What customers say

  Had a lovely day out on boat trip to The Barns for afternoon tea, then back, staff all very good as well, would say it’s good and not expensive.

  Their boat goes from Bedford to varied local destinations from time to time. The Great Ouse is interesting, but it isn't massively beautiful. The skipper gave a few points-of-interest comments, but the PA was rather indistinct and many of the passengers were rather raucous so I didn't get everything. Refreshments on board very reasonably priced.

The skipper was a little hostile if you ask questions; at the end he plonked a collecting tin on our table, which I thought was a bit much.

  As a group we were taken on a 2 hour trip. The 'staff' were knowledgeable and friendly and made us feel very welcome. The scenery was amazing. The hot chocolate was gorgeous too. Highly recommended.

  Perfect way to spend an afternoon - a rainy one at that. Abundant wildlife, super crew, enjoyable company. Good food at The Anchor. Plenty of river incident and Wind in Willow adventure. 🥰. The trip was organised by a charity for people, friends and family...More

  Have been on the JB Boat on numerous occasions - lunch cruise, afternoon tea, fish and chip supper and musical evenings - all brilliant. The volunteers who crew the boat are highly professional and friendly making one feel very safe and secure and very welcome....More

  We visited the Barns Hotel for another reason and we could see they were offering shorted boat trips . Very good and the staf are great. We will do the Fish and Chip cruise next and possible the Sunday afternoon tea. What a nice way...More

  Took my daughter on the bank holiday Sunday afternoon tea cruise. Although she wasn't feeling well she really enjoyed it. The food was good and all volunteers really helpful. Weather could have been better but this is Britain.

  Bought a trip with afternoon tea for my husband. The weather was perfect which did make all the difference. It was well organised and the volunteers were very friendly. The scones were absolutely fab. Highly recommended.

  My partner bought us a lunchtime package with Plowman's. Over all it was ok and staff were great expect for one loud Scott's man (Purser) who was so loud and annoying. The trip was nice while going through he town waterway however the the last...More

  we took one of the evening cruises which set off from Sovereign Quays and took us at a very leisurely pace first towards kempston , then back past the Quays as far as the Suspension Bridge before returning. The volunteer staff are brilliant and work...More

  My wife and I enjoyed a trip yesterday down the River Ouse from Bedford to The Barns Hotel where we enjoyed a superb afternoon tea. The trip was enjoyable and the crew on the boat very helpful and attentive. We had originally booked the trip...More

  I have been struggling for the past 6 weeks or so, to find the right words to do as much justice to the John Bunyan team as they did to my family and me on the morning of what would have been Peter's and my...More

  Saw the Facebook heavily advertised hourly boat trips were taking place in St Neots today so decided to take my 4 and 7 year old on their first boat ride. They were incredibly excited. We arrived at the festival and asked the two men at...More

  Saw the Facebook heavily advertised hourly boat trips were taking place in St Neots today so decided to take my 4 and 7 year old on their first boat ride. They were incredibly excited. We arrived at the festival and asked the two men at...More

  Took the grandkids on the trip, saw Bedford from a completely different angle and we all enjoyed it. Cream teas and ploughmans lunch were excellent.

  A specially built boat to carry you on an adventure down the Great Ouse around Bedford and beyond. Experienced and friendly team running the boat and all manner of wonderful speciality cruises to choose from. Very good food and drinks to choose from. You can...More

  A specially built boat to carry you on an adventure down the Great Ouse around Bedford and beyond. Experienced and friendly team running the boat and all manner of wonderful speciality cruises to choose from. Very good food and drinks to choose from. You can...More

  Caught boat just past Swan hotel/ Park Inn. Lots of rowers in the way as it was a hot day, everybody was enjoying the waterways. First you go up water, about half hour, past the Gudwara to Telegraph poles, a lovely views with ducks &...More

  I came on the John Bunyan on Saturday 21st July for a family occasion and it was a lovely experience. The volunteers running the boat were kind and helpful, they took great care of everyone on board the boat, it was lovely to see a...More

  What a lovely boat, all decked out with lovely tables, so you can go up and down the river, watching everything going on. Well worth a visit.

  Enjoyed another trip on the Bunyan Boat to the Barns Hotel for afternoon tea. The boat ride was as pleasant as usual with plenty of bird life (including 5 herons) and the company of the very friendly volunteer crew. The tea at the hotel was...More

  My mum and I went and had afternoon tea over the course of two hours and it was so lovely. Clean, cute, and lovely volunteers helped by some staff from the swan hotel who provided the tea. A little gem on my doorstep which to...More

  We had a lovely time going on the boat with an expert telling our group about the river and the areas we passed as we floated along and the alternative trips available.

  Really wonderful. The covered boat was simple clean and tidy and staffed by lovely knowledgeable helpful volunteers, The trip suitable for most age groups with refreshments and toilet facilities on board. Really great day out.

  A very lovely hotel that I have visited often and had great customer service until recently which has now changed my thoughts. Myself and friends booked an afternoon tea cruise which was amazing so we told everyone how brilliant it was and continued too book...More

  I went on the boat trip as one of a group of 4 friends. All volunteer staff were very attentive and informative. The boat ride was relaxing as it was interesting. The cup of tea and biscuit meant that we had sustenance too! All in...More