Tonbridge River Trips to close after 11 years on the River Medway

Tonbridge River Trips has announced that it will permanently close on 1 September 2026, bringing an end to 11 years of river trips, boat hire and wildlife experiences on the River Medway.

The company made the announcement on its Facebook page, saying it will continue to operate throughout August, giving customers a final opportunity to enjoy trips aboard the Enid May and hire rowing boats before the service comes to an end.

“We sadly announce that Tonbridge River Trips will close permanently on 1st September 2026,” the company said. “We would like to thank all of our customers for your support over the last 11 years. We will miss you!”

The business has become a much-loved part of life on the river, offering scheduled cruises as well as wildlife experiences, including its popular dawn chorus trips during the summer months.

News of the closure prompted an outpouring of sadness from customers and residents, many of whom shared memories of family days out, birthday celebrations and peaceful journeys along the Medway.

One customer described the trips as “a lovely part of Tonbridge”, while another said they had provided “a lot of joy for a lot of people”. Others said they planned to book one final trip before the service ends.

The trips have also attracted visitors from much further afield. One former Tonbridge resident living in the United States recalled returning to the town and finally fulfilling a childhood dream of travelling along the Medway. Another customer said they had travelled from St Lucia to take their first river trip earlier this year, inspired by family history in Tonbridge.

The closure also marks the end of a chapter in the story of the business following the death of its founder, Glynn Rees, in 2025 after a period of illness.

Glynn was described by Tonbridge River Trips as a devoted family man and a founder of the company, as well as a much-loved and respected figure in the Tonbridge, Kent and wider sailing and boating community. Following his death, the company said his absence on the river would be “immeasurable”, while his legacy would remain part of Tonbridge’s boating history.

Several customers referred to Glynn in their messages following the closure announcement, with one wishing the team well in their retirement.

The company has not given a reason for the decision to close, and it is not currently known whether the business or its operation will be taken over.

For now, however, Tonbridge River Trips is encouraging people to make the most of its final weeks on the Medway.

Customers with outstanding gift cards will not lose out: the company says these can be redeemed at Grove Ferry River Trips, which will continue trading as normal.

After 1 September, the gentle sight of the Enid May carrying passengers along the Medway will be missing from the river — a change that, judging by the reaction from customers, will be keenly felt across Tonbridge.

For many, the final trips this August will be an opportunity not simply to take a boat ride, but to say goodbye to a much-loved part of the town’s riverside life.

We wanted to express our personal thanks to the team at Tonbridge River Trips for supporting our 2025 Christmas Treasure Hunt and providing a generous gift voucher.

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