Because the Woolwich Ferry isn’t just a boat—it’s a free boat. That’s right, you pay zero pounds to cross the Thames with your car, bike, or just your curious self. In a world where a tube ride costs more than a sandwich, that’s practically a superhero move. Missing the closing time means paying for the tunnel or bridge, which feels like a tax on your bad timing.
Think of the ferry like that one friend who always leaves the party early. You love them, they’re reliable, but if you don’t check the clock, you’ll be standing alone in an empty kitchen. The ferry leaves every 15 to 20 minutes during the day, but the last departure is firm. No “just one more crossing” because you forgot your phone.
I once saw a guy sprint down the ramp with a takeaway curry in hand. He made it, but only just. The crew cheered. The rest of us clapped. It was the most dramatic thing I’ve seen since my cat refused to eat a different brand of tuna.
The seasonal twist
Here’s where it gets a bit seasonal. During summer, the closing time doesn’t change—it’s still 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. But the daylight plays tricks on you. You see golden sun, gentle ripples, and think, “Surely they run later when it’s this nice?” Nope. The ferry is a creature of habit, not romance. It closes when it closes, like a pub that refuses to serve you “one for the road.”
On The New Woolwich Ferry « The Anonymous Widower
In winter, the darkness makes it worse. You leave work, hit traffic, and by the time you reach the terminal, it’s 6:45 p.m. and the crew is already yawning. Don’t risk it. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes for “life stuff”—like a sudden craving for a pasty from the nearby shop.
