Private Family Celebrations on the River

Celebrate with your family aboard one of our unique river cruise restaurants, sailing from Orford or Ipswich. Enjoy a scenic river cruise, freshly prepared dining and full table service in a relaxed and intimate setting.

£63 per person – includes a scenic river cruise, two courses and full table service. Upgrade to three courses for just £7 more.

The Whole Boat, Just for Your Family

With private hire, the entire vessel is reserved exclusively for your party. There are no other guests on board, just your family and friends, with space for up to 12 people.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or simply bringing the family together, this is a much more personal and memorable alternative to an ordinary restaurant meal.

With space for just 12 guests, we recommend booking well in advance.

Table set for a family celebration on board
Family celebrating on board a river cruise restaurant

A More Personal Alternative to a Restaurant

A private family celebration aboard our boats offers something beyond the usual restaurant experience. Instead of a crowded dining room, you have the whole vessel to yourselves as the scenery of the River Orwell or the Rivers Alde and Ore gently unfolds around you.

Every cruise includes freshly prepared seasonal food, cooked on board and served at a calm, unhurried pace, so you can focus on the surroundings and the company.

Family Celebrations on the Water, from Orford or Ipswich

You can book individual places or reserve the entire boat. For a family occasion we would always recommend private hire, so the boat is yours alone. Lady Florence sails from Orford Quay and the Allen Gardiner sails from Fox’s Marina in Ipswich, so you can choose the river and the setting that suits your party.

corporate events suffolk
christmas events in suffolk

A Family Experience to Remember

This is more than a meal. It is a chance to bring people together somewhere genuinely different, on either of our two boats, with the whole vessel reserved for your family.

River Cruise Dining Experience

Scenic river cruise from Orford or Ipswich

Two-course menu freshly prepared on board, with a three-course upgrade available

Full table service & relaxed atmosphere

Maximum of 12 guests

This is a complete, all-inclusive experience; the cruise is included in the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we hire the whole boat for a family celebration?

Yes. With private hire the entire boat is reserved for your party, with no other guests on board and space for up to 12 people. It is a calm, intimate setting for a milestone birthday, an anniversary or a family get-together.

Absolutely. You can book individual seats and join other guests, or reserve the whole boat for your group. Both Lady Florence in Orford and the Allen Gardiner in Ipswich are available for private hire.

Unlike a traditional restaurant, your celebration includes the river journey itself and live commentary about the area from the crew. The ever-changing scenery and the quiet of the water create a level of occasion you will not find on land.

It is simple. Check availability for your preferred date and boat, then let us know it is a private celebration. Our crew take care of the food and the table service, leaving you free to enjoy the day with your family.

Yes. Our menus are freshly prepared on board using local, seasonal ingredients and are designed to feel celebratory, with options to suit every generation. Let us know about any dietary requirements in advance.

Booking Your Private Family Celebration