the thames boat trips

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

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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Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Tickets

Select Your Experience

Westminster To Tower Bridge Quay Thames Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Enjoy a cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge Quay, with a choice between one-way and round-trip.
• Let the live English commentary wash over you as you enjoy the city views, or tune in to WiFi audio guides available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin.
• Revel in a serene route that takes you through Embankment, Festival, and Bankside piers before reaching Tower Bridge Quay.
• Catch stunning views of famous monuments, including the London Eye, National Theatre, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, and many more.

This ticket has the following options that you can choose from:

• One-Way Cruise
• Round Trip Cruise

Uber Boat By Thames Clippers Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in London

• Soak in the best sights of London as you travel on the River Thames by boat.
• With over 18 piers across London and a fleet of 20 boats departing from Putney Pier in the west to Woolwich Royal Arsenal in the east, plan a hassle-free itinerary.
• Navigate through the city safely and comfortably as your cruise past London’s best attractions.
• Choose between a single river journey on the Thames or a River Roamer hop-on hop-off pass.
• Some of the iconic sites you’ll see are the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, the Oxo Building, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Weekday Westbound

• First cruise is at 6:25am from Barking Riverside
• Last cruise is at 10:57am from Putney
• Frequency: approx. every 30 minutes

Weekday Eastbound

• First cruise is at 6:30am from Putney
• Last cruise is at 10:24am from Barking Riverside
• Frequency: approx. every 20 minutes

Weekend Westbound

• First cruise is at 8:20am from Barking Riverside
• Last cruise is at 4:28pm from Battersea Power Station

Weekend Eastbound

• First cruise is at 8:35am from Battersea Power Station
• Last cruise is at 4:53pm from Barking Riverside

Please here for the detailed route map.

• Tip: Opt for a cruise from March to October for the best weather.
• Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility, Pram/stroller accessibility
• You can bring a Guide or Assistance dog on board with you without charge.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Thames River Sightseeing Cruise | A journey down London's liquid lifeline

What better way to describe London, if not an enchanted forest? If you stand anywhere in the middle of the city and do a 360-degree spin, you’ll see the burg don a different attire at every angle- a cloak of dreams, a motley of royalty, a gown of beauty and so much more.

In Ralph McTell’s words, “So how can you tell me you’re lonely, And say for you that the sun don’t shine? Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London. I'll show you something to make you change your mind”

That’s exactly what a sightseeing cruise of the Thames River offers! Instead of the streets, you’ll be cruising down London’s artery. Encounter the city’s proud landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben, National Theatre, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and more, dotting its shore, all in the span of a few hours!

What are you looking for?

So, sightseeing on the Thames? Got you! Just click on the links below to jump straight to what you're interested in, on your Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. This guide is all about you, so take your time reading through it to make the best decision!

Which Thames River Sightseeing Cruise is the right one for you?

Thames river sightseeing cruise | route map, want more options, london from the water | must-sees on a thames river cruise, 6 most famous bridges you can see on the thames river sightseeing cruises, tips if you are planning to get on a thames sightseeing cruise, frequently asked questions about thames river sightseeing cruise.

• Cruise : Westminster To Greenwich River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
• Starting from: €18.47
• Boarding point: Find on Maps
• Sights and attractions:  Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Palace of Westminster, Lambeth Palace, Chelsea Royal Hospital, The Shard, Tower Bridge (from a distance). You won't see much of East London or the riverside areas.

⭐ Most popular

• Cruise : Westminster To Tower Bridge Quay Thames Cruise
• Starting from: €15.08
• Sights and attractions: Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London, Southbank area, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge (up close). You won't see Greenwich or any of the eastern riverside areas.

⚡Quickest option

• Cruise : Uber Boat By Thames Clippers Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in London
• Starting from: €11.98
• Boarding point: Find on maps
• Sights and attractions:  Putney Bridge, Kew Gardens, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Thames Barrier (the world's second-largest movable flood barrier) & more. Those interested in downtown London's sites may find this journey too long.

💵 Pocket friendly

Get a sound understanding of what attractions you can see and what pier is best and the most convenient for you using this map. For ease of access, download the map below.

Combine sightseeing with lunch, afternoon tea or an evening pre-dinner meal! As you cruise down the heart of London, enjoy a savoury British spread while listening to your audio guide letting you in on interesting facts and stories about the beautiful attractions dotting the skyline.

Thames River Lunch cruise

• Food:  A set lunch menu or buffet with a variety of options
• Ambiance:  Can be casual or semi-formal, depending on the company
• Who should go:  Great for those who want a scenic lunch experience while sightseeing. Ideal for families or groups who want a fulfilling meal.

Thames River Afternoon tea cruise

• Food:  Traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, pastries, and unlimited tea or coffee
• Ambiance:  Relaxed and elegant
• Who should go:  Perfect for those who want a quintessential British experience with charming views. Ideal for celebrations or a relaxing afternoon outing.

Thames River Evening Cruise

• Food:  Light canapés and drinks depending on cruise
• Ambiance:  Romantic or lively, depending on the cruise
• Who should go:  Good for couples seeking a romantic dinner with a view, or friends looking for an evening out with scenic city lights and entertainment (live music, DJs).

The Houses of Parliament (Right Bank)

This is undoubtedly the most iconic bridge in London. Built in 1894, it's known for its twin towers, Gothic Revival architecture, and bascules (the middle section that raises to allow large ships to pass). You can even walk across the walkways high above the Thames for stunning views!

Blackfriars Bridge

This bridge holds historical significance. First built in Roman times, the current version dates back to the late 18th century. It's known for its elegant design with five elliptical arches and its artistic connections - featuring statues of famous figures like William Shakespeare and Queen Victoria.

Westminster Bridge

Opened in 1862, it's the first major wrought-iron Thames bridge known for its seven arches and its lamp standards designed by famous gas engineer Isambard Kingdom Brune. You can see it on all three cruises. Its green color is said to match the leather seats in the House of Commons, located nearby.

Waterloo Bridge

This is the longest of the central London bridges, spanning the Thames at a whopping 1,230 feet. Opened in 1817, it played a significant role in the Battle of Waterloo, hence the name. It was also the first bridge across the Thames to be lit by gas lamps.

Lambeth Bridge

This suspension bridge is known for its classy design and eight massive towers. Opened in 1862, it replaced an earlier ferry service and offered a crucial north-south link across the river. Lambeth Bridge is a popular spot for film and television appearances.

London Bridge

Despite its name, Tower Bridge isn't the most famous one in London (often confused with Tower Bridge). The first bridge on this site was built by the Romans in the 1st century AD! The current bridge, opened in 1971, is a modern concrete and steel structure. You can see it on the hop-on hop-off cruise.

Cruise when the weather's bad!

Ever thought about enjoying London's views when the weather's at its worst? Sounds a bit wild, but hear us out! Imagine this: grey skies, maybe a drizzle and the London skyline shrouded in the gloomy 'gram worthy natural filter! Perfect, right? Grab your raincoat, head to the waterfront, and hop on a sightseeing cruise. And here's the kicker – sit on the top deck! Sure, it's not the coziest spot, but it's worth it.

Why? Because no one else in their right mind would be up there in such weather. You could have the whole top deck to yourself, perfect for some quality 'me time'. Sounds blissful, doesn't it?

Use your travelcard wisely

Got a travelcard for your London adventure? Flash it when you buy your cruise ticket. Those cruises aren't just for tourists; commuters use them too. So, you'll save some cash. Every penny counts, especially in pricey London.

Pick a Weekday

Simple math here: weekdays = fewer people. While the city buzzes with life, lots of folks are stuck at work or school. So, if you can, aim for a weekday cruise. Less crowd, more peace.

Start from Greenwich or Westminster

For the ultimate Thames experience, start from either end. We'd recommend Greenwich. It's bustling but not as crazy as Westminster. Plus, you can check out some cool sights before boarding. And if you time it right (i.e., tip 1!), you might just have the top deck all to yourself.

Snap perfect photos

One word: photos! Thames River Sightseeing Cruises offer awesome photo ops without the crowd combat. Say goodbye to photobombers ruining your shots of Big Ben or the London Eye. Plus, you get unique angles and views you won't get on foot.

"Another time"

Not only do you get killer views, but you also get a guided tour. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and districts as you cruise along the Thames. Fun facts included! Like, did you know Ian McKellen co-owns The Grapes pub? And that man you see, standing in the middle of the River? Nope, not Jesus. That's a statue (named 'Another time') created by the famous curator Antony Gormley. It is also rumoured that Sir Ian McKellen actually owns it!

Thames River Cruise Map

There are two types of sightseeing cruises available. One is a one way or a round trip cruise on the River Thames, for example- Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay and Westminster to Greenwich, while the other is a Hop on Hop off cruise, offering the flexibility of getting on or off at any of the 19 piers available.

Thames River Sightseeing cruise are extremely easy on the pocket. At only €11.98, you can hop on and off at any of the piers near numerous famous London attractions. Audio commentary, wheelchair and other facilities are also provided on board.

While food is not include in the ticket price, a wide range of delectable English cuisine is available for purchase onboard.

Choose the hop-on hop-off cruise if you want the most flexibility, want to explore a wider range of areas along the Thames, and have a full day to spend sightseeing. Choose the Westminster to Greenwich cruise if you're particularly interested in Greenwich's maritime history and want to see a good mix of central London landmarks and Greenwich in a shorter amount of time. Choose the Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay cruise if you're on a budget and want a concise tour focused on central London's most iconic sights, with a close-up view of Tower Bridge.

You can see the following London attractions and more: Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Palace of Westminster, Lambeth Palace, Chelsea Royal Hospital, The Shard, Tower Bridge (from a distance). Cutty Sark (historic tea clipper ship), Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, etc.

Peak Season (June-August): If you're visiting during peak summer months, booking a day or two in advance is recommended, especially for weekend cruises. This ensures you get a spot on your preferred cruise time. Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): During these times, it's usually safe to book the day before or even on the day of the cruise, especially for weekday cruises. However, if there's a specific route or time you have your heart set on, booking a day in advance might be a good idea for peace of mind. Off-Season (November-March): The Thames cruises operate year-round, but during the off-season, they tend to have less frequent departures. Booking online a day in advance is still recommended to confirm availability and secure your spot, especially if you're traveling during weekdays when there might be fewer departures.

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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

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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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Take in the best of London’s waterside viewpoints with our Thames River sightseeing cruise, from Bankside to Westminster via Tower Bridge. We pride ourselves on being a family-run business, ensuring every guest feels welcome the minute they step aboard our boats. Our friendly crew will make sure you have an enjoyable experience throughout your time with us, and we look forward to welcoming you onto the Thames. Select a one-way or round-trip cruise from Bankside to Westminster, with regular departures and spectacular city views over famous landmarks including the Tower of London, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare's Globe, the Tate Modern, the National Theatre, the London Eye, and Westminster Palace.

Yes. Always confirm with ticket office or crew as to the time of the last boat.

The journey time from Bankside Pier via Tower Bridge to Westminster Pier is 40 minutes.

With the round-trip ticket, you’ll need to change boats at Westminster Pier for the return trip.

Yes, we have fully-licensed bars selling a wide range of tasty snacks and drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.

Westminster lies in the heart of London and the list of attractions here is seemingly endless. Highlights include the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Southbank, and The Sea Life London Aquarium. You can find more details on our Attractions page.

+44 20 3778 0700 [email protected]

Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment. London, SW1A 2JH

Copyright © Thames River Sightseeing 2024

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Make travel time your time when travelling by boat!

Timetabled services

Get A to B tickets or buy an all-day ticket to hop-on and hop-off across our piers and explore London. You can also buy tickets with parking included! Check our timetable before travelling. 

River Roamer

Go unlimited! Explore London by river with our all-day tickets to travel across all of our zones.

• All-day travel to over 20 piers across London; between Putney and Barking Riverside
• Kids go free with a Family River Roamer
• Save 10% when buying online

East Zone River Roamer

Our East River Roamer ticket is perfect for exploring the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the neighbouring areas for less!

• All-day travel within the East Zone; between Canary Wharf and Barking Riverside piers
• Kids go free with a Family East Zone River Roamer

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

Get from A to B and back again with a Return ticket and enjoy the views on board.

• Return journey
• Valid for any 2 sailings on the date selected*

Park & Glide for Leisure

Save money and time with a combined ticket that includes parking at The O2 (by North Greenwich Pier) and River Roamer tickets.

• 1 Day parking at The O2 (car park 3)
• 5 minutes away from North Greenwich Pier
• River Roamer tickets for unlimited all-day river travel
• Family ticket available

Travel tools

Ticket information, service alerts, other experiences, special sailings.

Illuminated River Official Boat Tour

See London in a new light! Join us and sail underneath the longest public art commission in the world.

• 40 minute round trip with commentary
• 21:30 departure from Tower Pier
• Tours every Saturday

The O2 Post-show

Post-Show Express

Heading to a show at The O2? On select event nights, sail back into town with us right after the show ends!

• Calls at London Bridge City, London Eye (Waterloo) and Battersea Power Station only
• Takes just 20 minutes to reach London Bridge, 30 minutes to London Eye and 45 minutes to Battersea Power Station
• Only available on select dates

Post-Show Request

• Calls at any requested RB1 piers between North Greenwich and London Eye (Waterloo)

Joint tickets

Ifs cloud cable car.

Experience London from the sky and the river! Enjoy a 360 degree round-trip on London's only cable car combined with either Single, Return or River Roamer tickets. Head to North Greenwich Pier, just minutes away from the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Treat someone special to a day out on the river. Whether they enjoy sightseeing or you want to treat them to one of our experiences, send them a gift card and make travel time a memorable moment.

• Choose amount
• Pay for the gift card
• Enter details for recipient, and send it directly to their inbox

Please make sure your message is less than 300 characters to ensure it displays correctly. Alternatively, you have the option to print a blank voucher after checkout.

Note: if you change your mind and want to close the gift card pop-up window please refresh the page.

Commute with a view

For a stress-free commute sail through rush hour! Ticket carnets offer you flexibility; our weekly, monthly and annual tickets offer you the best value. Ready to start enjoying your commute?

Save time and money, download the Thames Clippers Tickets app. Buy season tickets and flexible ticket carnets.

Find out more

Commute by river

Discover a different way to travel through London. You won't look back

Best tickets for commuters

Season tickets offer the best value for money but if you prefer to be more flexible try carnets.

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Evening Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

Do you need to book in advance for a thames evening cruise, how long is a thames evening cruise, what do you wear on a dinner cruise on the thames, how much does an evening cruise cost, is there a toilet on board a thames evening cruise, is there a bar on board a thames evening cruise, be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

Thames Explorer 90 Mins

Follow the twists and turns of the Thames to Mapledurham

Visit Mapledurham Weir

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.

Wind in the Willows Country

Our most popular trip takes you to Mapledurham Lock, which feels a world away from life in Reading. Following the Thames upstream, you will see wildlife, open countryside, islands and look out towards the Berkshire Downs.

The cruise will turn* at Mapledurham Lock taking a panoramic view of the weir, before cruising back downstream past Mapledurham House towards Reading. Plenty of time to relax, spot wildfowl and enjoy the Thames.

*Very occasionally when the river is in flood and there is an extra strong stream this cruise will cruise towards Mapledurham but may have to turn prior to the weir and lock.

Weekends from 30th March - 27th October

• 1100 & 1400

Easter Holidays 1st April - 12th April

Bank Holiday 6th May, Spring Bank Holiday 27th May

Half Term 27th May - 31st May (inclusive)

• Daily at 1100 & 1400

School Summer Holidays 29th July - 30th August

• Daily 1100 & 1400

October Half Term. TBC

Please note there are no cruises from 19th August - 27th August due to Reading Festival

Thames River Trips

Sail through stunning Thames reaches with a reserved table and cream tea.

A Unique Round-Trip River Cruise Through Goring & Cleeve Locks

A day out on the Thames from Reading to Goring