Experience the John Bunyan Boat

Public Cruises

 

New Public Cruise Guide available to download

John Bunyan community boat launches our new cruising season with familiar cruises on Thursday to Cardington and Sunday to Kempston, whole host of different music cruises covering our popular Jazz and Motown & Soul cruise, this year we be joined with Irish Music cruise from Inis Eire.

A cruise on the river gives you a completely different view of the town. Even people who’ve lived here all their lives see something new! Now is the time book a trip on the boat and enjoy the sunshine and calming waters of the river. It is hard to improve on a peaceful and tranquil meander through the countryside around Bedford or enjoy views of the town and Embankment from a new vantage point, whilst taking refreshments from the galley. Watch the world go by and spot a kingfisher or two. Admire the historic bridges and buildings on the water’s edge. Or party as the world floats by!

During the school holidays we have something for the family, our popular EyeSpy cruises along the Embankment spotting the landmarks along the river.

For those after something special join us on our Afternoon Tea cruise in conjunction with Kingfisher Riverside Pub (Previously – The Barns Hotel), our monthly 4 hour cruise to Great Barford on our Anchor Lunch Cruise.

This year we are looking to run a number of evening Supper cruises; – Fish & Chip Supper and Fish & Chip Lunch Cruises, Curry Evening cruise and a number of Special Event cruises;- Special Afternoon Tea Cruise.

 

Booking Information

  • Passengers must arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Bookings close 72 hours before cruise start time. You can still purchase a ticket on board, subject to availability, but not book food.
  • All cruise times approximate, dependent on river conditions and time spent going through locks.
  • If the river is in flood or obstructions on the river, cruises will be re-routed or cancelled and alternative dates or refunds will be given. Please check the latest news before you leave. If you have not pre-booked, please check our website for last minute changes.
  • Child rates are not available on all our cruise see individual cruise descriptions on booking page.
  • Passengers are not permitted to consume their own alcohol or food on board public cruises.
  • Please note you may have to share a table with other guests if the cruises are full.
  • We can reserve provisional places on our public cruises for groups of over 10 people for up to 30 days. Please call our booking line on 07861 620 520 for group bookings only.
  • Any problems with your booking email: contact@johnbunyanboat.org
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Booking Terms & Conditions

Public cruise terms & conditions can be download here.

John Bunyan 2025 Public Cruises

The latest Public Cruise brochure is available for download.

Public Cruise Departure Points

To find our departure points, view our departure point web page.

What our customers say

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  • 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

    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  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  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  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  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