Kentish Lady River Boat

frequently asked questions

Where do I buy my tickets?

Tickets for the one hour trips are purchased on board the vessel. For the three hour cruises, tickets must be purchased in advance either at Cruisers Ice Creamery and Refreshments or by post.

Can I pay by credit card?
At present we only take cash or cheques, however we are hoping to introduce credit card payments in the near future.

Do you have disabled toilets?

Although the vessel is all on one level, unfortunately we do not have the space for a disabled toilet. Wheelchairs have full access up to the doors and there is room for two people within the washroom.

Am I allowed to smoke on board?
Smoking is allowed on the front and covered back deck, however not in the saloon area.

Can I bring my dog on board?
Dogs are welcome on our one hour trips (as long as they are not the size of a horse!!), however we don't feel it is appropriate to bring them on the three hour cruises or on a private hire as there is no where they are able to disembark throughout the journey.

Can we have our own DJ on board for private hire?
We prefer to use our resident DJ as his experience on board allows him to make best use of the available space to provide quality entertainment whilst leaving maximum room for guests. He also uses his knowledge of the river to adjust the volume in sound sensative areas.

Are we allowed to bring our own food for a private function?
We always use our own caterers as they understand space is premium on board. We have spent a long time working with them to provide a large variety of fresh, quality buffets.

How far will I get on my private hire?
The vessel can be hired for two, three or four hours. In two hours we can travel between Maidstone, Allington and Farleigh Lock, in three hours we leave Maidstone and travel upstream through Farleigh Lock to Teston and return to Maidstone. For our four hour hires we are able to travel right up to Yalding, however we find people prefer to go to Teston through Farleigh Lock and return to Allington Lock where there is a lot of history on the river, including Allington Castle.

Why do I have to pay extra to be picked up at Allington?
Our charters start and finish at Maidstone. If your charter is from 7- 11pm, then the vessel will leave Maidstone at 6.30pm to pick up your guests at Allington at 7pm, at the end of your evening you will be dropped off at Allington at 11pm and the vessel will then return to Maidstone for 11.30pm, therefore your charter is actually an hour longer.

Hire Cruisers Ltd, Undercliffe Boathouse, Bishops Way, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6XG
Telephone: 01622 753740 Mobile: 07973 866971