river cruise london uk

£2099pp—Douro River cruise in balcony cabin w/home transfers

Sail along the enchanting Douro River, taking in lush rolling vineyards and historic hilltop towns

Why We Love This Deal

Discover the Douro Valley's remote landscapes, rural wine estates, and Medieval villages during this 7-night river cruise which includes excursions in every port. All meals and drinks are covered, as well as transport throughout—right from your front door.

What’s included

• Door-to-door UK transfers
• Return flights from London Gatwick, with checked baggage
• Transfers in-destination
• 7-night cruise onboard Spirit of the Douro , in a Twin cabin with French Balcony
• All-inclusive board, including all meals, drinks, and snacks
• Seven included excursions
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi
• Travel insurance**

These cruises are designed for members aged over 50, plus travel companions aged over 40.

When Depart from London Gatwick on 21 November, 2024.

Depart on 14 November, 2024, from £2229 per person, or on 7 November, 2024, from £2299 per person.

For more information or to book online, see our partner's website .  When booking online, the price on our partner's website will show the standard cabin price on the first two pages. The correct price will show when you choose your cabin.

Itinerary  Join the Spirit of the Douro in Porto. Meet your fellow passengers at welcome drinks and spend time settling into your cabin, ready to set sail the next morning.

By the following afternoon, you'll arrive in Régua , where you'll visit the baroque Mateus Palace, famous for its impressive art collection and beautifully manicured formal gardens.  Afterwards, return to the ship for a Portuguese folk music show. 

From Régua, sail to  Pinhão  for a visit to a winery in Favaios followed by dinner in a nearby "quinta". The next day, cruise into Spain and moor in  Vega de Térron overnight. Spend the day exploring Castelo Rodrigo, a hilltop Medieval village lined with boutiques and charming cafés. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Rocamadour, once a stop-off point for pilgrimages.

While still moored in Vega de Térron, visit the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca. You'll be guided to the Plaza Mayor and will take in a traditional flamenco show at a local restaurant. The ship will then sail to  Pocinho in the evening, while you enjoy a Portuguese dinner on board.

Returning to Régua , you'll call at the Medieval village of Lamego. You can choose between touring the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies or visiting the city's Gothic cathedral. This evening, you'll continue to Bitetos and can look forward to a farewell dinner aboard Spirit of the Douro . 

Finally, sail back to Porto , Portugal's second-largest city, for a visit to a local port wine cellar. Learn about how they produce this famous tipple, and finish by sampling some for yourself. There will also be a coach tour of the city, so you can learn more about Porto's history. 

About the ship The  Spirit of the Douro  is an intimate 5-star river ship with 63 cabins. All cabins are outward-facing with river views, and are equipped with a television, a hairdryer, and  tea and coffee-making facilities. You'll sail in a Twin cabin with French Balcony, so you can open the windows to really take in the views as you sail. 

Admire the passing scenery from panoramic windows as you dine in the restaurant—breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinners are served here, and a selection of house branded drinks are also included. There's a lounge bar on the upper deck, and drinks are included throughout your cruise.  Also onboard is a fitness room, a spa, and a large sun deck with lounge chairs and a splash pool.

Wi-Fi and gratuities are all included, plus daily excursions and a chauffer service from your home address. 

Transfers & baggage Door-to-door UK transfers, transfers in-destination, and a checked-baggage allowance of up to 23kg per person, return, are included.

£2099pp

When you can go.

21 Nov, 2024; +£130pp 14 Nov, 2024; +£200pp 7 Nov, 2024

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• Thames River Boats Home
• Richmond Landing Stage River Cruises & Boat Trips with Thames River Boats

Richmond Landing Stage

Richmond Riverside is a relaxed and tranquil environment over looking the River Thames. With riverside walks, boating, and exceptional mix of shops, bars and restaurants, fashionable boutiques and antiques shops, traditional pubs, bars and cafes.

If you’re looking for a place to eat or drink, there is an exceptional variety to suit every budget from a quick snack to fine dining. Richmond has something for everyone.

River Cruises from Richmond Landing Stage

Our sailings operate on selected days & are subject to change without prior notice, we advise regularly checking this page for the most up to date sailing information.

Transportation

National Rail

Richmond Station (Zone 4):  Southwestern Rail Services (20 Minutes to London Waterloo)

London Underground

Richmond Station (Zone 4):  20 Minutes to London Waterloo

London Overground

Richmond Station (Zone 4)

Bus Services

Hill Rise:  65, N65

Cresswell Road:  33, 490, 969, H22, N22, R68, R70

Coach Parking

Old Deer Park, Richmond

Richmond Landing Stage Location

Richmond Landing Stage Address:   Richmond Landing Stage, 7 Northumberland Place, Richmond, TW10 6TS What Three Words Address:   ///desks.violin.weds

• Cockney Sparrow

The Cockney Sparrow was built in 1976 at Eel Pie Island. She is a two level boat with a deceptively large enclosed saloon and an open top deck. 

M.V Connaught was built by Salter Brothers of Oxford in 1911 & has been cruising between Westminster, Kew, Richmond & Hampton Court for over 100 years. Connaught regularly operates on our services & is also available for private charters.

• Princess Freda

Princess Freda was built in 1926 by T.C. Letcher on the Isle of Wight, and has been restored to a particularly high standard.

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• Spooktacular Halloween Cruise
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• New Years Eve Cruise 2024/25
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• River Thames Cruises

Experience London's stunning riverside landmarks with a Hop-On Hop-Off river pass, offering unlimited access for 24 hours. Explore at your leisure with friends and family, enjoying the city's beauty at your own pace.

The hop-on hop-off Thames River Cruise allows you to join the tour from any of four piers: Greenwich, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Westminster. Enjoy unlimited travel on all City Cruises sightseeing boats for a full day, taking in London's spectacular riverside views. This option provides excellent value and a relaxed way to see the sights without the stress of busy streets or time constraints.

Choose between the open upper deck or the comfortable indoor saloon, both offering entertaining and informative commentary along with unbeatable views of London's iconic landmarks. With so much to see and do along the Thames, a hop-on hop-off ticket turns London into your playground.

Cruise Highlights

Schedule timings, days of operation, additional information.

Hop on and off at your leisure Family passes available - kids go for free! * Open deck and heated indoor saloon Panoramic views of Central London Fully stocked bar Live commentary Wheelchair access and disabled toilets facilities

Price: £26.00 per person, £18.00 per child (5-15), £52.00 per family pass*, free for children ages 0 - 4

Westminster Pier London Eye Pier Tower Pier Greenwich Pier

Directions to Westminster Pier Nearest underground station: Westminster

Directions to  Tower Pier Nearest underground station: Tower Hill Nearest overground station: London Bridge

Directions to London Eye Pier Nearest underground station: Waterloo

 - Directions to Greenwich Pier Nearest DLR: Cutty Sark

  UPON ARRIVAL :  When you arrive for your Hop-on hop-off cruise, please walk straight down onto the pier where you will be greeted by pier staff. Please have your ticket ready to then be directed to your boarding point.

• The average cruising time from one pier to another is approximately 40 minutes except from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier, which takes around 10 minutes.
• Please bring your e-ticket for entry.
• Refunds are not available once the booking is confirmed.
• * With the 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket , you can take your first trip at any time during the day and take as many trips as you like until the boats stop operating in the evening. When the boats resume operations on the next day you will then have until the same time to continue using the ticket.
• * Family Pass offer: Maximise your value with our Family Pass and receive up to three children's tickets free when you purchase two adult tickets. Simply choose the Family Pass from the ticket selection options.
• Please note: While it's free for infants, they must still hold a valid boarding pass.
• Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

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Thank you so much for our superb party on Wednesday, the team on the boat were literally amazing, there was nothing they couldn't of done for us and the Dj was epic! We throughly enjoyed our time and have recommended you guys to a few other companies in our building!

Please pass on our thanks to all of the team on the boat as without them we really wouldn't of had such a good time!

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The definitive guide to Royal Windsor UK.

French Brothers Boat Trips

French Brothers have been operating riverboats on the Thames since 1978. They have grown to become one of the largest passenger boat operators in the UK & now have a fleet of 13 large boats with capacities of up to 180 passengers.

French Brothers offer a huge range of public boat trips & special events along the Upper Thames. These include round trips as well as trips between riverside towns.

Trips are available from:

Windsor – Runnymede – Maidenhead – Staines – Chertsey – Hampton Court

Windsor Castle

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

The Windsor 40 minute trip is one of our most popular. Departing regularly from Windsor Promenade.

This is our most wheelchair friendly trip and really popular with young kids.

A great way to travel to Windsor by avoiding the traffic, returning back to Maidenhead in the afternoon.

This includes an option for a Cream Tea Hamper for advanced online bookings, which is very popular.

Arrive in Windsor by river in time for lunch with a peaceful cruise back in the afternoon.

Runnymede to Hampton Court Service, calling at Staines upon Thames, Chertsey Lock and Sunbury Lock.

www.frenchbrothers.co.uk

Tel:  01753 851900, email:   [email protected].

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Experience 10 London Evening Activities like Never Before

7 best pub crawls in london to kick off the night owls, 10 must-visit pubs in wembley park that you can’t just pass up.

7 London River Cruises: Most Luxurious Dinner Experience on Thames River

London, a city that is steeped in history and culture, where the Industrial Revolution was born and is teeming with locals and tourists alike.

In this article, we will discuss the  London river cruise dinner , the most luxurious experience you can have on the Thames. A river cruise dinner in London offers you more than just culinary artistry but a magical view of the city on the artery of London that is the Thames. 

• 1 Experience Fine Dining Afloat on the Thames with London River Cruises
• 2 Savor Exquisite Cuisine
• 3 Admire London’s Famous Landmarks
• 4 Special Occasions and Private Events
• 5.1 1. Bateaux London 
• 5.2 2. The R.S Hispaniola 
• 5.3 3. The Silver Sturgeon 
• 5.4 4. Thames Dinner Cruise 
• 5.5 5. London Eye River Cruise 
• 5.6 6. London City Cruises 
• 5.7 7. Thames Rockets Dining Experience  
• 6.0.1 Q: What is the best time to go on a London river cruise?
• 6.0.2 Q: Are these cruises suitable for families with children?
• 6.0.3 Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance for these cruises?
• 6.0.4 Q: Are there any special discounts available for seniors or students?
• 6.0.5 Q: Can I bring my food and drinks on board?
• 6.0.6 Q: Do these cruises offer wheelchair accessibility?
• 7 Conclusion 

Experience Fine Dining Afloat on the Thames with London River Cruises

Glide past London’s iconic sights while enjoying a gourmet meal on the River Thames.

London River Cruises offers luxurious dinner cruises that provide a unique vantage point to take in the city.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see London from a new perspective, these elegant evening river cruises allow you to dine in style.

Savor Exquisite Cuisine

Onboard a spacious, climate-controlled riverboat, you’ll be served a mouthwatering multi-course dinner prepared by an accomplished chef.

Menus feature fresh local ingredients and change seasonally, but often include options like roasted duck breast, grilled sea bass, rack of lamb, and decadent desserts.

Expert sommeliers will pair each dish with a premium wine or champagne.

With fantastic food, spectacular views, and impeccable service, it’s an incredible culinary experience.

Admire London’s Famous Landmarks

As you enjoy your meal, take in views of London’s iconic sights illuminated at night.

Cruise past landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the Tower of London.

Listen to entertaining commentary from your river guide highlighting history and fun facts about the city.

It’s a chance to see the capital’s top attractions in a different light.

Special Occasions and Private Events

In addition to public cruises, London River Cruises offers private charters perfect for special events like birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, weddings, corporate events, and more.

Customize your itinerary and dining menu for an exclusive cruise tailored to your group. No matter the occasion, a private charter ensures a memorable time on the water.

Experience the magic of London after dark from a luxury river cruiser. With fine dining, live music, and illuminated views, it’s an unforgettable way to see the city.

Book your next elegant evening on the Thames with London River Cruises.

7 Most Popular London River Cruises

1. bateaux london .

Bateaux London is an award-winning company for its excellent services in London river cruise dinners that are mostly known for their impeccable service and elegance.

When you step into their glass-encased boats you will be greeted by their iconic paranomic view of London’s famous sites. The tour mostly includes sites such as The London Eye , The Shard, and Tower Bridge along with more surprises in an encapsulated experience.

Guests have a choice and variety from various packages. The onboard chef presents a British cuisine menu blended with a modern twist with locally sourced ingredients. 

The packages offer Lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea and each dish offers a distinct culinary experience . 

2. The R.S Hispaniola  

The R.S Hispaniola is moored right across the London Eye and offers a luxurious dining experience on a stationary vessel.

A stunning view of the riverbank is what this excellent restaurant ship boasts of alongside its many marvellous attractions.  The menu offered by this luxury London river cruise dinner comprises Brisith classics coupled with international additions and only the finest ingredients are used in the preparation of these culinary gems.  Hispaniola offers a relaxed and upscale atmosphere and has quite made a name in proving a rather romantic and memorable evening for couples looking to have a good evening on the Thames with a breathtaking view and delicious food. 

3. The Silver Sturgeon 

The Silver Sturgeon as the name suggests is meant for seekers of sophistication and class.

It stands out as an obvious choice in that regard and the fleet of this marvellous wonder exudes opulence in every detail. 

The interior is of pure luxury and the open deck offers an unobstructed view of the river and its landmarks.  The culinary experience of The Silver Sturgeon is nothing short of extraordinary feasts with a menu laced with only the finest international and British Cuisine.

Whether it be a special occasion or you simply have the wish to indulge in a memorable evening of unparalleled luxury London river cruise dinner, The Silver Sturgeon is your best option. 

4. Thames Dinner Cruise 

The Thames Dinner Cruise is another floating masterpiece that has proved excellent in combining classic designs with modern elegance.

Upon embarking on The Thames Dinner Cruise you will be embraced in a world of refined dining and breathtaking scenery.

A wonderful addition to the list of best London River Cruise Dinner options that you can stumble upon only through your luck. The Thames Dinner Cruise offers both Lunch and Dinenr services, from scrumptious seafood platters to tender cuts of meat that melt on the tongue in a blast of flavours and present a delight of the senses.

The onboard chef guarantees a masterpiece in whatever you choose.  As you dine you will get to enjoy and revel in the sight of London’s most iconic Landmarks, from the historic Tower of London to the Modern Skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

The city never ceases to amaze the stargazers who are explorers of wonders and live for adventures. 

5. London Eye River Cruise 

The London Eye River Cruise is the most popular and known option, The tour is fantastic with lots of informative narratives from the crew.

Especially at night, the view is lovely when the city lights are reflected in the Thames. You have ample time to yourself to take in all the landmarks. The staff is lovely and is accommodating to any food allergies and the service is excellent. The ambience of the London Eye River Cruise is very relaxing with a breathtaking view to accompany your meal. They also offer a live singer for your cruise and a great selection of wine, everything is prepared on your request and anything extra is arranged if you ask them with a pleasant, courteous and helpful staff London River Eye makes for a nice overall experience on the Thames cruise dinners. 

6. London City Cruises 

Looking to spend a special evening or perhaps a date night idea, London City Cruise cruise has got you covered.

London River cruise dinner offered by London City Cruises is one of the most popular options when looking for a London cruise dinner experience nearby.  London City Cruises offers delectable experiences with food and drink, live entertainment, and of course, they promise spectacular views around the city floating on the Thames. A fun and different way to dine. When you enter you will be greeted by fizz and a four-course dinner across tunning landmarks on the banks of the Thames.

evening London river cruise dinners are especially popular and get fully booked unless you book in advance. 

7. Thames Rockets Dining Experience   

For those who want to add a dash of adventure to their dining experience Thames Rockets offers a unique twist on the traditional London river cruise dinners.

They offer a thrilling combination of high-speed boat rides and gourmet dining which is perfectly suitable for adrenaline junkies and food enthusiasts alike.  Your skilled skipper will give you informative commentary on the city’s landmarks and history and after the exhilarating rides, you will be welcomed and treated to a sumptuous meal at a riverside restaurant that offers a blend of excitement as well as luxury.  This unlike traditional London river cruise dinner combines an element of thrill and adventure while you venture out into the wild waters and hold your breath later when the excitement has toned down a little.

Enjoy a marvellous meal with your company with the view of the Thames at your side. 

Q: What is the best time to go on a London river cruise?

A: The best time for a river cruise in London is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the city is in full bloom.

Q: Are these cruises suitable for families with children?

A: Yes, most of these river cruises are family-friendly and offer children’s tickets. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the cruise provider for specific details.

Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance for these cruises?

A: It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.

Q: Are there any special discounts available for seniors or students?

A: Some river cruises offer discounts for seniors and students, so it’s worth inquiring about these options when booking your tickets.

Q: Can I bring my food and drinks on board?

A: Most river cruises have onboard dining options and may not allow outside food and drinks. Check with the cruise provider for their specific policies.

Q: Do these cruises offer wheelchair accessibility?

A: Many river cruises in London provide wheelchair-accessible options. It’s recommended to inform the cruise provider in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

Conclusion 

I hope you have enjoyed our guide to a captivating journey of London River Cruise Dinner and the luxurious ride around the Thames with a breathtaking paranormal view of the magical city that is London. We have listed the most popular option you can take and everyone is flexible in their packaging, Do check their listings and timings from their websites for the latest information on their schedule.

We appreciate you visiting us, might as well subscribe for more useful upcoming guides on everything London. We are all about London my friend. 

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Crown River Cruises Ltd are open for enquiries: read our service update .

Our sister company Circular Cruise runs daily sightseeing trips between Westminster and Tower Bridge.

Calling at Westminster Pier, Embankment, Festival Pier, Bankside and St Katharine’s Pier, with a non-stop return trip to Westminster, Circular Cruise operates a hop-on hop-off service that enables you to take your time exploring the attractions on the South Bank, having a relaxing break between piers as you put your feet up and travel along the river to your next stop.

Being on the river will give you a different perspective of some of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions. Imagine, for instance, what it must have been like for prisoners turning up by boat to the Tower of London’s Traitor’s Gate, knowing that once they’d gone beneath the gate, they might never taste freedom again.

As you glide underneath Tower Bridge, you’ll get a close look at the majestic structure from below the usual street view. Just as you approach the bridge, see if you can spot any people standing on the glass floor high above and give them a friendly wave!

What to look out for:

1 Palace of Westminster

2 London Aquarium

3 London Dungeon

4 London Eye

5 Tate Modern

6 St Paul’s Cathedral

7 The Globe Theatre

8 The Golden Hinde

9 Southwark Cathedral

10 HMS Belfast

11 City Hall

12 The Tower of London

13 Tower Bridge

14 Butler’s Wharf Pier

If you’re looking for something a bit different to do next time you’re visiting London, or you’d like a more interesting journey between Westminster and the Tower of London without having to get the tube, visit the Circular Cruise website to find out more.

Quick links

Crown River Cruises Ltd Office Address Tower Millennium Pier Lower Thames Street London EC3N 4DT Crown River Cruises Ltd Crown Pier Address Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0HJ

0207 936 2033 [email protected]

© 2024 Crown River Cruises Ltd | Terms | Cookies & Privacy | VAT No: 451-0350-94 | Registered Address: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street, London EC3N 4DT | Registered Address: 12 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6AD | Company Registration Number: 1980680 | Web design by Cariad Marketing

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The best boat trips in London with kids

One of my favourite views of London is from the river – the Thames is at the heart of the city, and with so many choices of different boat trips in London with kids, it’s easy to fit at least one into your visit.

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And as well as the best-known sightseeing boat tours in London, there are historic London boat trips, self-drive options (as well as self-paddle) and more adrenaline-fuelled experiences to appeal to older kids.

You can make a virtue of necessity and travel to Greenwich with one of the London boat tours rather than sitting on the tube, or even hop onto a boat between two art galleries for a cruise with culture. Here’s my pick of the best London boat trips for families to try.

Contents - click to jump to a section

Tips for London boat tours with kids

Sailing along the Thames is a fantastic experience, but it’s worth being aware of a few things before you board, especially for the London sightseeing boat tours.

• There’s often a chilly breeze out on the river, so while open-top sightseeing boats give great views, it’s one to save for sunny days – or wrap up warm.
• It’s often not the fastest way to travel – especially in central London, if boats are hopping between Westminster, the London Eye and Embankment. It’s about the experience rather than the speed though.
• Younger kids might not be quite so enthralled – while I can happily watch the scenery for hours, when my daughter was young, she appreciated our London boat trips a lot less, so like any journey, pack something to entertain littler ones.
• Many of the larger boats have more limited numbers, so if you’re boarding one without a timed ticket, it’s worth boarding towards the start of the route or getting there a bit early on busy days, otherwise there might not be space on the first boat.
• For more ideas on how to save money on days out in London with kids , including some boat tours, check out my tips

For ideas of more things to do on the Thames with kids , check out my pick of the best of London’s riverside attractions

City Cruises hop-on hop-off boats

There’s a whole range of different sightseeing boat tours from City Cruises , including ones with afternoon tea but also a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket , so you can get on and off the sightseeing boats at four different piers, if you want multiple cruises.

Get 20% off all City Cruises sightseeing tours using code CC20 until the end of 2024 – click here to get the discount

There’s commentary on board as they sail along the Thames, past landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, so it’s a fun, hassle-free way to spot a few highlights with kids – if the weather’s good, you can sit outside on the top deck.

You can also pick up combined tickets, including for riverside attractions such as the London Eye plus a boat tour , or the Tower of London plus cruise .

The boats run regularly between Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich, which each section taking around 30 minutes (except the first two stops which are just 10 minutes apart across the river).

For combined boat and bus tours, check out my pick of the best bus tours in London with kids

Terrible Thames boat tour

What do you get when you cross the creators of Horrible Histories with 2,000 years of drama along London’s riverbanks? The Terrible Thames cruise, new in 2021, has become a family favourite, with trips running on select dates between early April and the end of October (mostly during school holidays).

With tales of revolution, beheadings and pirates (and the stomach-turning reason why Queen Victoria’s pleasure cruise lasted only minutes), you sail from Tower Bridge to Westminster and back via Execution Dock, while prizewinning school-child Billy (or Billie) and their teacher perform and provide the commentary.

The cruise itself only takes 45 minutes but with songs, just the right amount of audience participation, plus a great balance of fun and facts, it feels like you get twice as much packed in – all including the usual Horrible Histories recipe of gruesomely ridiculous, gory sound effects, plus plenty of toilet humour.

You’ll discover some genuinely quirky facts, plus it doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics, including London’s role in the slave trade. Departs from Tower Bridge Quay near St Katherine’s Dock.

We were invited along to review the tour before it launched – my Horrible Histories-loving daughter (and I) gave it a very firm thumbs up – check out the full Terrible Thames review here

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

If you’re not looking for a long cruise, aren’t fussed about commentary on board or want a more spontaneous option, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is unbeatable.

While you can choose the same route as most sightseeing boat tours in London, this operates almost the same way as a water bus, so it’s a fun way to get around London.

The boats leave from 23 different piers along the Thames with regular boats through central London, plus less frequent routes to take you west to Putney and east beyond Greenwich, as far as Woolwich (Royal Arsenal).

You can use contactless to pay (as well as your Oyster card), or book via their app, so there’s no need to plan your tickets way in advance. It’s worth knowing that it’s not included in the tfl daily fare cap though.

Or you can pick up a one-day unlimited River Roamer travel pass: if there are two adults in your group, the family pass means that kids go free.

Thames River Sightseeing Cruise

Another classic sightseeing London boat tour, Thames River Sightseeing also operates through central London – although stopping at a couple more piers than City Cruises – with live commentary.

There are also audio guides in multiple other languages, and an open deck to watch the sights on sunny days, as you cruise from Westminster Pier and Tower Bridge Quay, near St Katharine Docks, to Greenwich.

Check out some of the best things to do in Greenwich with kids here

You can also pick up a two-day family pass to cover all your boat trips in London with kids, currently £47.80, if you’re hoping to do a lot of cruising along the river.

Turks River Cruises

The London boat tours from Turks Launches have been cruising along the Thames for over 300 years, giving families a chance to discover a different stretch of river.

The eye-catching boats (most famously a Mississippi-style stern wheeler) run most days between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court, passing beautiful Hampton Court Palace, Teddington Lock and the quirkily fascinating Eel Pie Island.

Kids get discounted tickets while those aged two and under travel free, with trips lasting between 35 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending how far you choose to cruise.

Book tickets to Hampton Court Palace , here, to combine both for a great family day out.

Thames Rockets RIB Voyage

If you want something more thrilling than a gentle pootle along the river, check out an adrenaline-fuelled RIB speedboat experience instead.

You can find a series of high-speed RIB experiences from Thames Rockets – the Ultimate London Adventure is family friendly, with a 50-minute journey past HMS Belfast and the Oxo Tower, from the London Eye pier, while Captain Kidd’s Canary Wharf Voyage is aimed specifically at families.

Book here for tickets which can be cancelled up to 24 hours beforehand

For a longer journey, you can choose the 80-minute 30-knot thrill ride to the Thames Barrier, or a shorter 40-minute Break the Barrier option, starting from London Bridge City Pier and winding around the Greenwich peninsula, all accompanied by tunes from the last six decades.

You have to be 10 years old or above to join the Break the Barrier ride, because of the speeds involved, but otherwise the boat trips are suitable for kids of all ages (although none are suitable if you’re pregnant and may not suit nervous little ones), especially the Captain Kidd ride.

It’s fine to bring bags on board (although not larger cases) and while there’s always the chance of spray off the water, there are waterproofs provided so you should emerge nice and dry, although with your heart racing!

Previously you also had an alternative choice of ThamesJet speedboat rides, but these are no longer operating.

Take a Canal Waterbus

If you’re looking for more laid-back boat trips in London with kids, the Thames isn’t the city’s only waterway, with several different canal waterbus options cruising along Regent’s Canal.

The Jenny Wren canal boat tour lasts 90 minutes, cruising from Camden Lock to Little Venice and back again, with a guide pointing out some of the highlights along the way.

Or Jason’s Trip Canal Waterbus  has been operating since 1951. The vintage narrowboat takes you on a 45-minute trip from Camden Lock to Primrose Hill, past Regent’s Park,  London Zoo  (look out for some of the animals!) then on to pretty Little Venice, with its cafe-lined canals, where you can hop off to find Paddington or stroll the streets.

If you’d prefer to sail in silence, opt for Jason’s Trip and putter to Little Venice without the guided chat (only standard on Jason’s Trip cruises starting at the Little Venice end).

Children are welcome and you can take buggies or strollers on board Jason’s Trip, as long as you can fold them, while under-fours go free on Jenny Wren.

For more things to do in Camden with kids , check out my top picks

Canal Museum Tunnel boat

Discover more about London’s canals before taking a boat trip along the Regent’s Canal and through the Islington tunnel, with a special tour from the London Canal Museum , not far from King’s Cross station.

At the museum itself, you can learn more about the people who lived and worked on the waterways, the cargoes the boats carried (including ice from Norway!), and get a peek inside a narrowboat cabin – plus some bonus history of the ice trade and ice cream.

But you can also book the Canal Museum’s Tunnel Boat tour , a 50-minute journey along the water, including some more background on the three-quarter mile tunnel… including the fact that originally men had to lie on the boats and push against the walls with their legs to get through.

Thankfully it’s a lot easier these days! Not one for the youngest kids, who might be spooked by the long, dark tunnel though.

There are limited seats on board, and it only runs on Thursdays and Sundays, so do book in advance.

If all the ice cream history has whetted your appetite, check out Ruby Violet in the Kings Cross canal quarter, near Granary Square and its fountains , with flavours ranging from traditional favourites to peanut butter, passion fruit and liquorice.

London has not one but two branches of the Tate gallery, with Tate Modern and Tate Britain both on the riverside – and if you fancy a day out which combines both, you can hop between the two using the Tate Boat .

Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ( scroll up for more ), it’s actually part of the RB1 or RB2 route so you can book as normal using their app, as well as buying tickets from the Tate – the galleries themselves are both free to enter.

It’s definitely a fun selling point for kids who love art, and this particular boat trip in London with kids makes much more of an event of a visit to the two.

Or if you’re looking for an even more memorable experience, you can book a Tate To Tate tour , which includes a guided tour of the Tate Britain in the morning, a trip on the Tate Boat, and a guided tour of Tate Modern in the afternoon, as well as other family-friendly private tours of the art galleries.

Bus and boat tour of London

If you can’t decide whether you fancy a boat tour of London or a bus tour , why not do both? There are several options available including the Big Bus open-top hop-on hop-off bus combined with a River Thames cruise , and a choice of tickets lasting up to three days, to discover the various routes.

Or check out this vintage bus and boat journey as another way to travel through the city on two iconic modes of transport. The classic doubledecker bus leaves from Victoria Coach Station past sights such as Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, before hopping on a boat along the Thames.

Some departures include the chance to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace too, depending which time you pick.

Discover more royal places in London with kids here

Go Boat self-drive cruise

If you prefer the idea of getting behind the wheel of a boat yourself, check out the different options from GoBoat London, with space for up to eight in each electric boat (and it’s dog-friendly as well).

You don’t need to have experience before you set off – there is training given on arrival, along with a route map, plus you’ll get life jackets for babies and buoyancy aids for children too. The captain must be over 18.

You can depart from Paddington and Canary Wharf, giving you the chance to explore around Paddington Basin and the Regent’s Canal or through the Docklands, as well as Kingston, cruising along the river in West London between Teddington Lock and Molesley Lock, passing Hampton Court Palace .

Bring a picnic – you can hire the boats for up to three hours and there’s a table to sit around – although you need to know that Paddington is an alcohol-free location.

Check out our review of GoBoat with kids from Paddington

Kayak London’s waterways

Want to be the captain but fancy being in control of a slightly smaller craft? You can also explore some of London’s 100 miles of waterways with a spot of canoeing or kayaking.

Moo Canoes  has a base at Hackney Wick if you’re looking to take out a canoe (good for families who all want to be in the same boat) or Limehouse for kayaks (great if you’re a solo parent, or prefer to split kids and adults between the boats).

If you’re determined to get out onto the Thames, the  London Kayak Company  also does booking for families with kids aged nine and over (the group trips are for adults only).

*last updated 2024*

PIN FOR LATER: LONDON BOAT TRIPS WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission . One or more experiences were offered to me free of charge for review, but all opinions are my own

Main image, Little Venice, Tate Modern, kayak courtesy of Depositphotos, City Cruises courtesy City Experiences, all others copyright MummyTravels

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

Absolutely love this! As a parent always on the lookout for unique experiences in London, your insights on kid-friendly boat trips are a game-changer. Can’t wait to surprise my little explorers with a day on the water – thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks! Always a fun way to explore the city

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Review of Thames River Cruises

What is the best london river cruise.

While our London walking tours are a great way to see and learn a lot about the city, Thames River cruises offer a completely different perspective that you might also enjoy - I certainly do!

In this post I am going to review all the different options you have for cruising through London, as well as sharing some of my experiences and top tips.

The most popular type of river cruise is a hop-on hop-off tour , allowing you to stop and get off the boat at various docks on the Thames.

Here are the top cruise services in London:

City Cruises

• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
• Thames River Service

There are also special cruise services such as Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers, connecting both historic museums by boat.

Alternatively, you might also want to consider a circular loop without any stops, or perhaps a speedboat ride during the summer.

Like many cities, there are also lunch and dinner cruises available on the Thames River.

If you're in North London (where I live), you might want to consider a canal cruise around Little Venice and Camden Lock instead.

Concerned about the price? Check my list of combo packages that include a Thames River cruise for free!

Although I do my best to provide a balanced look at these services, it's important to get other perspectives.

Therefore, I've also included a selection of recommendations from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF THAMES RIVER CRUISES

If you’re looking for a boat tour or cruise that will allow you the freedom to explore at your own pace, consider one of the following companies.

Although there aren’t many London boat services that specialize specifically in hop-on-hop-off Thames cruises, there are a few that provide the opportunity to explore London however you wish.

You can choose to purchase one single ride, a cheaper return ticket, or a 24-hour travel pass with unlimited rides.

TIP: Many of these cruises are included for free or at a lower cost with any of the many London tourist attraction passes available to you.

CITY CRUISES

City Cruises is probably the most well-known company offering a basic Thames River cruise. They are also the best value for the money, in my opinion.

City Cruises also offers speedboat tours and lunch and dinner cruises .

City Cruises offers both single tickets (which are fine) and a hop-on-hop-off service with 4 stops between Westminster and Greenwich (which is better). 

The hop-on-hop-off ticket is called the River Pass and I bought this one just recently, when the spring weather finally hit London!

I used it to get me from Greenwich and back primarily, but I did make an impromptu stop at London Bridge to grab lunch at Borough Market.

I bought the River Pass, which gave me 24-hour unlimited access to the River on City Cruises Boats.

Even though I'm a tour guide, I enjoy going on other people's tours so I really enjoyed the live commentary on the journeys I took.

I was happy for the 24 hour pass, but if you want more time on the boat, you can get a 72-hour River Pass giving you three days to use the service, rather than the 24-hour pass I bought.

Since the weather was good, I sat on the open-aired top of the boat - but there is inside seating downstairs if the London weather gets a bit wet or chilly.

TIP:  City Cruises' hop-on-hop-off service is  included for free for holders of a London Pass , a tourist attraction concession card.

Click on the map for a larger view .

Ticket and Reviews

Single-ride tickets vary depending on your starting and ending point. 

If you are planning on taking at least two rides, I recommend that you buy a River Pass .

This pass gives you unlimited travel between their piers.

To know more about the tickets, pricing or to buy the tickets, check out our full page on Thames river cruise by City Cruises .

City Cruises sports a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor along with mostly positive reviews.

To read more about the City Cruises reviews, check out the post here .

UBER BOAT BY THAMES CLIPPERS

Thames Clippers is a commuter boat service which, in my opinion, are a vastly underrated way to travel through town.

They offer single-journey tickets, as well as an all-day ticket, that gives you unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel for one day (between 10 am and 11 pm).

This is what I always recommend to my friends and family when they come to visit me in London.

I think it's great value for money and makes travelling through town a little more fun and I take the Uber Boat at least once a month.

One of my favourite things about it is that I can pay using my contactless debit card so there's no need to faff around with tickets!

The Uber Boat is valid in their Central and East Zone lines which include 18 piers including Greenwich, Tower, Westminster, and more. Boats depart every 20 minutes.

Some of the central London landmarks you can get to easily from the Uber Boat piers:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Tate Modern
• Covent Garden
• Trafalgar Square
• Borough Market 
• National Gallery of Art
• British Museum
• Houses of Parliament
• Churchill War Rooms
• HMS Belfast
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Palace of Westminster

You can download their free audio tour (available in English, Spanish, French, and German) if you are taking the boat for sightseeing purposes, but I feel that the journey is enjoyable even without it.

Also, to the delight of myself and my friends, you can buy alcoholic (and non) refreshments on board.

I can personally recommend the rose' wine they sell, although the pre-mixed cans of Jack Daniels and Coke seemed to be the most popular option the last time I was at the bar.

And prepare yourselves...

The boat travels at a moderate speed through the city but once we passed Tower Bridge, it sped up and I was flying past the docklands toward Canary Wharf!

It's a thrill not everybody on board was expecting.

Uber Boat Ticket Prices and Reviews

To know more about the ticket prices or to purchase the ticket , visit our separate post on Uber Boats Tickets and Reviews .

Thames Clippers has received a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on both TripAdvisor and Viator.

To read more about the reviews of Uber Boats , read our post here .

THAMES RIVER SERVICE

Thames River Services (TRS) offers a variety of guided sightseeing tours that cover several different highlights along the river.

Prices and the length of the trip vary depending on what route you select.

There are a total of six different tours offered out of Westminster, Greenwich, and St. Katharine's Docks (my favourite hidden gem and place to get a drink or bite to eat after finishing my All in One Tour ).

I would recommend the Westminster to Greenwich journey to soak up all the sights on the riverfront.

Guests have the option to pay for a one-way ticket or round-trip fare, a 2 days hopper pass, or a hop-on, hop-off ticket (through Circular Cruises).

With a 4 ½ out of 5 stars  rating on both Yelp and TripAdvisor, TRS is one of the highest-rated cruise companies in London. 

To read more about reviews and tickets of TRS cruise , visit our post on Thames River Service (TRS) .

Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers

This route on the Thames Clippers service is the "RB2 Tate to Tate".

It takes visitors between the two Tate Museums: the free  Tate Modern  at Bankside Pier and Tate Britain at Millbank Pier.

I recently took this ride to see the latest exhibition at the Tate Britain.

Boats run every 30 minutes and when I arrived at the pier I just tapped with my contactless card to pay for my journey - like with the Uber boats.

I only needed to wait 10 minutes for the boat and the ride took me 20 minutes so I got across town in a half an hour which is great!

The boats have both outdoor seating but the weather was not great on the day I travelled so I sat indoors.

As this is not a sightseeing boat there is no live commentary, but that wasn't the purpose of my journey so I didn't mind.

You can purchase tickets in advance online from the Tate Shop website , or before you board a boat from a self-serve kiosk on the pier.

You can also use your  Oyster card , if you have one, upon boarding the boat.

When you purchase, look for the RB2 service, a central zone ticket price.

Find out more or book tickets here.

Prices (single one-way ticket)

• Adult:  One Way - £10.90
• Child 5 to 15:  One Way - £5.45
• Children under 5 travel for free
• Adult TfL Travelcard: One Way - £7.30
• Child 5-15 TfL Travelcard: One Way - £3.65

For a complete timetable of the RB2 route that stops at both Tates, click  here for schedules.

Look for times for Bankside (the Tate Modern) and Millbank (the Tate Britain).

The Tate Boat service has been given a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor.

Although it is not a full five stars, the reality is that they haven’t received any negative ratings.

There is only one complaint thus far, and it focuses on the length of time it may take to get tickets onto the boat.

I found that this is no longer a problem as I just used my contactless card so there is no need to wait for tickets these days.

But, even that reviewer suggests that you persevere and use this ferry service to get from Tate to Tate as it was worth the hassle.

Most passengers love this form of transportation, and I find it pretty reliable!

CIRCULAR LOOP THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

A circular loop cruise is specifically a river tour of the Thames.

From the boat, you will see many amazing sights such as  St. Paul’s Cathedral , the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament , and  Big Ben .

Most circular loop cruises are about an hour long. 

Note that some circular loop cruises are hop-on-hop-off while others allow you to leave the cruise at any pier, but you may not board again.

Thames River Service Circular Cruise

This circular loop cruise allows you to hop on and off whenever you wish so that you can get a better look at the sites located all along the Thames.

The full cruise takes about an hour, but you can embark and disembark at your discretion throughout the day.

This circular cruise will take you past more than a dozen historic locations that are visible from the water.

There is commentary provided along the way to point out significant sights such as Old Scotland Yard or the Houses of Parliament.

Find more information or purchase tickets here.

Ticket Prices 

Click here to purchase tickets .

Single Ticket

• £12.90 for Adults
• £8.90 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

Return Ticket

• £18.90 for Adults
• £12.90 for Children/Freedom Pass Holders

This cruise service has been in operation for several years, but they don’t have a lot of reviews.

The few negative reviews say that the tour feels short and that you do not see so many sights.

Mostly though the reviews are positive, saying that the live commentary is very informative and humorous.

Reviews say that the boat ride was relaxing and enjoyable, and well-organized. I haven't taken this one yet myself so we will take their word for it for now!

The London Eye River Cruise

Whether you’re planning to visit the London Eye or you just want a tour around the Thames which focuses on the giant Ferris wheel, this river cruise is a great alternative to other services.

Although the London Eye River Cruise is not as long as other boat tours in the area, it can be a lot more affordable.

This circular loop will take you past locations such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament.

You can also purchase this as a bundle with your London Eye Tickets which is great for visitors wanting to take a journey on the Ferris wheel.

I've done this in the past and booked online which saved me over £11.00!

TIP: This cruise is also part of the London Explorer Pass , which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

Find out more or purchase tickets here.

Ticket Prices and Reviews:

Prices of the cruise are £19.50 for Adults and £16.50 for Children.

To buy tickets or to know about the Children's offer, operating hours and other details, check out our detailed post on The London Eye River Cruise .

This river cruise company has also earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

To read more about the reviews of the London Eye River Cruise, visit our post here .

Sail on a 1920s Barge

Hop aboard a historic wooden Thames Sailing Barge, and enjoy a voyage through history along the Thames.

Lady Daphne was the last wooden sailing barge still working on the Thames - and has recently be replaced by the Sailing Barge "Will."

There are regularly run tours and the ship is also available for private hire.

A fellow tour guide, Jess, and I were lucky enough to take a journey on the Lady Daphne and hope to repeat it with Will in the future!

On our journey, we boarded at Tower Millennium Pier and rode all the way to Greenwich (where we got an awesome view of the Thames Barrier) and back.

But the best part was that we also got to sail under Tower Bridge - and they raised the Bridge just for our boat! We felt like real VIPs.

Check our post for prices and more information.

SPEEDBOAT RIDES

Speedboat rides on the Thames are not a budget option, but they are thrilling - and I find them to be very popular with families who take my walking tour.

Throughout the experience, passengers will alternate between enjoying a leisurely ride along the Thames for sightseeing and a fast-paced thrill ride.

Guests are well protected with waterproof jackets, a life jacket, and goggle-style visors to withstand the thrilling wind speeds they will experience.

Thames RIB Experience

This RIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat)  is one of the fastest boats on the Thames, jetting visitors along the river at approximately 30 knots.

Each boat (which only holds up to 12 people) is manned by a guide who provides commentary throughout the journey.

In addition to their longer tour of the Thames, this company also manages three shorter tours of Canary Wharf, and the Tower Millennium Pier.

Ticket prices typically depend upon the length of the boat ride.

Find more information or purchase tickets here .

Ticket Prices & Reviews

This company operates Speedboat rides on three different routes.

These routes are Thames Barrier Experience (75 minutes), Canary Wharf Experience (50 minutes) and Tower RIB Blast (20 minutes).

To know more about the prices or to purchase the tickets, read our post on Thames Speedboat Tours .

The Thames RIB Experience has earned a full 5-star rating on TripAdvisor – and that includes over 2,500 positive reviews.

To know other details about the reviews on Thames RIB experience, read our post here .

Thames Jet by City Cruises

This speedboat service is managed by City Cruises and offers a similar excursion to the RIB Experience I listed above.

They don’t offer as many tours as their competitors, but the Thames Jet is an excellent alternative.

Their Thames Rush speedboat tour is over 50 minutes.

Ticket prices are comparable to similar services, but they also offer family tickets at a concession.

More information or to purchase tickets .

Prices are £49 for adults and £39 for Children (15 and under).

To know more about operating hours or to buy tickets, check out our post on Thames River Speedboat Tours .

TripAdvisor has given the Thames Jet service 4 ½ out of 5 stars .

To read more details about the review, check out our post on Thames Jet by City Cruises .

CANAL BOAT RIDES

Operating entirely along the canals that flow through the north of London, a canal ride is a charming way to see parts of London that most tourists miss.

As I live in north London, a canal ride is a yearly tradition of mine!

For a true experience off the beaten path, these relaxing and beautiful rides are a definite must.

Jason's Original Canal Boat Trip

From March to November, you can take a canal boat ride with Jason's Original with live commentary from trained guides. 

• One Way: Adult - £18 / Concession £14
• Return: Adult - £23 / Concession £19

Jason’s London Canal Boat Trip is offered as part of the London Pass , which means more savings for you! 

London Waterbus Company

This is the company I usually book with as the price is great, the boats are comfortable, and the staff are fantastic.

The last time I went was a beautiful summer day and I boarded in Little Venice and travelled to Camden Lock (where Camden Market is).

On the ride, we passed through Regent's Park and the grounds of London Zoo for some charming views!

It took us just 45 minutes for the one way journey, and I enjoyed live commentary the entire way.

• Adult (17-59 years) £16.00
• Child (5-16 years) £12
• Student 17+ with photo student ID £12
• Senior 60+ years £12
• Toddler (under 3 years) Free

Check their  website  for more details and to purchase tickets.

LUNCH AND DINNER CRUISES

Sightseeing cruises are nice, but they might not be the best option for business events or dating.

If you’re looking for a more sociable trip along the Thames, consider one of the following Dining Cruises.

In addition to the typical dinner cruise, many companies offer a variety of dining and party cruises, such as tea and showboat cruises, that allow you to enjoy more than just the sights and sounds of London.

To browse a full list of lunch and dinner cruise options by type rather than by company, click here .

Whether you want to go on a cruise with wonderful music and fabulous food, or you just want to have your afternoon tea out on the Thames, City Cruises offers a wide variety of options.

The Jazz Cruise is my favorite! I did this one just a few weeks ago, in fact.

I arrived with a friend about 15 minutes before departure.

When I boarded I was given a glass of sparkling wine to kick things off!

I was shown to our pre-allocated table and then we were free to wander the boat and enjoy the live music.

After being on the water for a bit, we returned to our table for a fantastic 3-course dinner, followed by dancing as the band continued to play.

The whole experience lasted about 3 hours and was worth every penny!

If you order online during the summer, you can save 20% on each dining cruise offered through this company.

Tickets are already quite affordable, so this is an excellent opportunity to save money while having fun out on the water.

Ticket Prices and Reviews

I am lucky because I live in London which means I can take advantage of these tours all year long.

The reason I'm saying this is because their prices fluctuate throughout the year and on different days of the week.

Read our complete post to check out the cheapest price you can expect on your trip.

Most reviewers have given them a 5-star rating, reporting that the food is quite excellent and the cruise itself is very relaxing.

To read more about the reviews, check out our post on Thames River Lunch & Dinner cruise .

BUS & BOAT COMBOS

There are a lot of boat tours and cruises offered on the Thames, but none of them can show you EVERYTHING worth seeing in London.

To experience more than just the river that runs through this beautiful city, you’ll want to consider combining a cruise with either walking tours or bus tours.

Thankfully, there are a lot of companies in the area that provide combo packages that include many different types of excursions.

These combination packages can be a great way to save money on all kinds of activities!

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus is one of the most popular tour companies in the world.

They offer services internationally and are well known for providing quality service.

Their combo package for London includes a cruise with City Cruises, their hop-on, hop-off bus tour, a selection of guided walking tours, and a promo codes booklet.

Tickets for this combo package can be purchased either for 24 or 48 hours, allowing you to take as much time as you wish to enjoy everything included.

If you’re looking for a combination package that will allow you to discover as much of the city as possible without paying a lot of money, this is a great choice.

Click here for m o re information or to book .

Ticket Prices & Reviews:

"Discover" 24-Hour Ticket and "Explore" 48 hours tickets are offered by Big Bus Tours .

Read our post to check out the prices and to know about operating hours.

Big Bus Tours of London has a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor. Most reviews are very positive, and comments about this specific combo package tend to be favorable.

To read more about the reviews of Big Bus Tours, read our post here .

Tootbus Tour

This tour service is almost the same as Big Bus Tours.

Much like their competitor, they also offer a Thames River cruise pass through City Cruises.

In recent times, I have found that the Tootbus has become more popular with my visitors than Big Bus Tours and they seem to be getting ever more popular.

You’ll also have access to 80+ stops at attractions all over London on their hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Ticket prices are very similar, so this might be a great alternative if other combo packages are all sold out.

Tickets are available for 24 hours and 48 hours.

To know about the ticket price, hours or to book, read our post here .

Tootbus , once known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour, has received a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor.

A majority of the reviews are positive, but experiences with this tour company are a bit more mixed than other services in the same range.

Read our post to check out complete details about the review of Tootbus tours .

Things to Know When Going on a River Thames Cruise

Do you need to book Thames River Cruises in advance?

You don't necessarily need to, but if you do not book your tickets in advance, then you can get ticket from ticket counters on piers.

Due to limited availability, you may not always get tickets for a particular date or time slot.

As such, it is always advisable to book your cruise tickets in advance.

Note that it depends which boat journey you are going to take as to whether this is needed or not.

I found it worth it to book in advance for the London Eye and Boat bundle as that saved a bunch of money but for my trips on the Uber Boat, I wouldn't - and don't need to.

Where can I catch a Thames River Cruise?

Piers of some popular cruises are listed below:

• City Cruises - Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier
• Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - Embankment Pier, Westminster Pier, Tower Millennium Pier, London Bridge City Pier, Canary Wharf, Greenwich Pier, North Greenwich Pier
• Thames River Service - Westminster Pier
• Tate to Tate by Thames Clippers - Bankside Pier, Millbank Pier
• Thames River Services' Circular Cruise - Westminster Pier
• London Eye River Cruise - The London Eye pier
• Lady Daphne - Tower Millennium Pier
• Thames RIB Experience - Embankment Pier
• Thames Jet by City Cruises - Westminster Pier

Our Westminster Walking Tour ends within walking distance of the Westminster Pier and our City of London and All in One Tours finish right next to Tower Millennium Pier!

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Assuming you've read all or even just some of this post, you've had the chance to see my personal recommendations when it comes to Thames River cruises.

However, it's important to get a variety of opinions when it comes to these types of services.

Thankfully, many members of our London Travel Tips group on Facebook will offer their own thoughts on these cruise companies, and I've included some of their most helpful suggestions here.

It can get pretty cold in London during the winter, so travelers might be surprised to learn that they actually do keep most of the Thames River cruises open all year.

While it can get cold, pretty much every company uses boats with an indoor area where you can stay warm as you enjoy the ride.

Even so, it is recommended to bundle up during the winter anyways, so you shouldn't be too cold on a river cruise boat as long as you wear warm clothing.

A lot of locals recommend using the Uber Boat, because it's a very easy and consistent service and it offers stops all along the Thames, even in Greenwich.

As you already know, this is my favourite!

The reason this river cruise boat is so popular is because it's often used as transportation by people who live in London, and in fact they rely upon these boats to get to and from work.

Locals also note that you can pay for the Uber Boat by using an Oyster Card, and they offer price cuts for card holders.

Even better, once you get past the Tower Bridge, the boat will speed up and allow you to get around the city much quicker!

If you're wondering whether to take a hop-on hop-off tour on the river or a dinner cruise, it's worth noting that the dinner cruise does not include any commentary.

Travelers who want to learn more about the city while cruising down the Thames might not enjoy the dinner cruise as much, but it's still a great service for anyone who wants to enjoy the view of London as the sun is setting!

Other travelers suggest skipping the dinner cruise and hopping on the speed boat.

As Trish notes, these boats will wait until they are in clear waters and take off at thrilling speeds!

For even more helpful advice, you can always visit our London Travel Tips group on Facebook and ask whatever questions you might have.

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30 Best London Night Cruises & Boat Tours

Check real time availability, browse by category, find the perfect london cruise for you.

London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Take a 1-way or return cruise from Westminster to Greenwich and see the sights of London from the Thames. Listen to a downloadable audio commentary as you admire monuments like the Tower of London.

• 1-2 hours • Skip the line • Guiding available

London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

See the sights of London along the banks of the River Thames on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge and Butler's Wharf Pier.

• 30 minutes - 1 hour • Skip the line • Guiding available

London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

Embark on a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames in London with live commentary from expert guides.

• 45 minutes - 1.5 hours • Guiding available

London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

Indulge in one of England's best traditions and enjoy a 1.5-hour Afternoon Tea cruise along the River Thames. See some of the city’s most historic buildings, while enjoying a pot of tea, served alongside a selection of delicate sandwiches and cakes.

London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

Set sail after sunset and enjoy London's riverside on a cruise down the Thames. Start your evening with a glass of bubbly and sumptuous canapés, listening to a selection of songs from live performers.

London: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy a fully flexible River Thames sightseeing cruise ticket that can be used for any time or route of your choice. See the iconic sites of London from the river, from Big Ben to the Tower of London.

• 1 day • Skip the line

London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

Embark on a wonderful dinner cruise on the River Thames as you feast on a 4-course meal. Enjoy a live performance and dance into the night as you cruise past London's illuminated monuments.

London River Thames Lunch Cruise

Cruise down the River Thames and see some of the city’s most historic sights, while feasting on a delicious 2-course lunch with coffee and tea.

• 105 minutes

London: 70-Minute Thames Barrier Speedboat Tour

Board a speedboat from Embankment Pier and enjoy a round trip experience right up to the Thames Barrier, including live guided commentary and high speed action.

• 70 minutes • Guiding available

London: Speedboat Sightseeing Tour

Get the ultimate adrenaline rush on a high-speed vessel. See the sights of London, twisting and turning at speed to a chart topped playlist, on a round-trip ride along the Thames from Embankment Pier.

• 45 minutes • Guiding available

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Find top Night Cruises & Boat Tours in London

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the best night cruises & boat tours in london are:.

• Londres : croisière sur la Tamise
• De Westminster à Tower Bridge : croisière sur la Tamise
• Londres : croisière sur la Tamise avec London Eye en option
• Londres : Croisière "Afternoon Tea" sur la Tamise
• Londres : croisière en soirée avec champagne et apéro
• Londres : Croisière touristique sur la Tamise
• Londres : Dîner-croisière sur la Tamise
• Déjeuner-croisière sur la Tamise à Londres
• Londres : Excursion de 70 minutes en hors-bord sur la barrière de la Tamise
• Londres : visite touristique en bateau à moteur

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the top Dinner Cruises in London are:

• Londres : croisière, musique jazz et dîner sur la Tamise
• Londres : dîner-croisière de Noël
• Londres : Dîner-croisière avec hommage à Elvis sur la Tamise
• Londres : Croisière Murder Mystery avec dîner de 3 plats

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the most popular London Speed Boats are:

• Londres : croisière en hors-bord au cœur de la ville
• Londres : 40 minutes d'excursion en hors-bord dans la tour Ultimate Tower RIB Blast
• Londres : expérience en hors-bord au coucher du soleil sur la Tamise avec boisson
• Londres : 40 minutes de TOWER BEAST RIDE - Excursion en bateau rapide sur la Tamise
• Londres : Tour en bateau de vitesse "Break the Barrier
• Londres : 2 heures de location d'un yacht de luxe privé sur la Tamise

Based on popularity and guest reviews, the best London Night Cruises & Boat Tours are:

• Londres : bateau à arrêts multiples par Thames Clippers Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass
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London’s best Thames river cruises

Get a whole new perspective of the city with these top Thames river cruises

Think you’ve ticked off everything London has to offer? Think again. Try a Thames river cruise – and no, we’re not talking about the Clippers (well we are, but only a little bit). There are few better ways to take in the capital than by its famously choppy, murky central waterway. Plus the views, from Hampton Court down to the City and Greenwich, are some of the absolute finest our city has to offer.

It's time to ditch dry land and hop aboard a Thames river boat tour. And plenty of London’s top attractions are best seen from the water – so get your camera ready.

RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in London

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Thames river cruises in London

Thames rockets.

• Ships and boats

Bring your waterproofs, because the slick RIB (rigid inflatable boat) operation offers a high-speed ride on the Thames. It's a great way to discover how exhilarating it can be to swoop along the Thames at almost 30 knots – that’s nearly 35 mph, nautical novices! We're not sure how much you'll actually be able to see, but there are plenty more leisurely-paced tours for that sorta thing.

Bateaux London Cruises

• Victoria Embankment

A good river cruise for those who want a spot of grub while taking in the sights along the Thames – Bateaux offer a full range of different dining cruises. There’s the lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruise – or you could really pull the stops out and enjoy their three-course lunch with a live jazz band playing assorted swingin’ classics. All river cruises depart from Victoria Embankment.

City Cruises

• Things to do
• Walks and tours

Want to see the city in style? City cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis and run from Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers with commentary along the way. All the departure points are convenient for the city’s various sights, with Greenwich Pier ideal for the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.

London Duck Tours

Praise whichever brilliant mind decided to paint the scant remaining WW2 landing vehicles in bright, rubber-duck yellow! These duck city tours take in all the typical land-based sights – then has two ‘splashdowns’ into the Thames as it goes into nautical mode and takes passengers around Docklands, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

Thames RIB Experience

• Sightseeing

Instead of a usual tour’s drab history lessons and endless stream of tedious facts, why not try something a little more thrilling? The Thames RIB Experience is more like a rollercoaster than a classic sightseeing tour, and sees passengers jetted across the water at an impressive 45mph. Lifejackets and waterproofs are provided (fortunately), leaving you free to enjoy whizzing around in figure-eights in open water between Tower Bridge and the Isle of Dogs. Try and take in some sights as the high winds reshape your face.

Thames River Boats

Thames River Boats take you all the way from the Palace of Westminster upriver to Hampton Court Palace. It’s a pretty leisurely 22-mile journey: in 90 minutes you’ll be at Kew; in another 90, you’ll be at Hampton Court. But this westward route is a lovely way to appreciate the Thames, as the banks get greener, less cluttered with high-rise buildings and the river buses are replaced by rowers.

Thames Clippers

These days the Thames Clippers are better known as ‘Uber Boats’, not because they’re the most incredible boats but because, you guessed it, they’re sponsored by a taxi company. Sure, they don’t go very fast (trundling along at a very leisurely 30mph), but they’re a pretty underrated, cost-effective way to traverse the Thames.

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Why choose between the road and the river when you can have both? First up on this guided tour you'll be driven round the capital in a routemaster (that's the old red double decker bus), before boarding a Thames Cruiser to view the sites from the water. Sail past landmarks like Shakespeare's Globe and Tower Bridge, before getting back on the bus and heading to her Maj's residence: Buckingham Palace. There's also the option to add a ticket for the London Eye on this package.

Tate to Tate Boat

A connecting service between either art institution, the Tate to Tate Boat runs every 40 minutes. Aside from getting you from one gallery to another, it’s also great for taking in lots of central London scenery. As you might expect, the boat itself is an arty affair: YBA Damien Hirst covered both the exterior and interior with his trademark spots. It’s also genuinely the quickest way to travel from Tate to Tate – this way, you avoid an irritatingly convoluted tube or bus journey.

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London Dinner Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

What do you wear on a dinner cruise on the thames.

Smart casual – The London Dinner Cruise is your excuse to dress up, whether you are celebrating or just heading out for an amazing meal on the Thames. We would advise against flip-flops, leisurewear and ripped jeans.

Do you need to book in advance for a London river dinner cruise?

You will need to purchase your tickets in advance online before boarding the boat for a London river dinner cruise.

Does the river cruise on the Thames have window seats?

Our boats have window seats with tables for two. We advise to book early as these seats sell out. All seats do have access to look out and see London’s iconic sights.

Is there live entertainment on board a London river dinner cruise?

There will be a live singer on board so you can dance the night away on your London river dinner cruise.

Is London river dinner cruise a nice way to celebrate an occasion?

Of course! A London river dinner cruise is perfect for any occasion.

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• United Kingdom

Best London Thames River Cruises – Which One is the Best?

• 9 Pinterest

Embark on a journey along the beautifully scenic and meandering river Thames, with one of the best London Thames River cruises !

A trip to London isn’t fully complete without learning more about the historic Thames, a crucial route for trade and transportation dotted with iconic landmarks and numerous bridges!

Experience the charm of London from the Thames with our top 3 river cruises. Enjoy sightseeing, indulge in afternoon tea, or savor a delightful dinner as you glide along the iconic river. Dive deeper into our diverse selection of Thames River cruises below – one of the most memorable things to do in London !

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• river cruises in London

List of Thames River sightseeing cruises

1 – westminster to greenwich cruise by thames river sightseeing.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 10752 reviews )

“Very entertaining and pleasant ride and the explanations (in English) were very entertaining and interesting. There is also an app to get information about the sights in other languages.” Brigitte, Getyourguide

Explore the delights along the river Thames with the  Thames River Sightseeing which includes cruising past some of London’s top cultural highlights such as the Tate Modern art gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the impressive 310-meter Shard skyscraper!

Sit up on the outer deck and take in the refreshing breeze coming straight off the river. The journey will take you to the fascinating area of  Greenwich , celebrated for its Royal Observatory , large green park and a historic bustling market dating back to the 1700s.

Don’t forget to take a look at the Cutty Sark, a clipper ship from the 19th century that was formerly used for transporting tea!

• book this cruise

The boat deck offered some great panoramic views for soaking up the sights of London! The live guide kept us entertained, providing plenty of historic facts and background knowledge along the route. Thanks to the skip-the-line ticket everything was super smooth and we didn’t have to queue for boarding!

2 – Westminster to Tower of London cruise by Thames River Sightseeing

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 113 reviews )

“The narrator was so informative and the view from the boat was beautiful!!!” Patricia, Tiqets

For those looking for a slightly shorter river cruise, but still jam-packed with a high density of major sights, hop on board the Thames River Sightseeing tour to the legendary  Tower of London ! The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight featuring a white tower built by William the Conqueror dating to the 11th century! The tower is also world famous for being home to the Crown Jewels!

During this fascinating river journey, guests can hop on or off at Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, or St Katharine’s Dock. Cruise past the London Eye , the London Dungeon , the National Theatre and the HMS Belfast and learn more about the rich history of the capital!

The live guide was engaging and we enjoyed learning more facts about iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Awesome views and photographs of Tower Bridge. All the crew staff were super friendly and made the experience a relaxing part of our day out in London.

3 – River sightseeing cruise by The London Eye

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 802 reviews )

“The boat ride was good fun, very full but still the lovely staff made it a great experience. Must be done at least once.” Sarah, Viator

After embarking on a trip in the extraordinary London Eye, get a river’s eye view of the big wheel during The London Eye river cruise which will take you down the Thames to the Tower of London.

Highlights include watching the lively atmosphere along the Southbank with views of the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the open-air Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the iconic Oxo Tower.

Snap some photos of the grandiose dome of St Paul’s Cathedral with its famously unique double-shell design before arriving at the Tower of London, home to ravens, beefeater guards and royal treasures!

Highly recommended for all ages. The guided commentary consisted of a good balance between historical background facts, compelling storytelling and humor. It was beautiful passing under the London bridges and gazing up at the London Eye from the water. Great views of the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral.

4 – Hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise by City Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 15 reviews )

“It very good experience. The commentator was very good man and very updated with latest news too. He was very funny man making Very good jokes.” Rousa, Tiqets

With boats departing every 30 minutes, this 24 hour ticket hop-on hop-off cruise is ideal for those looking for a flexible schedule!

If you want to avoid messing around on the tube, this City Experiences river cruise is an ideal way to transport yourself to some of the best major landmarks whilst soaking up the incredible views of the river.

Hop on the boat as many times as you please in 24 hours so you can really get to know the animated atmosphere along the banks of central London! Enjoy a live guide on board who can fill you in with lots of interesting facts along the way.

It was great to have the option of a hop-on hop-off boat as we could get off at the London Eye and explore the beautiful Jubilee Gardens and the Sea Life London Aquarium. I loved watching how the light along the river really changes throughout the day.

5 – River cruises from Westminster Pier by Thames River Boats

The  Thames River Tours cruise from Westminster to Kew is undoubtedly one of the best London Thames River cruises for those wanting to see a large stretch of the river! From the Houses of Parliament , meander past Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury that dates back to the 13th century!

Pass by the towering Art Deco chimneys of Battersea power station and the green park areas of Wandsworth and Bishops Park as you meander along the Thames.

Sit back and relax as you pass under impressive bridges such as Chelsea or Albert Bridge and admire the mix of charming riverside houses, boat clubs and small river islands.

It was lovely to get a contrast from the hustle and bustle of busy Westminster and travel down the river to pass by some more tranquil areas such as the edge of the London Wetland Center. We loved seeing the iconic glass greenhouses such as the Victorian Palm House at Kew!

6 – River cruises from Kew Pier by Thames River Boats

With a collection of over 50,000 living plants, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew are a great starting point for a  Thames River Tours cruise.

Before embarking on your riverboat look around and discover the Temperate House (the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world), the Treetop walkway or the historical Queen Charlotte’s Cottage!

From the Kew Pier, travel along the river to see the major sights of Westminster such as the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Or instead opt for a trip towards Hampton Court in Richmond, a superb example of 16th-century Tudor architecture with the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world!

We selected the cruise from Kew to Hampton Court. It was great to stop off and explore the Henry VIII apartments and Tudor style Great Hall at the Palace. Passing through Richmond was very pleasant with lots of riverside pubs and restaurants and elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings.

7 – Hop-on hop-off Uber boat cruise by Thames Clippers

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1081 reviews )

“I am new to the city but honestly, I got to see all the key monuments while beating the excessive crowds by boarding the Thames Clippers.” Brantley, Headout

Roam around plenty of London river sights thanks to the efficient Thames Clippers boats! The boats run across a wide circuit divided into three zones (the West Zone, the Central Zone and the East Zone). Choose your itinerary stops and explore areas such as Vauxhall where you can check out the Battersea Power Station, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens or glimpse the MI6 headquarters!

Alternatively, why not get off at London Bridge city, where you can gaze up at the famous Shard (the tallest building in the United Kingdom), delve into the gourmet treats of Borough Market or discover contemporary artists at Tate Modern?

Good news is that the boats run from early morning until late at night!

• see price & reviews

The coffee from the onboard bar was very tasty. The boats are frequent and the speed powerful. A scenic and fast way of traveling around the city especially with the River Roamer Hop On Hop Off Pass. Amazing views and helpful staff on board.

8 – Thames River sightseeing cruise by Viscount Cruises

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (62 reviews)

“a great way to see some of the iconic buildings and bridges of London – highly recommend” Everly, Tripadvisor

On a river trip with Viscount Cruises travelers can pass by more than 44 London landmarks starting off at Westminster and continuing along to Greenwich.

During cold weather, there is interior seating available in the heated saloons with panoramic windows for optimal river views. Pass by Embankment Pier and look out for Westminster Bridge, the South Bank cultural center and Shakespeare’s Globe. Capture some extraordinary photos as you go under Tower Bridge with its intricate Gothic and Victorian-style design!

Finish off your cruise in Greenwich, an area dotted with historical buildings such as the Old Royal Navy College and the Royal Observatory founded in 1675!

We could download an interesting audio guide on our phones to listen to during the cruise to help us learn more about the key landmarks on route. The option of a 2 day river pass was useful since we were visiting London for multiple days allowing unlimited access to the boats!

9 – Thames River sightseeing cruise by Terrible Thames

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

“Fabulous experience…so much fun and energy from the guys…. loads to laugh at and learn about London, tremendous for kids and bigger kids (aka adults) thank you!!” Lain, Tripadvisor

The  Terrible Thames boat rides are the best London Thames River cruises for those in search of some engrossing storytelling regarding the darker and more gruesome historic tales of the Thames! Learn more about important historical figures who have left their mark on London’s history from Henry VIII and Queen Boudicca, to the notorious Jack the Ripper!

Expect plenty of entertainment and wit along with lots of unusual facts and gory anecdotes that you wouldn’t experience on a typical London tourist sightseeing trip!

This river cruise certainly makes a memorable day out for all the family!

The actors were brilliant and really brought the stories and facts to life! A fantastic way to get the kids engaged in sightseeing and curious about the past of London. The dialogue is fast paced and also includes a bit of audience participation which was hilarious! Classic family fun!

List of Thames River brunch and lunch cruises

1 – thames river lunch cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1019 reviews )

“Great value for money, food was very good, staff were friendly and the commentary was great. Very relaxing and enjoyable experience.” Stephen, Headout

Soak up the breathtaking views of London from the river as you tuck into a delicious two course lunch! The City Experiences lunchtime cruise is the perfect romantic experience for couples or a memorable way to celebrate with friends and family during your trip to London.

All diners have access to the views as you meander along the river but book in advance to reserve a window seat.

When you have finished dining, head up onto the panoramic deck for 360-degree views of the river and take some excellent snapshots of top sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Tower of London! Get a a close up shot of Big Ben and some interesting angles as you go under London Bridge.

A relaxing dining experience with an informative commentary detailing the sights as we passed along the riverbanks. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The crew was professional and attentive, assuring an enjoyable day out!

2 – London lunch cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Enjoy the sights of the Thames during the daylight with the lunchtime  Thames Dinner Cruise experience.

Guests will be served a scrumptious 2-course meal while watching the activity on the riverbanks and the historic mix of river architecture pass by!

The cruise can cater to several special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal alternatives which must be pre-booked in advance!

Starting at the Tower of London, head along until London Bridge and pass the famous Millennium Bridge, taking in the sights of the Southbank and Westminster!

A unique dining experience that is a lot more special than any static restaurant. The roasted supreme of chicken was very moist with delicious dauphinois potatoes and vegetables. We also enjoyed the lemon meringue tart. The commentary was interesting and we learned some new facts!

3 – London bottomless brunch cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

This fun-loving brunch cruise organized by  Thames Dinner Cruise promises an unforgettable experience with plenty of glasses of Prosecco and tasty snacks!

Relax as your glass is refilled and tucked into your individual brunch box (both vegetarian and vegan options are available upon pre-booking)! During the cruise guests can boogie along to the DJ party playlist, watching out for major landmarks along the Thames such as Big Ben, the London Eye and London Bridge!

This lively brunch cruise is perfect for birthday celebrations or sophisticated bachelor/ette groups for both Londoners or visitors alike!

What a treat to sail down the Thames with a glass of fizz! The atmosphere was super enjoyable with friendly vibes and great tunes playing! We spotted lots of London sights that we recognized up on the top deck. We particularly liked the salmon and cream cheese bagel and Italian pasta salad.

4 – Halal Lunch Cruise by Halal Tourism Britain

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a 2 course lunch menu on the Halal Tourism Britain river cruise for some tasty food accompanied by great central London panoramas!

Enjoy waiter’s service to your table as you gaze out of the large panoramic boat windows!

After you have your finished tea or coffee, guests can stroll around on the open air deck and spot some classic British landmarks such as the glorious dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the 21 meter tall Cleopatra’s Needle obelisk, The Golden Hinde (a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon ship) or the gigantic Shard!

• check offer

An excellent way to spend midday in London! We savored the delicious leek and mushroom creamy chicken dish and it was fun to cruise past Southbank and the City of London. We got some excellent photo opportunities of the Houses of Parliament and the tour duration was the perfect length for dining and appreciating the views.

List of Thames River afternoon tea cruises

1 – afternoon tea cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 1722 reviews )

“Great activity for people who want to explore London by boat. Got amazing glimpses of the city from the Thames whilst enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and petit four” Dana, Getyourguide

The  City Experiences Afternoon tea river trip is one of the best London Thames River cruises for those who love a good selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, scones laden with sweet fruit jam and clotted cream and a refreshing cup of classic British tea!

Listen along to the onboard commentary whilst sipping on your tea and learn more facts about the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard and much more!

Put your feet up after a long morning of sightseeing and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the calm waters of the Thames and the interesting array of different architecture along the banks!

A delicious selection of egg and cucumber sandwiches and plenty of sweet treats. The panoramas were amazing and we appreciated the unlimited refills of tea and coffee during the trip. Couldn’t feel more British than savoring a scone whilst cruising past Big Ben!

2 – Afternoon tea cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1303 reviews )

“First off, this cruise is very enjoyable, but add in finger foods and unlimited tea and we have ourselves a mighty winner.” Omar, Headout

Packed with tea time treats that will delight those with both a savory and a sweet tooth, the Thames Dinner Cruise afternoon tea experience is a wonderful way to enjoy the Thames highlights.

From Tower Pier, journey along through the Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars arriving at the heart of Westminster. Highlights include spotting the London Eye, Big Ben, St Paul’s and the HMS Belfast!

Feast on mini sandwiches, pastries and scones whilst listening along to the educational and entertaining commentary provided on board.

There are also options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal requirements!

The tables were well presented with generously laid out portions. Booking was very quick and hassle free. During the cruise, the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The commentary helped give us a broad overview of the different London neighborhoods as we passed by!

3 – Afternoon tea cruise by River Thames Cruises

Spend a relaxing afternoon in the spacious and comfortable boat of River Thames Cruises and treat yourself to a traditionally British afternoon tea served onboard. Expect all the classic afternoon tea trimmings such as finger sandwiches, sultana scones and lots of pastries!

When you have had your fill of cups of tea, head up on deck to experience the fresh breeze running straight off the river and observe the bustling riverbanks of central London.

Make sure to keep an eye out for impressive London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Golden Hinde, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, St Paul’s, Big Ben and more!

A very satisfying afternoon tea occasion. For those who already have a feel for central London, it was nice having a river cruise without an overhead commentary so we could have a good chat over the scones and soak up the breathtaking cityscape views.

4 – Afternoon tea cruise by Halal Tourism Britain

Gather a group of friends or family and join  Halal Tourism Britain  for an afternoon tea experience along the river. Snack on traditional scones with clotted cream, cakes and expertly prepared Halal sandwiches during your ride.

As the boat cruises from Tower Pier up to the Houses of Parliament, keep a look out for the London Eye, The Globe Theatre, St Paul’s, Big Ben, Cleopatra’s Needle and the Tate Modern Gallery.

Guests can enjoy unlimited cups of tea and coffee to wash down the tasty afternoon tea treats. Sit back and enjoy the iconic sights of London flying past before your very eyes!

The boat crew was very helpful and made us feel right at home from the start of the cruise. Lovely warm scones and a good selection of freshly prepared sandwiches. Even though we weren’t at a direct window seat, the views were great and we enjoyed sitting up on deck after our tea.

List of Thames River evening cruises

1 – thames river evening cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.0/5 ( 388 reviews )

“Really was impressed with this little cruise. A nice way to end our trip to London. Nice drinks, nibbles and atmosphere. The music by Patrick Phelps was brilliant. Would highly recommend.” Mandy, Viator

Fancy seeing the twinkling lights along the riverbanks of the Thames and illuminated major landmarks? Embark upon the Evening river cruise with  City Experiences for a unique journey combining live jazz music and the magical London sunset!

Sip on sparkling wine to celebrate the occasion and dig into some delicious canapé snacks. Get some fresh air out on the upper floor deck as the boat passes by Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

Watch the lights dance off Tower Bridge and watch that dreamy sunset glow encapsulate the city!

The bubbly upon arrival was fantastic and then there was an open bar to purchase further drinks. We loved the live singer on board who created a really warm and special atmosphere. A highlight of any trip to London!

List of Thames River dinner cruises

1 – dinner dance cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1187 reviews )

“It was a wonderful way to spend an evening in London. The service was excellent. The music was great along with the female singer. The dancing was so much fun.” Linda, Getyourguide

Spice up your evening in London with an abundant 4 course meal and a live cabaret performance with popular musical songs from the West End.

This City Experiences evening dinner cruise is one of the best London Thames River cruises for those looking to get into the swing and have a bit of a boogie on deck. Kick the evening off with a welcome glass of sparkling wine upon arrival and watch the sun go down over the capital.

During the trip, guests can take some excellent photos of London’s illuminated modern landmarks such as the massive O2 arena, the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City Hall, as well as post card classics such as the Houses of Parliament and St Pauls!

The music and singer were fantastic! The food was delicious and it was lovely to sit and watch the lights of the city go by whilst sipping on our after dinner tea and coffee. The tables were well presented and the ambiance felt cosy and intimate. A lovely way to spend a special evening!

2 – Dinner cruise with live jazz by City Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 ( 153 reviews )

“It was a fantastic experience! The food was good, the service was good, the sprits were good, the jazz band was good, the weather was good, the selection was fantastic and one you will never forget!” Tiziana, Getyourguide

Combine the stunning sights of London’s riverbanks with an appetizing 3 course meal whilst relaxing to the chilled-out melodies of the ChiJazz quintet with a repertoire ranging from classic jazz to more contemporary pop songs.

The cruise takes place on the newest addition of the City Experiences  fleet, the Millennium Diamond. This boat is a state-of-the-art vessel with a huge open deck and a modern dining salon.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz upon arrival and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the illuminated glow of London at night!

A great cruise for jazz and food enthusiasts! The open deck area was very spacious and provided an excellent vantage point for observing the city. The staff were friendly and we managed to take some excellent photos before the dinner.

3 – London dinner cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (391 reviews)

“This dinner boat cruise was amazing! My husband and I have a lovely time aboard this beautifully decorated boat. The food was very tasty and the staff were incredible. The sites to see were breathtaking.” Melinda, Google

For those looking for a fun filled evening combining live entertainment and the sightseeing panoramas of London by night, the Thames Dinner Cruise offers a four course set meal with a live professional performer and after-dinner dancing opportunities!

Enjoy popular songs from West End musicals and feel good party tunes as you sail along the Thames! Thames Dinner Cruises caters to vegetarians, vegans, gluten or dairy-free or Halal alternatives.

The boat has floor-to-ceiling windows around the dining area ensuring you can glimpse the sights passing by as you savor your dinner!

This dinner cruise is a very special way to spend a birthday or anniversary occasion. The sparkling wine upon arrival was lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed the burrata salad and warming tomato soup. We would definitely repeat the experience.

4 – Murder mystery dinner cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 11 reviews )

“I had a blast! Good food and fun experience!” Thomas, Getyourguide

Get involved in an interactive murder mystery on the Thames Dinner Cruise involving plenty of clue solving and detective work! Put your brains to the test and prepare for the unexpected during this fun ‘who done it’ game experience!

Enjoy a 3 course meal on board and then head up to the upper deck to take in the views of London at night! From the banks of Westminster, the soaring Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the modern skyscrapers and docklands of Canary Wharf, this dinner cruise offers plenty of spectacular views and entertainment.

A hilarious theatrical evening spent in good company. The murder mystery entertainment was fun and kept us on our feet and we loved taking some fresh air on deck for photo opportunities when going under London and Tower Bridge.

5 – Dinner cruise by River Thames Cruises

During the River Thames Cruises evening experience, guests can enjoy a delicious four course dinner full of British inspired dishes. Sip on a complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon boarding the boat and unwind from a busy day!

A live band on board provides fun dinner entertainment and there is a dance floor for those ready to party! Travel all the way to the Thames Barrier passing by the legendary sights of Greenwich, the City Hall and the modern O2 Arena.

What a sophisticated evening full of freshly prepared fine food and great wine. The live band were full of energy and they really lit up the experience. The boat crew were very helpful and ensured everything about the trip ran smoothly!

6 – Dinner cruise with Elvis Tribute by City Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 23 reviews )

“Awesome. Elvis was good, food was good, cruise the best we have done (and there are quite a few), service pleasant, good atmosphere.” Corina, Getyourguide

Transport yourself back to the golden age of rock and roll with the  City Experiences Thames river cruise including a spectacular three course dinner and a live Elvis impersonator tribute band!

Kick your evening off to a celebratory start with a complimentary drink of sparkling wine on the upper deck before tucking into a freshly prepared dinner menu in the salon below. Get grooving and get your hips swaying to the timeless hits full of nostalgia and electrifying charisma!

In addition to the Elvis entertainment, feast your eyes on the views of London at night as the boat passes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the South Bank.

The Elvis tribute had a fantastic stage presence and really managed to captivate the whole audience during the meal! It certainly felt quite immersive and the diners felt truly part of the action. An evening of pure enjoyment for all!

7 – Dinner cruise by Golden Tours

For fabulous views of London by night and an outstanding four course meal, hop on board the  Golden Tours dinner cruise!

Guests will be serenaded by a two-set live singer performance with the option to hit the dance floor after the meal or head upstairs on the open deck to breathe in the fresh nighttime breeze coming straight off the river.

As the boat sails down the river towards the Thames Barrier, keep your camera ready to capture the twinkling lights of the riverbanks and impressive landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben!

The atmosphere on board was fantastic with everyone joining in on the dance floor during the return journey back to Westminster. The cruise was extensive and we got to see a lot of main sights such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

List of Thames River speedboat tours

1 – speedboat tour by thames rockets.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 527 reviews )

“Fantastic experience! Something to do absolutely if you visit London! The staff on board was really nice and good at their job! Recommended to everyone!!!” Valentina, Getyourguide

Zoom from the London Eye to Canary Wharf with the ultra dynamic  Thames Rockets  experience.

Speed under the bridges of London such as the magnificent Tower Bridge and look up at the city monuments as you propel across the waters to the docklands.

Enjoy the commentary provided by a comedian guide who will have you smiling with endless jokes and storytelling about the history of London. Traveling at 30 knots per hour, this speedy vessel will make you feel invincible! Soak up the refreshing and exhilarating breeze of the Thames first hand.

• book this speedboat tour

Make sure you wrap up warm with weather appropriate clothing! It was extremely fun when the boat started going super fast. The captain and guide made the journey very enjoyable and we loved the feel-good music playing on the onboard sound system.

2 – Speedboat tour by Thames Tigers

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 663 reviews )

“We had such a fun trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. Would highly recommend it!” Julie, Viator

Travel all the way from the Tower of London to Greenwich on the speedy  Thames Tigers rib boat experience! Stop off at Greenwich to take a peak and learn a few facts about the famous Cutty Sark tea clipper ship and the impressive Royal Observatory before swerving past the magnificent O2 arena and heading back into central London!

With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, this tour is an intimate and exhilarating way to discover the heart of the Thames River! Listen along to your enthusiastic guide who will share snip bits of history and anecdotes through the journey.

What a blast of a ride! We had a real adventure along the Thames and it was great to pass through some of the different London neighborhoods. The boat was clean and comfortable and all the kids on board were absolutely loving it. A fabulous way to see London from another perspective.

3 – Speedboat tour by Thames Rib Experience

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 340 reviews )

For fans of high speed rollercoasters and sensational adrenaline kicks, there’s no better option than the dynamic Thames Rib Experience which allows you to blast through the river Thames on an exciting speedboat rib!

Get into the mood for adventure with some James Bond theme tunes playing on the loudspeakers as you zoom past iconic London sights and listen along to the entertaining commentary that will help orientate you along the way!

With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, this rib experience can guarantee some fast-paced exhilarating river action! See London as you have never seen it before and soak up the unparalleled city views!

We would definitely recommend wearing warm and comfortable clothing! The rib experience was a great team bonding experience, everybody on board was having a ball! We enjoyed every minute from start to finish, from the interesting facts and explanations of the cheerful guide to the super speedy accelerations!

4 – ThamesJet speedboat ride by City Experiences

Get ready for a thrilling rush of excitement with the  City Experiences speedboat ride through central London. Feel like you are on a top secret MI5 secret mission as you wizz past major city monuments such as the Shard, St Pauls and the London Eye.

This fast paced river cruise operates during the summer months and don’t worry if you get slightly splashed because passengers are provided with protective waterproof jackets!

Feel your heart pumping with some epic river turns and twists as you propel across the Thames!

The crew made us feel really safe and there was a good safety briefing before we set off. We loved the bumpy parts of the boat ride and the guests were shrieking in excitement. A great way to see a lot of London landmarks in just 50 minutes. What a ride!

List of Thames River private small boat tours & boat rental companies

Escape the crowds with our curated selection of private cruises in London. Indulge in luxurious yacht experiences for tranquility or rev up the excitement with high-speed power boats among friends.

For an exclusive touch, charter a houseboat or yacht for a day on the Thames, offering a unique and sophisticated way to enjoy London’s iconic waters. The perfect way to relax and create some long lasting memories!

• boat rentals in London

1 – Tate Boat

For those who want to explore both the modern art collections in the Tate Modern (located inside the former Bankside Power Station on the South Bank) and the huge collection of British masterpieces at Tate Britain (situated at Millbank on the North Bank), opt for the  Tate Boat that connects the two galleries!

On average a typical journey between the two galleries takes around 25 minutes!

2 – Cruise London

For large birthday events, weddings and celebrations,  Cruise London offers a private party boat charter with two spacious indoor decks and an outer garden deck. The boat can cater for up to 245 guests should you be looking for a large venue capacity!

Cruise London can personalize and tailor your river cruise to suit your preferences with special drinks, food menu and in-house entertainment options.

3 – Thames Luxury Charters

Thames Luxury Charters offers a large and elegant fleet of private charter vessels with a capacity of up to 620 guests if you are planning a huge celebration!

Their famous boats include the Dixie Queen, a replica 19th-century paddle steamer that frequently docks at Tower Pier or the smaller Edwardian built in 1985 by Sir Richard Branson.

4 – Thames Limo

For an intimate romantic dinner, private sightseeing tours or small and select birthday parties, Thames Limo offers private sunset Thames cruises or daytime private river cruises to Hampton Court Palace in a luxurious Venetian water limousine!

The Venetian water limousine adorned with a Union Jack on its hull mixes British character with Italian style finesse!

5 – Out on the Thames

With Out on the Thames guests can customize their river itinerary when hiring a choice of three large party boat vessels. The MV Hurlingham has a capacity for 150 guests with a DJ booth and dance floor!

For sightseeing tours, groups can hire out the 200-guest capacity M.V. Chay Blyth, a traditional British passenger boat! Alternatively, experience the historic MV Viscount Boat built in 1907 with a large open front deck.

6 – Diplomat Cruises

If planning a romantic proposal whilst in London, consider the luxury VIP yachts available at Diplomat Cruises ! They also offer sightseeing cruises with personal guides or dinner cruises with private chefs or buffet catering.

For those who like a bit of fast paced action, their high speed cruises on a private Sunseeker Superhawk promise excellent London panoramas and Bollinger.

7 – Capital Pleasure Boats

Capital Pleasure Boats tick all the boxes for large scale private club nights, birthday discos to graduation parties. With the choice of 4 party boats based at Temple Pier in Central London, the Capital Pleasure Boats can hold from 40 to up to 240 passengers.

Relax on the sundeck, show off your moves on the dance floor, or dine in the central heated saloon areas!

8 – Westminster Party Boats

Westminster Party Boats provide private chartered events boats that can travel between Gravesend and Kew. They accommodate a wide range of group sizes from just 2 guests up to 220.

With over 30 years of experience organizing and hosting events on the River Thames, the Westminster Party Boats can find the right boat for your occasion.

How to book Thames River cruises in London?

Many companies are offering Thames River cruises and there are also many travel websites selling the same tours online. Certain websites may offer discounts, so prices may vary from one website to another.

To ensure that you find the best deal for your river cruise, use the Tourscanner search engine to thoroughly compare offers, reviews, and prices!

• compare Thames River cruises in London