enjoy the many sights, turning the voyage into a moving oral guide to the Medway.
A relaxed voyage of discovery
The combination of the historic vessel and onboard storytelling makes for a relaxed outing in which the river itself and its layered history are the principal attraction.
What the day feels like
What the six-hour cruise feels like
You depart Queenborough and settle into a six-hour cruise that threads past industrial ports and power-station towers, runs between Napoleonic forts, skirts castles and historic dockyards, passes a Russian submarine in Strood, and continues upriver through narrowing, twisting channels to the stone bridge at Aylesford—then lingers before turning for a gentle return.
THE VESSEL
Historic pilot vessel
The cruise is run from an historic pilot vessel, giving passengers a direct, working-boat perspective on the river and its working ports.
THE CREW
Live local commentary
Both the captain and crew share their local knowledge throughout the trip while you relax and enjoy the many sights, turning the voyage into a moving oral guide to the Medway.
THE EXPERIENCE
A relaxed voyage of discovery
The combination of the historic vessel and onboard storytelling makes for a relaxed outing in which the river itself and its layered history are the principal attraction.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise runs for approximately 6 hours.
The trip departs from Queenborough.
A washroom with a flushable toilet is available but only accessible via steep steps.
The cruise is suitable for ages 11 and up.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the River Medway Aylesford Cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours.
Where does the cruise depart from?
The trip departs from Queenborough.
What age restrictions are there?
The trip is listed for ages 11 and up.
Are restroom facilities available onboard?
There is a washroom with a flushable toilet, but it is only accessible via steep steps.
What notable sights will we pass?
The cruise sails past London Thamesport, Kingsnorth Power Station, two Napoleonic forts (Fort Darnett and Hoo Fort), the Medway Queen at Gillingham Pier, Upnor Castle, Chatham Historic Dockyard, a Russian submarine in Strood, Rochester Bridge and Rochester Castle, then under Medway Bridge and along the historic river past Aylesford Priory to Aylesford Bridge.
Will the crew provide commentary?
Yes — both the captain and crew share their local knowledge throughout the trip while you relax and enjoy the sights.