When looking for some fun things to do with the kids, we found that Horrible Histories was doing another live event. As Kai really loves Horrible Histories, and often we are looking for events he will enjoy, we had to book up tickets and see what it was like. The Horrible Histories Live Onboard! Terrible Thames was a really wonderful tour all up and down the Thames river in London.
We got an extra map for the adventure, which highlights different things that are going to be talked about. We boarded the tour ship on the river Thames. The kids got front row seats, which was very fun for them, with Dann and I sitting directly behind them. Then, the whole tour started; a person who is aimed to look like a trouble maker at school entered the vessel, quickly correcting the clearly teacher-like person who had taken them, on the history of the river.
It was quickly explained that the teacher had to keep track of the student, who had “probably cheated” on a history project and now was on the river, despite being a not so great student. This student was very clear that he did not cheat, and instead knew so much more than the teacher as his family had basically done everything on the river. This created a really funny dynamic, that very much fit the Horrible Histories series and felt in lime with what they are doing.
As we traveled up and down the river, in the Horrible Histories Live Onboard! Terrible Thames, we learned about how the sewer system was used back in the day, about Big Ben and Parliament, about advertising on the river and the legal laws around that. There was mentions of slaves and the river’s part in slave trades in the past, as well as Shakespeare, the Globe, and historical fires. In the 45 minute cruise, there was simply a lot of history covered, in an entertaining back and forth conversation between the teacher and his student. Often, they’d break into song, bicker between themselves, or make comments about Boris Johnson and Christmas parties. It’s really entertaining for all ages, and very engaging for tweens and teens who like history.
As someone who doesn’t know much history and had not been on a live tour around the river, I had a lot of fun on this tour! It was so great to see Big Ben and many of the other historical buildings from the view of the Thames river. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the area as well, creating quite a packed tour. They did a great job of engaging up and down the entire boat, with skits happening in the middle and back of the boat, so that everyone can feel engaged and part of it. We all really enjoyed this trip, the girls laughed at the songs and have a fun time learning, and Kai was really engaged to the whole thing, declaring he somehow knew it all at the end. Though we aren’t sure if that’s quite true, we are glad everyone had such a good time.
You can check out our other Days Out to see what else we’ve been up too!
This is something that my youngest would absolutely love! I would love to take her!
It is really worth the ticket price!
This is so cool! I didn’t know this existed. What an amazing way to take in the rich history along the River Thames. Such a cool concept.
It is a really great way to keep kids engaged!
Wow this seems so perfect for kids. I too love drama elements, so wouldn’t mind mind joining them for the show.
I had a really great time!
Wow! That looks like a fun experience for the whole family. I would love to do something like this with my family. I bet we would enjoy it!
I had such a fun time – and learned so much!
That was an amazing tour! I wish to visit there on vacation with my family. Looks so fun!
I hope that you can someday!
This looks like a fun and interactive way to learn while also seeing the sights. Love it!
They all look so different in the water!
This sounds like a fun way for children to learn a little about the local history. Mine would all love this!!!
It really is!
What a fantastic tour for Horrible History fans! I am bookmarking this as my kids are huge fans and we do go London often, so will be checking the Terrible Thames tour out when we go
It is such a fun tour too! I loved it.