The different trips on offer
- Mince pie cruises operate in December, on selected dates before and after Christmas. the cruise lasts just over an hour and passes through Islington Tunnel before turning and
heading to St. Pancras, where we turn again and head back to the museum. A warm fruit drink or tea or coffee are served during the cruise along with a locally-baked mince pie and cream.
Your guide will tell you about the history of the canal, the tunnel, and the route.
- King's Cross Lights by Water The museum will stay open late on selected dates in December 2025 and there will be short trips to St. Pancras and back taking 20-25 minutes from
which you will see the plentiful Christmas lights of the King's Cross area. Hot chocolate with cream, or tea or coffee, will be served on the boat.
- Mother's day March 30th 2025 Details to be announced. There will be cruises with cream tea or pastries and cake at 1045 1245 and 1445. Bookings are not yet open.
How much does it cost?
Our boat trip charges (until 31/10/25) are:
| Ticket |
King's Cross Lights 2025 |
Mince Pie 2024 |
Mother's Day 2025 |
| Adult 16-64 |
TBC |
£21 |
£29 |
| Concession |
TBC |
£19 |
£27 |
| Child 0-15 |
TBC |
£15 |
£22 |
About the trips
- Adults and accompanied children are welcome. All passengers require a ticket however young or old. The guide's commentary is primarily
intended for adults and older children.
- Concession tickets are for persons aged 65 and over, students with identity, and unwaged, with evidence
- Our boat Long Tom has big windows so everyone gets a window seat
- Feel free to bring a packed lunch and eat on board
What's included?
All tickets include your museum visit so please arrive in time for that, or leave time after your boat trip. All winter trips include a hot drink on board the boat. A guide travels with
you on mince pie cruises and on Mother's Day cruises to give a historical commentary.
Can I buy a ticket on the day?
If there are any tickets left you can book online up to 15 minutes before departure. After that any unsold seats can be paid for
at reception. However, this is not a good idea, it is reccommended that you book in advance otherwise disappointment is likely. If you make a
booking online after paying for museum admission your museum entry ticket can be refunded at reception.
No refunds
Please be aware that tickets are not refundable. If you give us a minimum of one week's notice by email not by telephone we may be willing to transfer your
booking to a different date. This is at our discretion. We do not offer or promise refunds if you cannot come on the day or at short notice. Refunds will only be made
in exceptional circumstances, with at least a week's notice, and an administration charge at our discretion will be deducted. Changes can only be requested by e-mail or using
our Online Booking Support Form. Please do not telephone asking to change your booking.
A Taste of a Trip on Long Tom
About Islington Tunnel
The tunnel was largely complete by 1818 and opened in 1820 with a procession of boats carrying
dignitaries. The engineer was the canal's engineer James Morgan, and the tunnel is the
major work of his life. Originally it was worked by "legging", which means that
men lay on their backs on planks mounted on boats and pushed against the walls
or roof of the tunnel to propel the boat. This was necessary because there is
no towpath through the tunnel. Later, in 1826, a steam chain tug was
introduced. An iron chain rang the whole length of the tunnel and was wound
around a drum on board the tug, which was turned by a steam engine. Thus, the
tug was pulled along the chain and it could tow several barges behind it. This
speeded up traffic considerably. This method of towing boats and barges through
the tunnel lasted almost without a break until 1926 by which time diesel tugs
were available. The tunnel has lasted well since 1820 and remains in frequent
use. You will be able to see the original brickwork and some sections that have
been repaired in more recent years. It is 960 yards long and it will take about
20 minutes to pass through it in each direction on your trip. Your guide on trips that pass through the
tunnel will tell you more.
There is more about the history of the tunnels on our page
Canal Tunnels of London
How accessible is Long Tom
The boat is not wheelchair accessible. Access to the cabin involves climbing down narrow stairs that turn. Staff will do their best to help
people with access needs if they can.
The boat trip is suitable for blind and visually-impaired people, deaf and
hearing-impaired people, and those with moderate walking difficulties. Please contact us to discuss your access needs and we will try to help if we can.
What should I wear?
The boat is fully enclosed so rainwear is not needed. However please dress warmly for outdoor temperatures in December.
Above: Everyone gets to sit by the window on Long Tom
