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london boat trip thames

You are here: Things to Do > Boating on the River Thames > Boat trips

Hobbs of Henley The New Orleans|

Boat trips on the River Thames

The River Thames offers so much history along its banks. To truly enjoy sightseeing on the River Thames then sit back and let someone else take the helm! Sit and relax as beautiful scenery glides by on a River Thames boat trip or cruise and enjoy the commentary on the sights along the river!

Passenger Boat Trips

Passenger boat operators offer a variety including day trips, round trips, stopping or one-way services. As well as the scheduled services, you might enjoy a themed river cruise. Choose from a spot of sightseeing with wildlife watching or party nights and seasonal day trips, to name but a few!

The main cruising season for the non-tidal Thames (outside of London) is April-September but each operator may have sailings and cruises outside of this time including special events so please check availability with the business.

Here's some of the key boat operators along the Thames:

Oxford: Salters Steamers

Reading: Thames Rivercruise

Henley: Hobbs of Henley

Windsor, Maidenhead and Runnymede: French Brothers

London to Greenwich: City Cruises

Themed Public Cruises

There are so many choices for boat trips on the Thames. Choose from jazz cruises, wildlife cruises, children's cruises and more. See the list below to see what's available.

A selection of Boat Trips on the Thames currently available at various locations including: 

Salters Steamers , boat trips from Oxford , Alice in Wonderland Cruise and Lunchtime Picnic Cruise.

Thames Rivercruise , Reading    is offering 45/60/90 minute cruises and Wednesday and Saturday Evening Sundowner Fizz Cruises.

  • Thames Experience 45 Minute Round Trip Cruise  - Take a look at the riverside homes, countryside and the Thames as it passes through Reading with refreshments on board as you watch the wildlife pass as the boat glides along the Thames.
  • Thames Experience 60 Minute Round Trip Cruise – Ideal for families, it leaves Caversham behind and heads to the countryside reaching two islands – Apletree Eyot and Poplar Island.
  • Thames Explorer 90 Minute Round Trip Cruise -  Cruise from Caversham Pier through twists and turns to Mapledurham Lock and Weir. This is the river as it should be, tranquil and stunning in Wind in the Willows Country.

All above: weekends from 1 April to 29 October, daily Easter Holiday, May Half Term and School Summer Holiday 24 Jul-1 Sep (no cruises 21-29 Aug). 

  • Other cruises: Shiplake or Goring Cream Tea Cruise, Goring Circular Cruise, Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch or Saturday Sundowner Cruises.

Hobbs of Henley   operates 1 and 2 hour cruises from Henley and themed ticketed cruises.

  • Jazz & Afternoon Tea Cruise  (4 Aug 24) – Enjoy the sounds of a traditional jazz band on a three hour cruise whilst enjoying a delicious English Afternoon Tea.
  • Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea Cruise  (12 May, 21 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep) - Cruise the Thames on one of the most spectacular vessels, The New Orleans and sample the most incredible afternoon tea whilst doing so!
  • Midsomer Murders Cruise with Afternoon Tea  (1 May and 5 Jun 2-4pm) - Aboard The Waterman, these are hosted by a specialist guide who’s knowledge on the TV sensation is superb and enjoy a delicious afternnon tea. Discover many murderous locations along the Thames and which episodes they featured in, the perfect cruise for any fans of this show!
  • Henley Regatta River Cruise  (4 July, 11am - 5pm) - Sail the regatta course on-board Hibernia from 11am – 5pm, enjoying a welcome glass of Pimms, canapés, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea. 
  • Atul Kochhar’s Henley Festival Cruise  (14 Jul, 7 - 10.45pm) - Aboard ‘The New Orleans’ enjoy the finest Indian cuisine provided by Atul Kochhar’s team. One of the first British-based Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star. Cruising up and down the Henley stretch of the Thames, enjoy the atmosphere of the Henley Festival from the river. The fireworks can be viewed from the open upper deck which will give you the most perfect view point for them!
  • Eighties Silent Disco during the Rewind Festival (16 Aug 7-11pm) - Aboard The New Orleans for this fun Eighties night! Put your headphones on and hit our dance floor as you listen to some fab Eighties tunes! This event takes place during Henley’s Rewind Festival so you will be able to take in the sounds and atmosphere from our upper deck during this cruise. The price also includes a cocktail (or mocktail) on arrival and a buffet meal.
  • Purdy's Gin and Jazz Cruise  (23 Aug, 7.30 - 10.30pm) – Aboard The New Orleans, is the incredible singer/songwriter Purdy and her band who will be providing sultry Jazz under the stars. Ticket includes a Mr Hobbs G&T on arrival and a fabulous buffet. 
  • A Ghoulish Halloween Murder Mystery Cruise (31 Oct, 7-10.30pm) - Step aboard The New Orleans for a scary night to remember, our special Halloween murder mystery cruise for everyone who likes dinner with a fright! Partnering with Little Chico Productions.
  • Christmas cruises - Christmas Lunch and Christmas Party Night cruises.
  • Santa Cruises - The brilliant Bertie Slippers will have everyone roaring with laughter and he will be adding some magic, balloons and puppets to the children’s entertainment and Santa will be in his grotto bearing gifts for all the children!  

French Brothers   is operating 40 mins and 2 hour cruises from Windsor, Runnymede to Windsor and Runnymed hop-on-hop-off service. 

  • Windsor 2-hour round trip – Leaving Windsor Promenade, passengers can enjoy excellent views of Windsor Castle and Eton College. After passing Windsor Racecourse, the boat passes through Boveney Lock and passes Sutherland Grange, The Willows and Bray Film Studios.
  • Victorian Paddle Steamer Runnymede hop-on hop-off trip – Daily 29 Mar -18 Apr, 25 May-28 Sep.  Weekends only 15 Apr - 24 May, 9-29 Sep. Board the 'Lucy Fisher', a replica of a Victorian paddle steamer at the Runnymede Boathouse and cruise upstream to the Bells of Ouzeley, which is featured in Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat". Pass the Memorials, and onto the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.
  • Windsor 40 min Round Trip – Daily to 27 Oct, Weekends 28 Oct - 22 Dec. This short cruise goes upstream to Boveney Lock & returns with fantastic views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse & the Brocas Meadows.
  • Runnymede to Windsor Service – Daily 29 Mar - 29 Sep. Leaving from the Runnymede Boathouse, the boat will cruise upstream through Old Windsor Lock and continues through the pretty villages of Old Windsor and Datchet. Travelling through the grounds of Windsor Castle, the boat then passes through Romney Lock and arrives in Windsor.
  • Royal Steamboat Voyage - 19 May, 16 Jun, 22 SeptA nostalgic cruise of discovery through the Queen's back garden on a  beautiful  and  genuine  Victorian steam launch. Departing from Runnymede in the morning you will pass through Old Windsor Lock and the pretty village of Datchet. Salute our Monarch's flag as we steam along past the grounds of Windsor Castle. In the afternoon the boat returns to Runnymede. Enjoy either a hearty lunch or afternoon tea.

City Cruises  in London offers sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and Showboat evening cruises. 

  • Sightseeing cruises - depart daily every 30 to 40 minutes from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and to Greenwich.
  • 24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass
  • Thames Lunch Cruise – Tues-Sun. Enjoy a delicious two course lunch on a relaxed mini voyage through the heart of London: 2-course meal, 1 hour 45 minutes river Cruise, Commentary, Glass of Moët & Chandon (Champagne Package)
  • Afternoon Tea Cruise – Thu-Sun.  See the best views in London while you tuck into tea, scones and all the trimmings of a traditional afternoon tea on the Thames.
  • London Dinner Cruise – Wine, dine and dance on this great dinner cruise on the Thames. See spectacular views of London’s iconic sights including the magnificent London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge and the recently lit bridges as part of the Illuminated River project, whilst enjoying show songs and top hits. Includes: A three-hour cruise, Four-course meal, Welcome drink, Dancing till late, Half bottle of wine per guest.
  • London’s Evening Cruise – See great views of London's riverside landmarks and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a trip through the heart of central London – on a boat. You can choose between being on the open-air upstairs deck or in the saloon, which has big windows. Includes: Sparkling wine or soft drink, Selection of cold canapés served throughout the evening, Background music, 2 hour river Cruise
  • London’s Jazz Cruise on the Thames – Fridays. Enjoy jazz and dinner on the Thames on a journey up and down the river, with great views of landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and more. Includes: 3 hour cruise with our quintet ChiJazz playing jazz, Glass of sparkling wine, 3-course meal with choice of dishes, Cash bar offering Champagne, Pimm's, wines and beers.
  • Halloween Murder Mystery Cruise  
  • Fireworks Night Cruises  
  • Christmas - Thames Christmas Dinner Party , Thames Christmas Lunch Party , Christmas Day Sightseeing ,  Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
  • New Year - New Year's Eve Gala Dinner , New Year's Eve Stargazer Cruise , 

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London Eye River Cruise

Set sail on the River Thames with the London Eye River Cruise.

Opening Hours

Boats leave every hour from 10:45am to 4:45pm.

Ticket Information

Tickets from £14. Combination tickets including a ride on the London Eye can be bought online.

Contact Info

  • Find London Eye River Cruise on Instagram
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Casting off from the London Eye pier in South Bank, this 40-minute guided river boat cruise takes in all of the biggest sights that sit on the river Thames including Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge and more.

This is a circular boat tour starting and ending at the London Eye with live commentary (in English) on board from a professional guide. There are also audio guides available in French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Czech, Hindi, Polish, and Portuguese. Refreshments can be bought from the on-board bar.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

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River Thames Cruise Prices and Reviews

What is the best london river cruise.

london boat trip thames

While our free 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 detail 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, so I've also included a selection of recommendations from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.

Disclosure:  While my recommendations are always unbiased, Tours by Foot may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

TIP: When planning your boat tour or cruise, make sure to check out the  weather in London beforehand.

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

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. It is also  included for free  with the purchase of a 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus ticket with Tootbus Tours.

Click on the map for a larger view .

Thames River Cruise Map

Single Tickets

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

Prices start at £10.80/adult (16+), £7.05/child (5-15), and free for infants 4 and under.

See their full list of single and return ticket prices here .

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.

River Pass Tickets

24-Hour Pass

  • £24 Adults (16+)
  • £16.00 for Children (5-15)
  • Free for Infants (4 and under)

More information or to purchase tickets .

Cruises run every 30 minutes. (Frequency changes seasonally).

Exact departure times depend on which pier you wish to depart from.

But, as soon as I got to the piers I was able to check the display board to see exactly how long I would need to wait for the next service.

Highlights along the cruise include the London Eye, OXO Tower, London Bridge, The Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.

TIP:  City Cruises hop-on-hop-off service is usually  included for free for holders of a London Sightseeing Pass , a tourist attraction concession card. It is also  included for free  with the purchase of a 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus ticket with Tootbus Tours.

Reviews of City Cruises

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

london boat trip thames

Thousands of reviewers have given them a 5-star rating, which is a good sign.

The negative comments that have been left often mention unforeseen technical issues with the boats or scheduling software.

I haven't personally experienced any of that myself, however.

To avoid any issues, make sure to arrive early for your cruise and call them the day before your excursion to make sure there are no problems.

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

  • £22.10 Adults (16+)
  • £11.05 for Children (5-15)
  • This cruise is included with the London Pass .

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

Most reviews are very positive, stating that it is great value for the money. The staff is said to be courteous and helpful, which I definitely would agree with.

Also, guests said that the boat went just fast enough to get from point A to point B efficiently while still being slow enough to enjoy sightseeing with the downloadable app, which I think is an accurate way to describe the journey.

Read reviews here .

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. 

A majority of reviews are very positive, but there are a few negative comments. 

Complaints tend to focus on the fact that this is a sightseeing cruise, which means it might not be as speedy as other services.

I find that the leisurely ride with TRS is enjoyable, but it's not the best way to travel through town via the River - that definitely goes to the UberBoats.

Other than these issues, most passengers love Thames River Services!

Find out more about Thames River Service Tours .

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

london boat trip thames

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 :

  • £19.50 for Adults
  • £16.50 for Children
  • Children under 2 ride for free
  • Cruise and London Eye Adult Price £60.00 for Adults and £54.00 for Children

Before purchasing tickets, note that this cruise is included in the  London Explorer Pass , which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.

When I went, I timed my visit to coincide with the tour departure times.

A single rotation on the London Eye takes around 30 minutes, and I went off peak so didn't have to wait in a queue.

It is possible to get the timings right if you do a bit of planning!

  • Daily Cruises from 10:45 to 19:45
  • Cruise departs *10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, *17.45, *18.45, *19.45

Note: *Opening times may vary depending on seasonality. Be sure to check their schedule .

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

Although there is a small contingent of passengers who had negative experiences, most reviews are very positive.

There aren’t enough complaints to suggest that these are common problems and I certainly didn't experience any. 

Positive reviews for the service indicate that other guests found their tour guides to be quite helpful and informative.

The majority of people who take this cruise find it enjoyable - my family who I went with enjoyed it as they had limited time in the city so that made it a convenient choice for us.

It’s fair to assume that the few complaints may just be random outliers.

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."

london boat trip thames

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 their website 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:

Thames Barrier Experience (75 minutes)

  • £69.00 for Guests 14+
  • £59.00 for 14 and Under

Canary Wharf Experience (50 minutes)

  • £54 for Guests 14+
  • £49 for Children 2 - 13 years

Tower RIB Blast (20 minutes) - This is the one I hear the most about on my tours!

  • £35.50 for Guests 14+
  • £31.50 for Children 2 - 13 years

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

Many comments report that this is an excellent trip for families on holiday.

Other positive comments mention that you will probably get wet while on this excursion, so it’s best experienced during hot days (I know that sounds like a joke but we DO get hot weather - I promise!).

This is intended as more of an entertaining thrill ride. If you’re looking for excitement on the river, consider the Thames RIB Experience.

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.

london boat trip thames

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.

  • £49 for Adults
  • £39 for Children (15 and under)

Tour Hours:

  • 9 tours between 11 am and 7 pm (there may be fewer tours in the winter months)

TripAdvisor has given the Thames Jet service 4 ½ out of 5 stars . Most of the reviews are very positive, but there are a few negative comments.

Luckily, the few negative reviews don't appear to be the norm.

Most people enjoy this speedboat tour, with a majority of reviews stating that the tour guides are very entertaining and informative.

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!

london boat trip thames

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 favourite! 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.

More information or to purchase .

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.

So it's worth taking a look at their fare calendars to see which is cheapest when you are in town.

Lunch Cruise on The Thames

  • £51 for Adults
  • £41 for Children (ages 3-12)

Afternoon Tea on The Thames

  • £55 for Adults
  • £45 for Children (ages 3-12)

Jazz Cruise on The Thames

  • £107+ (depending on date/time) per Adult (18+ only)

London Dinner Cruise on The Thames

  • £89+ (depending on date/time) per Adult (18+ only)

When it comes to its dining cruises, this company has received fairly high ratings on TripAdvisor.

Although this isn’t their primary service, City Cruises regularly receives positive remarks for their dining boat trips.

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

Some have said that their Sundowner cruise is a great way to unwind after a long day, while others have reported that the Afternoon Tea cruise is a good value for the money.

And, as I stated above, the Jazz Cruise gets 5 stars from me, too.

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.

london boat trip thames

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 more information or to book .

  • £44.00 for Adults
  • £35.00 for Children (ages 5-15)
  • £140.50 for Families (2 Adults + 2 Children)
  • £64.00 for Adults
  • £54.00 for Children  (ages 5-15)
  • £209.00 for Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)
  • Tickets can be used on any date within 6 months of purchase.
  • Enjoy each tour or cruise at your own leisure.
  • Follow the tour hours of City Cruises to schedule your boat trip.

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.

Even customers who did not enjoy their experience reported that the cruise was excellent. Many passengers have said that this is a great value for the money.

Others report that the buses run frequently, allowing you to get off and experience various sites such as the Tower of London.

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.

Ticket Prices  (online purchase)

  • 24 Hour Tickets: £46/Adults | £26/Children
  • 48 Hour Tickets: £53/Adults | £31/Children

Purchase tickets or learn more .

  • Tickets can be used on any date within 6 months of purchase
  • Enjoy each tour or cruise at your own leisure
  • Follow the tour hours of City Cruises to schedule your boat trip

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.

Most of the complaints focus on a lack of buses, but, in my opinion, this has changed as the brand has become more popular.

Most customers have not reported a problem with their offerings, and there are thousands of reviews suggesting that this company provides excellent service.

Many passengers noted that their tour guides are very good (and I know a couple of them personally so I van vouch for that, too!), so this should be a great choice if you want to learn a lot about the London area.

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.

london boat trip thames

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!

How far do cruise boats go up the Thames?

It all depends upon which river cruise you are taking.

Most of the cruises start from Westminster Pier and goes up to Tower Millennium Pier.

Some long run cruises also start from Millbank Pier and reach Greenwich Pier.

To see it all, I would strongly recommend riding from Battersea to Greenwich, where possible!

There are also some special river cruises during the warmer months which run from Westminster to Hampton Court Palace .

Are River Cruises safe?

The cruise river boats are inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and they carry modern safety equipment onboard.

Also, trained skippers and crews run the safety briefing as they leave their respective boarding points.

In other words, there is no reason to worry about safety while enjoying a cruise ride.

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.

london boat trip thames

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.

london boat trip thames

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.

london boat trip thames

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!

london boat trip thames

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.

london boat trip thames

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!

london boat trip thames

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!

london boat trip thames

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.

RELATED POSTS

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River Bus Ticket Information

There are several ways for you to pay before you travel

Ways to Pay

Paying for river travel with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers couldn't be easier, we have different options available. Choose the most convenient for you. Remember, you must pay for a valid ticket before boarding.

Payment Contactless Oyster 1000X630

Contactless or Oyster

Touch in and out with the same contactless or Oyster card (including at interchanges) to pay as you go. It’s quick and easy. Each passenger needs a separate card.

- You must have enough credit on your pay as you go Oyster card to complete your journey. We do not have top up facilities. - Touch in and out with the same card, including interchanges. - TfL daily cap does not apply to River services. - For contactless travel, please be aware that overseas transaction fees may apply to a card issued outside the UK; please check with your card issuer.

Globe 1000X630

Buy single, return, River Roamers and Joint Tickets online and show the PDF ticket on your device before boarding

App UBTC 1000X630

Thames Clippers Tickets App

Do you often travel with us? Download our Tickets app and save up to 75% on river travel with season tickets

App Uber 1000X630

You already have the Uber app installed on your phone? Save time and buy tickets directly through their app

Ticket 1000X630

Ticket office or ticket machine

Buy your tickets on the day directly at the pier at either the ticket office or one of the ticket machines and pay the standard fare. 

Geoffrey Baumbach Gzhaf9okwu0 Unsplash

By paying for your travel online, via the app or using a Contactless or Oyster card you can save up to 24%.

The River Bus is divided into zones, just like the tube. Our services operate in three zones: West, Central and East and the fare will depend on which zones you travel in. Your ticket must be valid for all the zones you travel through. For instance, if you are travelling between Tower and Greenwich piers you will need a Central and East ticket.

Save up to 24% off the standard fare (purchased at the pier) by buying your tickets online, via the apps or travel using a Contactless or Oyster card.

  • Child and Concession - 50% off adult fares Excludes return fares purchased at the pier. A child is 5-15 years old. 4s and under travel free. For concession fare eligibility, please see discounts section below .
  • TfL Travelcard holders receive 1/3 off standard fares and season tickets.

For all discounts, please see below.

Bike

You can bring your bike on board at no extra cost

Pet Fill

Dogs are allowed on board. Please keep them on a lead. 

Single & Return

Travel A to B in comfort and style!  Below are our adult fares for single and return tickets depending on the payment method you choose.

Go unlimited

Explore more with River Roamer tickets, unlimited all-day travel across all of our piers or choose an East Zone River Roamer to explore the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the area.

Cross River

Making crossing the Thames easier and cheaper for customers wanting to travel between the following piers: 

  • Barking Riverside Pier  ↔  Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)   Pier For an easy connection with the Elizabeth line (within 9 minutes)
  • Greenland (Surrey Quays) Pier  ↔  Canary Wharf Pier
  • Doubletree Docklands Pier  ↔  Canary Wharf Pier For an easy connection to the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, the DLR or Santander bikes.

Touch in and out with an Oyster or contactless card or alternatively purchase your Cross River ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps.

Terms and conditions:

- The Cross River fare applies when touching in and out with an Oyster or contactless card for pay as you go or by buying a Cross River ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps. - Discounts are not available for the Cross River fare: children, concession or Travelcard discounts do not apply. For these rates please purchase a regular East Zone ticket to receive a discount. -Only applies for single journeys between DoubleTree Docklands / Greenland (Surrey Quays) and Canary Wharf piers or Barking Riverside and Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) piers.

Other tickets

Commuter am.

Travelling on weekdays between 06:30 and 09:30? Save up to 25% when buying a single Commuter AM ticket on the Thames Clippers Tickets app, compared to when touching in and out with your Oyster or Contactless card.

Season Tickets

Save up to 75% on river travel with a weekly, monthly or annual season ticket via our Tickets app. This can work out as little as £1.61 per journey with our annual option. You’ll also receive 15% off at the café bar on board.

Flexible Ticket Carnets

A flexible solution for those who travel with us on a regular basis. Save time and money with our carnets, a flex ticket is up to 25% cheaper per journey compared to touching in with a Contactless or Oyster card. 

Park & Glide

Avoid costly central parking by parking your car securely at The O2 for the day and use the River Bus to travel into the city from North Greenwich Pier. Tickets are great value for money!

Note: 'Park & Glide for Work' tickets are temporarily unavailable. We are working to bring them back as soon as possible. 'Park & Glide for Leisure' can still be purchased.

Joint Tickets

Make the most of your day in London with our joint tickets for river travel and entry to some of the city’s greatest attractions along the Thames.

Group tickets

Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on Single, Return and River Roamer tickets. Just book in advance via our form and we'll get in touch.

Gift vouchers

Purchase one of our gift vouchers and treat friends or loved ones to a fantastic experience on the river. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.

Boarding process

We operate a first come, first served boarding process at our piers, with season ticket holders (weekly, monthly and annual) boarded to their preferred sailing first* right behind any customers with disabilities.

Each of our vessels has a maximum capacity which we cannot exceed under any circumstances. This means if the vessel reaches capacity, boarding will be stopped. At staffed piers, the team are at hand to help with information regarding capacity and wait times. All customers are advised to arrive at the pier at least 5 minutes prior to their intended sailing. Ticket inspections are carried out at staffed piers during pre-boarding before the vessel arrives. To pay the correct fare, customers should only touch-in (if using Oyster/Contactless) when asked to do so. To ensure our vessels depart on time, customers who do not have the right tickets or arrive after pre-boarding has commenced or after the vessel is alongside, may be required to board the following sailing.

*Available at select piers only whilst staff are present. Find out more on our FAQ page .

  • Children 4 years old and under travel free. Maximum two per ticketholder; any additional children under 4 years old will need a child ticket of their own.
  • Children aged 5-15 get 50% off the adult price for all tickets (excluding return fares at piers, carnets and joint tickets).
  • If children are travelling with Oyster pay as you go and want to receive the 50% discount they must have an 11-15 Oyster photocard, a 5-10 Oyster photocard or an Oyster/Visitor Oyster card with young visitor discount activated.
  • Children receive a further 1/3 off standard child fares if they have a London Travelcard (the equivalent of half the price an adult Travelcard fare).
  • Receive 1/3 off Standard fares with a Transport for London (TfL) Travelcard. This means you can receive 1/3 off standard Adult and Child single tickets, Adult River Roamers, Child River Roamers and Season Tickets.
  • Oyster cards linked to Travelcards (weekly, monthly, annual) will automatically apply the 1/3 off when touching in and out.
  • Passengers with paper Travelcards will need to purchase their tickets online, via the Tickets app or with the self-service ticket machine and select the TfL Travelcard option.
  • Zip Oyster photocard, London Bus and Tram Pass season tickets are not eligible for the travelcard discount.
  • Do you want to know more about Travelcards? Please check the TfL website here
  • Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster card and UK regional senior bus pass holders can receive 50% off all Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fares (excluding return purchased at piers). This includes a 50% discount on River Roamer tickets, single tickets and season tickets.
  • This discount can be accessed by selecting the Concession fare via our website, the Tickets app, at the ticket office or at the ticket machine.
  • You will need to show your Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster card or UK regional senior bus pass to a member of staff when asked.
  • Please note that Freedom Passes and UK regional senior bus passes can't be used to pay as you go, meaning they will not work with touching in and out at the Oyster card readers at piers.
  • Please visit the Freedom Pass website for more information. We are unable to extend a similar discount to holders of Senior Railcards.
  • Any person with a disability will receive a 50% discount of all of our tickets. This includes Single, Return (online only), River Roamer and season tickets; doesn't include carnets.
  • If buying your ticket online, via the Tickets app or at the ticket machines at the pier, please select the Concession fare.
  • When booking a ticket online add a Concession and a Carer ticket to your basket (applies to tickets for all timetabled services but may exclude some special sailings.)
  • The carer ticket can also be accessed by selecting the Concession + Carer fare via the Thames Clippers Tickets app (available for Single, Return and River Roamer tickets - for season tickets please contact our Customer Service team ).
  • Should you require the assistance of more than one person, please contact our Customer Service team to arrange tickets.

Learn more about the accessibility of our services

  • 18+ Student Oyster photocard holders and Apprentice Oyster photocard holders will receive 1/3 off Season Tickets. 
  • To obtain the discount please select the ‘Travelcard discount’ option via the Thames Clippers Tickets app.
  • War Veteran Pass holders can receive a 50% discount off all of our fares. This includes River Roamer tickets, single tickets and season tickets.
  • This discount can be accessed by booking via our website, the Tickets app, at the ticket office or at the ticket machine and selecting the Concession fare.
  • You will need to show your War Veteran Pass to a member of staff when asked.
  • Please note, if you wish to touch in and out with your War Veteran Pass, you must have sufficient credit on your Oyster card.
  • TfL staff can receive the Travelcard discount: 1/3 off Standard fares. This is also the case for TfL staff's ‘nominated family/friend’.
  • To obtain the discount please show your staff pass when buying your ticket at a pier ticket office, or select the ‘Travelcard discount’ option if purchasing tickets at a pier self service machine, online or via the Thames Clippers Tickets app.
  • Tate Members get a 25% discount on the RB2 Tate to Tate service.
  • Purchase your ticket at the Ticket office at Bankside or from the ticket machines at Bankside or Millbank piers. You must show your Tate Membership card to a member of staff when boarding.

Useful links

Accessibility, book tickets.

Refund Policy and Conditions of Carriage

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Thames River Sightseeing Timetable

Temporary timetable on Thursday 30 May 2024

DAILY TIMETABLE from Monday 13 May to Friday 24 May 2024

Westminster to Tower Bridge (Butler’s Wharf Pier) and Greenwich

*(No Greenwich service) These departures are only from Westminster to Butler´s Wharf returning to Westminster

**These departures are one-way only.

*(No Greenwich service) These departures are only from Westminster to Tower Bridge (Butler´s Wharf Pier) returning to Westminster

***18:10 Departure from Greenwich to Westminster will not stop at Tower Bridge

DAILY TIMETABLE FROM 19 APRIL 2024

Westminster to Greenwich via Bankside

Circular Cruise: Westminster to Bankside and Tower Bridge** – 1 hour round-trip

Daily from 3RD January to 29th February 2024

* These last departures are only weekends and from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge Quay returning to Westminster (No Greenwich service)

**(One-Way) – These departures are one-way only without return service

Daily from 1st of March to 22ND of March 2024

* These last departures are only from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge Quay returning to Westminster (No Greenwich service)

Daily from 23RD of March to 31st of May 2024

Service Update for Tower Bridge Quay Operations

Due to upcoming developments at Tower Bridge Quay, our services at this location will be suspended from 19 April 2024. We’re pleased to offer Bankside Pier as a convenient alternative.

Located near London’s key cultural attractions such as The Shard, the Shakespeare´s Globe Theatre, Borough Market, Tate Modern, and St Paul’s Cathedral, Bankside Pier is perfect for those looking to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Our Westminster to Greenwich route will now include a stop at Bankside Pier.

For passengers on the Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay route, please note that our cruises will pass under Tower Bridge without stopping, eliminating the need to change boats for the return trip. You may also choose to disembark at Bankside Pier on your way from Westminster.

For more information about our new routes, please click here

We look forward to welcoming you aboard and creating memorable experiences at our new location!

Departure times are subject to change

Daily from 1st June to 1st September 2024

Daily from 2nd september to 27th october 2024, daily from 28th october to 31st december 2024, book your next adventure today.

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

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  • 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

london boat trip thames

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. 

london boat trip thames

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

london boat trip thames

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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COMMENTS

  1. Best Thames River Cruises & Boat Trips in London

    Purchase a river roamer boat trip ticket for unlimited river travel, and combine your ticket with entry to riverside attractions, such as Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tower of London . Book a one-day river roamer boat trip ticket with Thames Clippers now. 6. Thames lunch cruise with City Cruises.

  2. Thames River Cruises & London Boat Trips

    Starting in 1999 with just one boat in operation, our fleet has grown exponentially to 20 high-speed Thames river boats, offering services from all major London piers every 10-20 minutes. Our services cater for everyone from early morning commuters to night-time passengers. There are countless reasons to choose a London River Bus over any other ...

  3. Thames River Sightseeing

    Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1LA. Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT. Enjoy an unforgettable Thames River cruise in London and experience panoramic views of famous London landmarks from our boats. Book with Thames River Sightseeing for a unique adventure!

  4. River Thames Sightseeing Cruises

    Return. Adult 16+. £14.75*. £19.45*. Child 5-15) £9.90*. £13.10*. Hop-on Hop-off Pass. These tickets allow for unlimited trips between our piers, so you can hop on and off the boats to go up and down the river as much as you like.

  5. Boat trips on the River Thames

    A selection of Boat Trips on the Thames currently available at various locations including: Salters Steamers , boat trips from Oxford , Alice in Wonderland Cruise and Lunchtime Picnic Cruise. Thames Rivercruise, Reading is offering 45/60/90 minute cruises and Wednesday and Saturday Evening Sundowner Fizz Cruises.

  6. River Cruise London

    Embark on a captivating 40-minute round-trip tour along the River Thames with the London Eye River Cruise. Setting sail from The London Eye Pier, you'll witness iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (Palace of Westminster), St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge before returning to your starting ...

  7. The BEST River Thames Cruises & boat tours 2024

    Our most recommended River Thames Cruises & boat tours. 1. London: The London Eye Entry Ticket. Take a flight on the iconic London Eye to enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. Situated in the heart of the city, you get closer views of London's most spectacular landmarks. Wave hello to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul's ...

  8. London Eye River Cruise

    Casting off from the London Eye pier in South Bank, this 40-minute guided river boat cruise takes in all of the biggest sights that sit on the river Thames including Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe, Tower Bridge and more.. This is a circular boat tour starting and ending at the London Eye with live commentary (in English) on board from a professional ...

  9. Which Thames River Cruises Are Best?

    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!

  10. London: Thames River Sunset Cruise with Wine and Canapés 2024

    Witness the enchantment of London at night on an evening cruise along the historic Thames River. Aboard the glass-encased boat, enjoy the city's main attractions at dusk, including the Shard, Big Ben, and the HMS Belfast. Savor a glass of sparkling wine (or soft drink) and canapés as you cruise the river and delight in the magic of London's urban shoreline as night falls.

  11. Thames River Boats

    Thames River Boats operate cruises between Westminster, Kew, Richmond & Hampton Court on-board a fleet of traditional River Thames passenger boats. Telephone: +44(0) 20 7930 2062 Email: [email protected]

  12. Thames Evening River Cruise

    Ferry & Transportation. Book an evening on the Thames with a range of cruises from City Experiences - London's No 1 Evening Cruise on the Thames.

  13. Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

    You'll get to see many of London's stunning riverside landmarks including Tower of London, the Shard, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye on your Thames afternoon tea river cruise. Click here to see all Thames sightseeing cruise FAQs.

  14. River

    River Bus and River tours from Richmond to the Thames Barrier. Fast and frequent services and leisure routes ... From Hampton Court to Barking Riverside, find out where the boat can take you. London's Passenger Pier Strategy. Find out more about our strategy for the city's network of piers. London's Passenger Pier Strategy.

  15. Illuminated River Official Boat Tours

    Our Illuminated River Official Boat Tours will run every Saturday this winter from Tower Pier. Illuminated River is a long-term art installation transforming the capital at night, bathing nine of the bridges that cross the Thames in environmentally-friendly LED light: London, Cannon Street, Southwark, Millennium bridges were the initial bridges ...

  16. Buy tickets now

    Single. Get from A to B with a single ticket and enjoy the views on board. One way journey. Choose from over 20 piers across London. Valid for any sailing on the date selected*. Save up to 23% when buying online. *Within the same zones of the piers selected. Buy now.

  17. Take in London's Most Iconic Sights

    Recommended for London. Official Central London Experience - City Cruises Thames River Cruise, Tower of London, The View from The Shard London: Madame Tussauds | SEA LIFE London Aquarium | The London Eye | Tower of London | 24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass | London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard ...

  18. Thames Speed Boat & London RIB Experience

    Recommended things to do in London; with Thames Rockets sightseeing boat tours. Adult from £109.95. Child £90.45. Rocket Revolution (50 mins + London Eye) Reviews. Book now. Find out more. Adult from ... 2020 saw us receive the 'Traveler's Choice Award' by TripAdvisor and in 2024 we were named 'European Adventure Tours & Activities ...

  19. Prices and Discounts

    Save up to 24% off the standard fare (purchased at the pier) by buying your tickets online, via the apps or travel using a Contactless or Oyster card. Child and Concession - 50% off adult fares. Excludes return fares purchased at the pier. A child is 5-15 years old. 4s and under travel free.

  20. Timetable

    Find the perfect time for your adventure with our Thames River Sightseeing timetable. See our schedule of cruise times & book your London tour today! ... 1 hour round-trip Timetable. Westminster to Bankside (20 min) Bankside to Westminster via Tower Bridge** (40 min) From 19th to 28th of April 2024. 11.20. 11.40.

  21. Hampton Court Landing Stage

    Hampton Court Landing Stage River Cruises & Boat Trips with Thames River Boats. Hampton Court Landing Stage. ... (34 Minutes to London Waterloo) Bus Services. Hampton Court Palace: 111, 216, 411, 461, 513, R68. Coach Parking. Hampton Court Station (Managed by Southwestern Trains)

  22. Richmond Landing Stage River Cruises & Boat Trips with Thames River Boats

    Richmond Landing Stage River Cruises & Boat Trips with Thames River Boats. Richmond Landing Stage. ... 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.

  23. London Zoo + Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Single Trip & IFS Cloud

    London Zoo + Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: Single Trip & IFS Cloud Cable Car. Book once and enhance your experience with this convenient combination of must sees

  24. Hidden London Tours

    Hidden London Tours allow you to explore hidden parts of the tube network and go behind the scenes of some of London's busiest stations. Choose from a variety of London Underground stations usually closed to the public and discover historic passageways, signage and shelters. ... Best Thames river boat tours. Best musicals in London 2024. Top ...