We look forward to seeing you onboard

Great facilities

Electra is accessible for all; we have a lift that can fit wheelchairs/rollators up to 700mm wide. It can also be used by guests with limited mobility. Our toilet is wheelchair friendly too.  Just be sure to book a Lift User ticket (two available on public cruises, four on private charters) for anyone who needs one.

Please note: the lift can only be used when plugged in to mains electricity. So we can only offer Lift User tickets on cruises which depart from/return to our Campbell Wharf, Fenny Stratford and Great Linford Manor Park boarding points.

There are just four steps down into the body of the boat, with guide-ropes on both sides to hold on to (see Boat layout below).

The Café Bar is available for both hot and cold refreshments, while the cabin is well designed for all-weather cruising. It’s a great place for up 12 guests to enjoy, seating is at six tables for two.

Click below for an audio description of boarding instructions, the lavatory, the cabin layout and unusual sounds.


Boat layout

A green canal boat

Unlike diesel canal boats, Electra has lead-carbon batteries below deck, which charge overnight from renewable sources. There are also 12 solar panels on her roof to keep her topped up in the day. All those volts also power the dishwasher that lets us use reusable glass and crockery, along with everything else on board.

Electra is zero-emission; she creates less disturbance to wildlife and other canal users and generates barely any waste. We recycle as much as we can and work with local businesses to reduce the food miles of what we serve on board.

Run by volunteers

Our crew is entirely made up of volunteers; we’ll take care of you from start to finish, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the scenic cruise. All of our Skippers and Cabin Hosts are fully trained and qualified, so you’re in safe hands.

Food options

We serve a tasty selection of hand-picked locally made treats throughout the year, from cakes to fish and chips, cream tea to mince pies. Part of our green agenda is to source locally whenever we can.

Boarding points

A map is always included with your ticket to show you where to park and board Electra (and on Walk & Glide Cruises where to meet your Walk Leader). A reminder email with map is sent two days before your cruise booking.

Most cruises depart from/return to our mooring at Campbell Wharf, at the end of Avebury Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes. Postcode MK9 4BG. There is a drop off point nearby and there are steps or a ramp to get down to the waterside. We regret that there is no public or disabled parking available here. All parking is 10-15 minutes’ walk away, as shown on the map. Avebury Boulvard, Silbury Boulevard and Overgate are Clearways, with  no parking allowed.

Selected cruises depart from/return to Great Linford Manor Park, where there is plentiful public and disabled car parking. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from the car park to Electra’s waterside mooring. Use the accessible path shown on this map.

Cruises leave from Fenny Stratford monthly May to October. Find Electra on the canal towpath just south of the Watling Street Bridge, next to the marina lift bridge. There is no postcode for this location; check where it is on the map below.

Walk & Glide cruises always start by meeting a Walk Leader at a designated location at a set time. You walk and then board Electra to return. Lift User tickets are not available on these cruses.

Kids’ Cruises depart from/return to the canal towpath at Bolbeck Park. Lift User tickets are not available on these cruses.

What our customers say

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  • star rating  What a fantastic evening on the John bunyan.... a cruise down the ouse with perfect weather and great tunes of soul and Motown this a private charter so I was... read more

    audratimmins
    August 1, 2019

    star rating  Booked with a few friends. We all had a great time. Party atmosphere, great music, good bar prices. Already booked for next year. Recommend if you like good music, dancing... read more

    Andrea A
    August 1, 2019
  • star rating  Spent a great afternoon on a Soul Cruise with a few friends. Both the DJs were excellent and play a great mixture of Soul tunes enjoyed by everyone on board... read more

    T Davies
    August 1, 2019

    star rating  Cruise on the Great Ouse  - This was a lovely and informative cruise along the Great Ouse from Priory Marina to Kempston. 4 hours in total. We all really enjoyed the experience and would definitely do... read more

    avatar thumb Sue A
    July 2, 2024
  • star rating  Music, dancing, singing  - Had a lovely time on the Mowtown Soul cruise. Very chilled, great music and loads of dancing. Highly recommend this cruise.

    avatar thumb Maps18305
    July 8, 2024

    star rating  What can I say, had the boat on a charter and what a great day we've had. Boat was lovely and the crew even better, all volunteers with a real... read more

    Carl S
    September 1, 2019
  • star rating  We went for a 2 hour boat trip on board the John Bunyan boat with a local social club. We all had a ploughman's lunch & hot drink served by... read more

    _pauldorow
    June 6, 2022

    star rating  We’ve just done the curry night cruise. A superb couple of hours along the Ouse.

    The food was superb. We’ve eaten in the restaurant a number of times... read more

    SmiloMilo123
    July 14, 2022
  • star rating  What a fantastic evening on the John bunyan.... a cruise down the ouse with perfect weather and great tunes of soul and Motown this a private charter so I was... read more

    Audra T
    August 29, 2019

    star rating  Enjoyable 5 hrs. Cruise on canal.  - Very enjoyable trip. Friendly staff. Good food and drink. Ploughman's lunch was good. Coffee and biscuits were great.

    avatar thumb AandR3
    July 11, 2024
  • star rating  A lovely way to spend a couple of hours, the free were really friendly, welcoming and interesting. Very COVID secure.

    sparkler10
    October 1, 2020

    star rating  If there is anybody out there interested in superb soul music, get on the Soul Boat Bedford for a great soulful afternoon/evening. NOT TO BE MISSED.

    Raymondo65
    August 29, 2019
  • star rating  Spent a great afternoon on a Soul Cruise with a few friends. Both the DJs were excellent and play a great mixture of Soul tunes enjoyed by everyone on board... read more

    MitzyD123
    August 29, 2019

    star rating  What a fabulous trip the Soul Cruise was from start to finish ! Had so much fun dancing & singing to some excellent tunes from the 2 master DJ’s... read more

    Mandy A.
    June 1, 2019
  • star rating  We were on the Motown and soul cruise, what a fantastic way to spend an evening cruising the embankment with the excellent on board DJ getting all involved even the... read more

    bena249
    August 26, 2021

    star rating  Enjoyed a tranquil 2 hour summers evening mini cruise along Bedford River Ouse this evening. Fish OR chicken & chip supper included, bar and refreshments available - lovely. ... read more

    P8407HIdianas
    June 10, 2022
  • star rating  We were on the Motown and soul cruise, what a fantastic way to spend an evening cruising the embankment with the excellent on board DJ getting all involved even the... read more

    ben a
    August 26, 2021

    star rating  Enjoyable trip on the canal. - Very pleasant, peaceful experience. Interesting to see bird life on the canal. Very good cake and cuppa! Friendly staff. Clear instructions. Lovely way to spend a... read more

    avatar thumb Elizabeth I
    July 13, 2024
  • star rating  What a fabulous trip the Soul Cruise was from start to finish !
    Had so much fun dancing & singing to some excellent tunes from the 2 master DJ’s... read more

    TiggerLincs
    September 1, 2019

    star rating  A great journey  - Lovely tranquil trip along the canal. Fish & Chips were served hot & were delicious. Friendly service throughout. Would recommend.

    avatar thumb Benoore
    July 4, 2024