Experience the John Bunyan Boat

Welcome to the John Bunyan Boat

The John Bunyan Community Boat offers a range of scenic river cruises along the River Great Ouse in Bedford from April to October, enabling both local people and visitors to Bedford to access the wonderful river environment. 

Our 2026 Public Cruises tickets are now on sale. Our Public Cruise Guide available to download here.

View our 2026 Bedford River Festival Cruises here.

To enquire about a private charter of the John Bunyan Boat, please head to our charters page for more information.

The John Bunyan Community Boat was launched in July 2013 and is operated  behalf of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust. All funds and donations raised from the John Bunyan Community Boat go towards the development of a 16 miles (26Km) new waterway park, which will link the River Great Ouse in Bedford to the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes. The boat is run entirely by volunteers and is open to everyone. 

  • star rating  Leisurely boat trip  - What a wonderful way to have a trip along the river and to experience going through a lock - quite fascinating to see one works.
    Great fish and chips... read more

    avatar thumb Christine S
    September 20, 2025

    star rating  A day spent on the John Bunyan boat  - Had a fantastic day walking to great barford and boarding the boat to travel back to Priory my mum has mobility issues and stay on the boat all day travelling... read more

    avatar thumb Vicerado
    September 15, 2025
  • star rating  We are so lucky to have such a wonderful amenity as the John Bunyan boat - would recommend that everyone books a trip.  - The volunteers are amazing - so jolly but efficient and professional. Lunch was excellent and the trip along the river was gorgeous - herons,moor hens, geese and wonderful greenery.

    avatar thumb Jennifer G
    July 25, 2025

    star rating  Strolling along on the river - This was part of my retirement present from work colleagues had a lovely relaxing time fish and chips were fresh and hot the staff were all lovely will definitely book... read more

    avatar thumb Debbie C
    September 20, 2025
  • star rating  Enjoyable evening  - Great evening spent cruising on the river in Bedford listening to and joining in to the Irish band. The volunteers are amazing and without them it wouldn’t work. They are... read more

    avatar thumb Sandy B
    August 9, 2025

    star rating  Great Barford with lunch  - Did the trip one way to Great Barford with lunch at The Anchor. Very enjoyable day, highly recommend this trip. The food at The Anchor was very good.... read more

    avatar thumb June F
    July 25, 2025

Get in touch with us!

To make an enquiry about one of our public cruises or a private charter, please get in touch using the information below.

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John Bunyan Community Boat Partners