French Brothers

Who they are

French Brothers Ltd is a family-run Thames passenger boat company that describes itself as one of the largest in the country in its sector. It operates from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead, and its boats reach other points on the river between Staines and Hampton Court. In Windsor they leave from Windsor Promenade, the riverside walk, a few minutes from the castle. Its website does not give the year of founding; it does say that staff take the visitor-care courses of the regional tourist board.

The fleet

It sails eleven boats, each with its own name, among them the New Queen of the Thames, the Lady Margaret Anne, the Bray Royale and the Windsor series (Sceptre, Sovereign, Majesty, Monarch, Royal and Regent), plus two steamboats, the SL Nuneham and the SL Streatley. Each boat has its own page on the website. The boats have commentary, a bar and toilets.

What they do

For the casual visitor, the most practical option is the 40-minute trip from Windsor, which goes up to Boveney Lock and returns with views of the castle and Eton College, or the two-hour one. From Runnymede, where Magna Carta was signed, there is a 45-minute trip with hop-on hop-off, and scheduled services between Runnymede and Windsor and between Maidenhead and Windsor. Throughout the year there are dated departures: shuttles to Windsor races, fireworks, steam trips, cruises with lunch or with tea and Christmas outings.

For groups they organise cruises with lunch or tea, combined with the Savill Gardens or with the miniature village of Bekonscot, and outings for children, such as the Jungle Book cruise. They also hire whole boats for parties, weddings, hen and stag parties, corporate events, Henley Regatta or Swan Upping, the annual census of the Thames's swans.

Bookings and cancellations

Tickets are bought online. Their conditions are strict: tickets for regular trips are non-refundable if you do not travel and cannot be transferred to another person; if the company cancels the departure, it refunds the amount. When a trip is cancelled because of bad weather, river flooding or lock delays, the risk is the customer's, and they may change timetables or boat; for groups they recommend taking out insurance. On private hires a deposit of £400 is paid and cancellation less than 14 days ahead costs the full amount. Gift vouchers are neither exchanged nor refunded.

Accessibility, children and drinks

They ask that any disability or special need be notified in good time before boarding, so they can help; if not, they may be unable to carry the passenger. The website does not detail wheelchair access for each boat or mention dogs. Under-18s cannot buy or drink alcohol on board, and you cannot bring your own drinks on board without written permission.

Languages

The commentary and the website are in English; they do not advertise other languages.