Pontoon Open Days

Boathouse 4 is opening its pontoon to the public on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, from 10:00 to 16:30 both days. It's one of those things that usually stays behind the scenes, so it's a good chance to get right up to the operational boats and meet the volunteers who keep them running. The pontoon has regularly displayed historic craft like Motor Gun Boat 81 and High Speed Launch 102, and you can book trips on the water as an extra.

There's plenty to do inside the boathouse too. You'll find Pete Codling's hand-drawn sail on display, and there are free exhibitions in the Old Pay Office and Storehouse 9, with a gallery upstairs. For families, there are activity sheets to keep the kids busy, and the Boathouse 4 Kitchen is on hand for food if you're staying for the afternoon.

Entry to Boathouse 4 is free, so you can wander in and out without spending a penny. If you do want to get out on the water, the boat trips are separate: High Speed Launch 102 trips are £65 per person, and Landing Craft F8 trips are £12 for adults, £6 for children, and £30 for a family of two adults and two children. Both days run 10:00 to 16:30, so there's plenty of time to see the boats, the exhibitions, and the gallery.