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Terrible Tours of Cambridge

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Creepy Cambridge - Cambridge's Most Entertaining Ghost Walk

Curious Cambridge - Cambridge's Most Entertaining History Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Terrible Tours of Cambridge - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Terrible Tours of Cambridge

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Creepy Cambridge - Cambridge's Most Entertaining Ghost Walk

Curious Cambridge - Cambridge's Most Entertaining History Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

TERRIBLE TOURS OF CAMBRIDGE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

East Midlands Theatre.

Theatre promotion, review: horrible histories: barmy britain. cambridge arts theatre..

Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain at Cambridge Arts Theatre

Horrible Histories, who celebrate 30 horrible years in 2023, started out as a very successful children’s book series penned by one of the world’s bestselling children’s author Terry Deary.  The popular books were first brought to the stage in 1995 by the Birmingham Stage Company, who still continue to bring a variety of Deary’s works to life to this day.

Being the mother of a 12-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl, I knew of Horrible Histories from watching many an episode of the TV series with them. I must admit I sometimes had to look away when they went really gory. People really did some yukky things in the past! So I thought I knew of what to expect from Barmy Britain .

Upon entering the auditorium, you are met with a stage that has a few props and clothes hung on two tall wooden fixtures, no fancy back drop or sides. Just a brilliantly lit up stage and props. The play is performed by just two actors, and as soon as Alasdair Buchan and Neal Foster enter the stage they grip you with their excellent comedic timing and stage presence.

Barmy Britain takes us through the history of the Royals in Britain starting as far back as Alfred the Great (He’s really great) all the way up to our current King, with a few funny nods to current political affairs along the way.

Set and costume designer Jacqueline Trousdale has done an amazing job of creating set pieces and costumes that not only allow the actors to change quickly but also bring to life the person they are portraying. The set is minimal yet very cleverly thought out, so that the actors can move things around with ease to recreate another time in history. The set and costumes alongside the brilliant acting and various voices provided by both actors makes for a very entertaining 70 minutes.

All of the costume changes are performed on stage and are done with such excellent pace and have been brilliantly choreographed by Kenn Oldfield, so it does not break up the performance one bit. In fact it leaves you wanting eagerly to see what they will be wearing next! Alasdair dressed as Queen Elizabeth 1 st is one of my personal favorites tonight.

The musical pieces, that are sung brilliantly, are not too long but are very catchy and fun, and really do add to the overall enjoyment of the production. The timing of the sound effects to the actor’s performance is sublime; getting the stage to creak at the exact time the actor put his toe to the stage is done so well that you believed it was the stage making that noise. I can imagine how much hard work has been put in to getting something that looks so simple – so accurate.

One of the best things about this performance is, not just the fun way that you learn facts about the history of Britain, but also how much of a child-friendly performance it is. Neil Foster, stage play writer and director, has done an excellent job of making it not just something for them to watch in silence, he has created something they are encouraged to actively participate in. They can sing, cheer, clap and laugh out loud, all done without impacting on the enjoyment of others watching the performance. This show is  a fantastic introduction to theatre, for those who may struggle to sit still for a longer, more traditional, set up.

As an adult going to watch a play, that is aimed at children, there is always the trepidation of will I actually enjoy this? However Barmy Britain is one of those pieces that the whole family will truly enjoy. Not many things make me laugh out loud but this show most certainly does, especially the pieces with Queen Elizabeth and Edward de Vere and also the Scotts!  Hilarious!

Both my son and I thoroughly enjoy Barmy Britain this evening and definitely want to watch another one of the other Horrible History plays when they come to town.

Oh, and for those who have watched the TV series and think that Horrible Histories may be a bit too disgusting for them to watch, fear not! This production, although they have left the nasty bits in still, they are on the funny side rather than the ‘I have to look away now’ side!

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‘Horrible Histories’ is on tour with a live show this summer

Here’s the perfect treat for fans of Horrible Histories !

Full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past, Barmy Britain promises to be a great afternoon out for the school holiday.

The hit West End show takes Horrible Histories on tour across the UK this summer.

Watch the trailer here:

“Will you be conquered by William? Will you sink or swim with King Henry I? Go house hunting with Henry VIII! Join the gorgeous Georgians as they take over England! Break into Buckingham Palace and hide from the Queen Victoria! Watch out for the witch of World War Two!”

Check out “history with the nasty bits left in” live on stage in Guildford on Tuesday 22 August , with two performances of Barmy Britain at G Live at 1.30pm and 4.30pm .

Tickets are available to buy now via the official G Live website .

You can take a look at the full list of tour dates here , including shows in Portsmouth, Cambridge, Hastings, Cardiff, and many other places.

UK viewers can binge-watch all 68 episodes of Horrible Histories streaming on BBC iPlayer now .

From the makers of Ghosts and based on the books by Terry Deary , the long-running historical sketch show first aired in 2009, exploring the side of history that they don’t teach you about in school!

There was sad news for Ghosts fans earlier this year , however, when the team announced that the upcoming fifth season will be the show’s last.

Horrible Histories is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video .

• ← ITV renews crime dramas ‘Grace’, ‘The Bay’, ‘Ridley’ and ‘McDonald & Dodds’
• ‘Vera’ preview: Season 13 sees original co-star reunited with Brenda Blethyn →

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Horrible Histories: A Brand New Barmy Britain

Buy Tickets

Tickets are not on sale for this event yet.

It’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new West End show that has never toured before - featuring all new scenes!

Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged by King James I for being a witch? Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man! Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride!

It's the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

This show appeared at the Apollo Theatre in the West End as 'Barmy Britain - Part Four' summer 2018.

Horrible Histories

• Sun 19 May ➙ Sun 1 Sep London, Tower Bridge Quay Horrible Histories Live Onboard - Terrible Thames View tickets
• Sun 19 May Dartford, Orchard West Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 25 May ➙ Sat 1 Jun East Molesey, Hampton Court Palace Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Fri 7 Jun ➙ Sat 8 Jun Durham, Gala Theatre and Cinema Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Thu 13 Jun ➙ Sat 15 Jun Crawley, The Hawth Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sun 16 Jun Chesterfield, Winding Wheel Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Wed 19 Jun ➙ Thu 20 Jun The Courtyard - Herefordshire's Centre for the Arts Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 22 Jun ➙ Sun 23 Jun Barnsley, The Civic Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 29 Jun ➙ Sun 30 Jun Brighton Open Air Theatre (B.O.A.T.) Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 6 Jul ➙ Sun 7 Jul Stroud, Subscription Rooms Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 13 Jul Mansfield Palace Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sun 14 Jul Crewe, Lyceum Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 20 Jul Lincoln, The Drill Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sun 21 Jul Winchester, Theatre Royal Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Tue 23 Jul ➙ Wed 24 Jul Cardiff, Sherman Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Thu 25 Jul ➙ Sun 1 Sep London, Apollo Shaftesbury Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors View tickets
• Fri 26 Jul Aldershot, Princes Hall Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 27 Jul Watford Palace Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Wed 31 Jul Chelmsford Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Fri 2 Aug ➙ Sat 3 Aug Skipton Town Hall Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sun 4 Aug Stockport Plaza Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Tue 6 Aug North Berwick, Lodge Grounds Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sun 11 Aug ➙ Wed 14 Aug London, Old Royal Naval College Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Fri 16 Aug ➙ Sat 17 Aug Southport, The Atkinson Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Mon 19 Aug Guildford, G Live Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sat 24 Aug Swindon, Wyvern Theatre Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Sun 25 Aug Glastonbury Abbey Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets
• Thu 29 Aug Edenbridge, The Festival Theatre @ Hever Castle Horrible Histories The Birmingham Stage Company View tickets
• Fri 30 Aug ➙ Sun 1 Sep Hertford, BEAM Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals View tickets

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Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain

Round off the summer with a live performance from the brilliant minds behind Horrible Histories 

When it comes to family days out, Cambridge has got an abundance of options for you this summer (make sure to check out the Great Days Out feature in our August issue for the best of the bunch!), and Cambridge Arts Theatre isn’t letting up either, with one performance in particular promising to be a fun-filled family affair that’ll have you laughing right up until the season’s close.

Barmy Britain is the latest instalment from Horrible Histories’ brand-new live offering, furthering its fantastic mission to combine education and entertainment. It’s the horrible history of Britain with all the nasty bits left in, and this very special production will take you on a thrilling ride through the country’s most tumultuous times.

Make sure to catch one of the performances between 24 and 28 August – tickets can be purchased via the Cambridge Arts Theatre website. cambridgeartstheatre.com

Nicola Foley

Bat safari punting, sudesh prasad: (in)sight.

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Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked river tour of the Terrible Thames!

After three terrific years, we’re back and sailing again in 2024! So climb aboard and prepare to hear the horrible history of the most famous river in the world!

Tremble in terror at the Tower! Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock!

Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in!

Ticket information

Ticket information and how to book.

STANDARD TICKETS

Adult – £25.00 Child (Ages 3 – 15)* – £15.00 Senior (65+) – £20.00

FAMILY TICKETS

2 adults, 2 children – £70.00 1 adult, 3 children – £60.00

To book family tickets , please enter the desired amount of tickets on our ticketing page and the discount will be applied at checkout.

*Under 3’s do not need a ticket but will need to be sat on the lap of a parent / guardian.

SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ Tickets – £12.50 per child and 1 teacher goes free for every 10 children.

We are running tours on selected weekdays this year specifically for school groups, please see the calendar for more information. If you are looking to bring a large group it may be possible to add in extra tour time / day , please email [email protected] to enquire.

To book a school group please email [email protected]

GROUPS 10+ Adult – £23.00 | Child – £13.00 Groups sized 10 – 30 can book online and the groups discount will automatically be applied to your tickets when you purchase them. You can also book directly with the team at [email protected]

ACCESS Birmingham Stage Company and Woods Silver Fleet are dedicated to improving the accessibility for all visitors to this new experience and ask that any assisted wheelchair access that is required is booked in advance.

Customers with Access requirements will be able to purchase a full price ticket for any cruise, subject to availability. One additional carer/companion ticket will be made available free of charge for those who are members of the KX Tickets Access Scheme or hold an Access Card, please visit https://www.kxtickets.com/access for more information

Please visit our FAQs where we have more information and for all access bookings please email [email protected]

For our full and detailed information document on accessibility for our tour please CLICK HERE

PRIVATE HIRES For Private Hires, please email [email protected]

Terrible Thames will run during the school holidays and on selected weekdays for school groups. The tours run between 9.45 and 15.45 but vary on different days, so please see our ticketing page for the full schedule.

Follow us @terriblethames

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Plan Your Visit

Tower Bridge Quay

Previously st. katharine's pier - next to tower bridge.

Tower Bridge Quay is situated on the north bank of the Thames, on the east side of Tower Bridge , and immediately in front of the Tower Hotel. The pier is approx. 10 minutes walk from Tower Hill Underground station. Our postcode is E1W 1LD.

DO NOT GO TO TOWER BRIDGE PIER!

what3words is an easy way to find and share exact locations, every 3 metre square has their own unique 3 word identifier. curiosity.pirate.rides is the unique 3 words for our location at Tower Bridge Quay.

Nearest station Tower Hill

Bus routes – 15, 100, what the people say.

All comments taken from the Terrible Thames Facebook page or customer emails

The BEST THING we did on our recent trip to London. Can't recommend HIGHLY enough!

Andrew Hawksworth

No better way to see and hear about London. EXTREMELY entertaining. Highly recommend.

A BRILLIANT ride along the Thames. One for the MUST DO list for London.

Hayley Clark

10/10, SUPERB, ENTERTAINING, FUNNY, GRUESOME and had some of the best facts of the river entwined in the story. The parents were as enthralled as the kids.

Absolutely BRILLIANT! The highlight of my children's trip to London.

Laura Madden

Terrible Thames has to be one of the greatest things we’ve done in #TeamHarris. What an AWESOME adventure!

Sean Harris

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. As soon as we had finished my kids wanted to do it AGAIN!

JOANNE GLENNERSTER

I can honestly say I have never been so impressed with any other family experience - it was perfect!

PHILIP ALSTON

Our FAVOURITE day trip of the year!

This was BRILLIANT. Ages 5 – 75 in our group and everyone LOVED it! We haven’t stopped talking about it.

REBECCA BISHOP

The best Thames trip we have done – FANTASTIC for adults and kids!

Magnificent to see just how thrillingly history can be brought alive! 10 out of 10!

NEIL EDWARDS

What the press say!

‘A rip-roaring, riotous sightseeing tour kids and adults will never forget!’

‘A fun, enjoyable, spirited alternative to more po-faced London tourism – may it sail on and on!’

'Smart, witty and enthralling, Terrible Thames is totally terrific family entertainment!'

LondonTheatre1

'It creates a joyous ride that has everybody floating with happiness!'

All That Dazzles

‘A wonderful and entertaining trip - immersive theatre at its best. It cannot fail to surprise and delight!’

GLOBAL MOUSE TRAVELS

‘It was clear that as everyone disembarked, they were exhilarated!’

LONDONTOPIA

‘A terribly good London adventure for families – it appeals to the kiddos on every level’

LONDON FOR KIDS

'It’s fantastic - a unique take on the standard sightseeing tour and a great way for the whole family to explore London together. I’d definitely say it’s one of the best things to do in London with kids.'

GLOBE TROTTING

‘We disembarked from the boat on a real high, going over everything we’d learnt’

‘My kids were thoroughly entertained and begged to go on the tour again!’

THEATRE BUBBLE

‘A unique take on London to thrill both children and adults alike!’

SOUTHEND THEATRE SCENE

'This is nothing like your usual boat tour - a great whistlestop tour filled with unusual facts and stories you won’t get anywhere else! We loved it!'

CARDIFF MUMMY

Horrible Histories – Terrible Thames Tour is a new venture from award-winning theatre producers Birmingham Stage Company and Woods’ Silver Fleet, a family-run company of Thames Watermen since 1866.

Together they are bringing together their extensive experience of performance and river sightseeing tours to create an experience like no other.

Producers – Birmingham Stage Company and Woods Silver Fleet

Writers – Terry Deary and Neal Foster

Director – Neal Foster

Design – Jackie Trousdale

Music – Matthew Scott

Sound – Nick Sagar

Choreography – Kenn Oldfield

Boat design, management and crewing – Woods’ Silver Fleet

Production Manager – Adrian Littlejohns

Marketing, Advertising and Social Media  – Natalie Yalden and Rona Kelly for Tandem Marketing Worldwide

Press Relations – Chuff Media

Sales and Ticketing Director – Tommy Luck Consulting

Concept Design – Feast Creative

Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorisation. All rights reserved. Illustration © Martin Brown.

Horrible Histories Feather pen

Terrible Thames tote bag

Terrible Thames T-shirt Azure Blue Age 5 - 6, Age 7 - 8 and Age 9 - 11

Terrible Thames cap - blue

Terrible Thames postergramme inc map of the Thames

Terrible Thames Pirate pen

I have a question and need to speak to customer service

Please email our customer service team on [email protected] or you can visit https://www.kxtickets.com/contact for more information.

If you purchased with another ticket provider please contact their customer service team to assist you.

Will I be dropped off where I boarded?

The tour is a round-trip and you will disembark at Tower Bridge Quay where you joined the trip.

How long is the boat trip?

The boat trip will last 45 minutes.

Are the boats heated/air conditioned?

Our boat has heating within the interior lower deck. It does not have air conditioning as the vessel is not a new build but we have plenty of windows for fresh air.

What if it is raining on the day of our trip?

Our top deck will always be open to customers to enjoy the amazing sights of London. However in the event of rain the performers will carry out the performance on the lower interior deck, which is fully enclosed with windows so you can also enjoy the sights of London on the Terrible Thames Tour.

Does the boat have an open deck area?

Our boat has two decks. The upper deck is fully open-air with wonderful views. The lower interior deck is fully enclosed with windows to enjoy the sights on the Terrible Thames Tour.

What if I miss my tour due to transport issues?

Travelling in London can often be impacted by engineering works, strikes and other incidents on public transport that are out of our control.

Please allow as much time as possible to get to your booked tour time so you are not disappointed.

Are there toilets on board?

Gender neutral toilet facilities are available on the lower deck of the vessel.

Is there a cloakroom on board?

We do not have cloakroom facilities for the Terrible Thames cruise. There is an allocated space to store items such as prams/pushchairs and scooters on the lower deck only. These items are not permitted on the upper deck.

Which pier does the Terrible Thames Tour sail from?

Our scheduled Terrible Thames cruise operates from Tower Bridge Quay (formerly St Katharine Pier) on the north bank of the Thames, east of Tower Bridge (in front of the Tower Hotel. Postcode – E1W 1LD. The pier is approximately 10 minutes walk from Tower Hill Underground Station.

Is there shelter on the pier?

There is no covered shelter on Tower Bridge Quay so please ensure you have appropriate attire to deal with the sometimes unpredictable English weather!

Will I get to see Horrible Histories characters onboard?

The tour is conducted by two actors, but unlike the Horrible Histories stage shows, they do not change into historical characters when telling the stories.

Will the characters be in costume?

You will be meeting two characters on board the boat but unlike the Horrible Histories stage shows, the fast speed of the journey through constantly changing historical periods means the characters do not change into historical costumes

How long in advance should I arrive at the pier?

We have a limited embark and disembark period for each Terrible Thames cruise. You should arrive in good time in order to board the vessel promptly at the time on your ticket. If you are buying tickets on the day, please allow some extra time to purchase.

Is food and drink available to purchase?

We are working on exciting plans to introduce food and drink, so watch this space, but until then you are able to bring your own snacks and drinks onboard.

Where can I park nearby?

The closest car parks near Tower Bridge Quay are City Quay Car Park, E1W 1AE or London Thomas More Square, E1W 1YU. Online booking in advance is recommended. Just Park also has available spaces online in the immediate area of the pier which can be pre-booked online for your desired date.

Is there an age restriction?

All ages are welcome, but children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult on board. Children aged 0-3 go free, if seated on the lap of a parent or guardian. However, please note the tour is best suited for children aged 5 and above.

How long are the queues to board on the day?

We cannot predict passenger numbers for each cruise and length of queues will vary according to how busy each cruise is. However, boarding is swift and our host will be on site to assist whilst you are waiting to board the boat.

Do you check bags?

For security purposes we may from time to time undertake random bag searches or checks. This is done for the security of our passengers, crew and performers.

Are bikes allowed on-board?

We don’t allow bikes on board, although kids’ scooters are permitted and can be stored on the lower deck.

How long is the cruise?

45 enthralling minutes!

I want to bring my dog on board with me - is this possible?

Assistance Dogs are allowed on all Terrible Thames cruises at the Captain’s discretion. We ask you to contact the reservations team to book your ticket in advance. Please see our accessibility statement for more information and inform [email protected]

I lost something on board? Who shall I contact?

If you think you have lost an item of property aboard the vessel, you should notify us via our social media channels. Please provide full descriptive details of your item, details of when and where it was lost, and full contact information so that we can get back in touch. Terrible Thames cannot accept responsibility for any items that may have been lost on board.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions are subject to the provider you have booked your ticket with. If your ticket was purchased via our official website, terms and conditions can be found at https://www.kxtickets.com/terms-conditions

Can I buy my tickets online?

Yes, you can purchase all our ticket types on the Terrible Thames Website www.terriblethames.com

Do you accept all methods of payment?

You can pay online using VISA,  MASTERCARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS.

How do I book a family ticket?

When booking please select 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 1 child and the family discount will be applied automatically at checkout.

What are the ages for your ticket types?

A child ticket is for those aged 3 – 15 years of age.

A senior ticket is for those aged 65 and over.

Please note under 3’s can travel free but must be seated on a parent or guardian’s lap.

What is your refund and exchange policy?

Refund protection can be offered, details of which are here https://www.kxtickets.com/ticket-refund-protection

Can I buy tickets on the day? Do I need to book tickets in advance?

We recommend tickets are bought in advance as ticket availability on the day is not guaranteed. However, it is not compulsory to book Terrible Thames Tour in advance. These can be purchased at our dedicated pier Tower Bridge Quay (Next to Tower Bridge) on the day of travel. We request all groups 10+ are booked in advance with the reservations department prior to travel.

Are there any fees on top of the ticket prices?

We do not charge booking fees but there is a £1.50 transaction fee

Can I pay cash on the day?

We are currently not accepting cash bookings on the day, but you can purchase tickets at Tower Bridge Quay on the day using a debit/credit card.

Are you able to accommodate large groups?

We are able to accommodate public groups up to 120 on our boat.

Groups sized 10 – 30 can book online and the groups discount will automatically be applied to your tickets when you purchase them.

You can also book directly with the team at [email protected]

Can I change the date and time of my booking?

Please ensure that all information is correct at the point of purchase as tickets may not always be able to be changed. For assistance, please email [email protected]

Do I have to print out my ticket?

Passengers have to bring their printed ticket to board the cruise or show their ticket on a mobile device.

How do I get the tickets I booked online?

You will receive a confirmation email with a printable e-ticket attached as a PDF. Additionally, please write down your booking reference number. If you don’t receive the email or have a query about your booking, please contact your point of purchase.

Is it possible to claim a refund?

Tickets are non-refundable after purchase. If you have an extreme circumstance beyond your control, please email our customer service team at [email protected] Please check your refund policy of the company you purchased from.

Are your services wheelchair accessible?

As the Terrible Thames boat is not a new build we cannot offer step free access at present. A wheelchair lift and accessible bathroom facilities are in discussion to be installed. Please view our detailed accessibility information document HERE

What is your policy on assistance dogs?

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• Best of British

Cambridge serves up the ideal fun family weekender – from war museum to ghost tour

• Sinead McIntyre
• Published : 0:01, 19 May 2024

Meandering along the river, past students reclining on the banks, we soak up the rays as our guide steers us down the River Cam. 

A Pimm’s boat stops alongside us to serve me and my husband Alistair tipples, which we sip as we float past the college buildings steeped in history.

As history is my 13-year-old twins’ favourite subject, it’s safe to say our Cambridge break is floating all of our boats.

Punting tours cost from £19 for adults, £11 for children, for 45 minutes ( Scudamores.com ). 

Home sweet home

The river and Jesus Green park, with its famous lido, are just five minutes’ walk from our home for the weekend, The Fellows House Cambridge.

Its apartments are perfect for families, with a kitchen, lounge with TV and two huge ensuites bedrooms that boast waterfall showers and The White Company toiletries.

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The restaurant serves up everything from buttery lemon sole, £27, to tasty veggie option Tofish and chips, £17, plus there’s a pool with a sauna and steam room, where we relax before walking 20 minutes to dinner at Pint Shop in the city centre.

Here, we tuck into Iberico Jamon croquettes and Coppa ham and manchego, £10 each, followed by a char-sui-chicken flatbread kebab, £18, and melt-in-the-mouth-delicious flat-iron steak with chimichurri butter, £25, washed down with a glass of malbec, £9 ( Pintshop.co.uk ). 

Horrible histories

The Imperial War Museum in Duxford is a 15-minute drive away, where we climb onboard Concorde, and read stories of incredible bravery that move us to tears.

Entry costs £29.50 for adults and £14.75 for kids ( Iwm.org.uk ).

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We’re fuelled by the Full English with home-made hash browns, £16, and a divine eggs royale, £15, that we scoffed earlier at Cambridge institution Fitzbillies.

Its famous Chelsea buns and macarons are also the perfect snacks come afternoon ( Fitzbillies.com ).

Later, we learn more about Cambridge’s past on a 90-minute walking ghost tour.

The spooky tales are fascinating, and we discover how Henry VIII founded Trinity College, see a descendant of the actual tree that gave Isaac Newton his gravity theory, and hear how Oliver Cromwell’s head was buried at his old college – hundreds of years after it was chopped off!

A private tour costs £120 for up to 20 people ( Cantabtours.com ).

The twins adore the burgers at The Cambridge Brew House – my daughter Riley says her crispy chicken burger, £15.50, is the best she’s ever had – and the sharing board of buffalo wings with Frank’s Redhot Sauce, £13.50, is a hit, too ( Thecambridgebrewhouse.com ). 

Escape artists

We round off the weekend with a trip to the market and Cambridge’s independent shops – The Cambridge Cheese Company is my favourite find ( Cambridgecheese.com ) – before we attempt an Egyptian-themed escape room at LockHouse Escape Games.

We fail to make it out within the hour, but we do solve it – eventually!

Sessions cost from £26 per person ( Lockhouse.co.uk ).

We don’t want to escape Cambridge itself, though… 

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Plan your trip at Visitcambridge.org .

Family rooms at The Fellows House cost from £235 a night ( Hilton.com ).

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Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors

About the show

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So Terrible Tudors is back with the hit West End show for a third terrific year!

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorisation. All rights reserved. Illustration © Martin Brown.

Booking Info

Ticket pricing.

Prices include a 65p restoration levy

Family ticket (4 seats) £90 on weekdays only . Click here to book.

Running Time

Age recommendation, book tickets.

‘This boisterous production hits the holiday sweet spot!’

Sunday times, ‘ideal for children - and parents of all ages gore-geously grisly’, ‘has roars of laughter bouncing around the auditorium’, westendbestfriend, ‘wickedly hilarious - a must-see for families’, all things theatre, ‘educational, hilarious and interactive - the perfect show’, official london theatre, ‘pure chaos of the best kind - the kids are enthralled and entertained’, north west end uk, ‘even as an adult i had an incredibly enjoyable time ’, london theatre, sign up for our newsletter.