There’s no better way of seeing London and its iconic architecture and skyline than from the vantage of the city’s famous waterway.
The river breeze is bracing, the on-deck drinks are chilled, and the vistas are stunning – an unbeatable mix on balmy summer days when you want to get out and see some of the British capital in all its glory.
Luckily, the city is dotted with piers, wharfs and jetties, all perfect launching off points for a cruise.
Nowadays, you’ll find not just the ever-popular sightseeing and dinner cruises embarking there but hop-on-hop-off boats and even rigid inflatables (RIBs) ready to whisk you off on adrenaline-packed adventures down the remoter stretches of London’s famous river.
Our list features ten of the best of these experiences available this summer.
So, if you’re ready to embark, get your boarding passes ready.
Let’s sail!
NB: The list is ordered by selected review scores.
1. Thames River Sightseeing: Tower Bridge to Westminster (4.5 Stars | 37,000 GetYourGuide Reviews)
⚠️SERVICE UPDATE
From today, 19th of April, our services at Tower Bridge Quay will be suspended due to upcoming developments in the area. But don’t worry, we have you covered! We’re excited to introduce Bankside Pier as your new convenient alternative.
👉https://t.co/hfMZ834pna pic.twitter.com/ytnyV8wEHp— ThamesRiverSightseeing (@TRS_London) April 19, 2024
Thames River Cruising is currently the only London-based cruise company operating hop-on, hop-off public cruises departing and alighting at Butler’s Wharf Pier.
Butler’s Wharf tends to be less crowded than other embarkation points along the Thames, so you won’t have to compete with throngs of fellow cruisers as you prepare to embark.
The company’s vessels feature open-air upper decks and enclosed lower decks, equipped with fully licensed bars and onboard facilities.
The Tower Bridge to Westminster cruise is one of the company’s most popular, as it takes in at least a dozen iconic London landmarks – everything from The Shard and the Scoop to St Paul’s and the South Bank’s Tate Modern.
The cruise is accompanied by a live commentary delivered by a knowledgeable skipper and multilingual audio guides for non-natives, providing insights into London’s landmarks and its rich history.
Discounts & Offers
- Family tickets: Special discounts on 2-day ‘Family River’ passes starting from £49.00.
- Group discounts: A 15% discount is available for large groups (15+).
Key Info
- Departure times: Every 40 minutes (between 10:00 and 17:00).
- Departure pier(s): Butler’s Wharf.
- Duration: 40 minutes (approx).
- Prices: Adult ticket prices start at £9.40.
Contact Info
- Phone: 020 3778 0700.
- Email: info@thamesriversightseeing.com.
- Website: thamesriversightseeing.com
2. Thames Rockets (5 Stars | 15,600 TripAdvisor Reviews)
These high-speed rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are the perfect way to see London if you want to soak up the sights and get thoroughly soaked in the process.
Thames Rockets offers both sightseeing and speedfest cruising experiences.
The company recently introduced the fastest ever speedboat to London’s famous river – the Rocket Rebel is a £1.6 million, 26-seater speed merchant that can hit a top speed of 30 knots.
Hop on the Rocket on one of the company’s ‘Break the Barrier’ cruises, and you’ll spend a 45-minute ride that will live long in the memory.
For a more genteel sightseeing experience, the Tipsy Thames Tea Tour, a 60-minute tour departing London Eye Pier, is the way to go.
The tour is a two-part affair – a speed-fest cruise will show you the sights from one of the company’s RIBs before you alight and enjoy some leisurely afternoon tea-taking aboard an open-top bus.
Discounts & Offers
- Tastecard 2-for-1 Offer: If you’re a Tastecard member, you can enjoy a 2-for-1 deal on the company’s ‘Ultimate London Adventure’ experience. The offer is valid on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in May 2025 (excluding Bank Holidays).
- British Forces Discount: Members of the British Forces are eligible for a discount on the ‘Ultimate London Adventure’ experience. The offer is valid on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sunday afternoons (16:00 onwards) for up to 6 seats.
Key Info
- Departure times: Check the schedule.
- Departure pier(s): London Eye Pier and Bankside Pier.
- Duration: 45 to 80 minutes.
- Prices: Adult tickets start at £64.95.
Contact Info
- Phone: 020 7928 8933.
- Email: bookings@thamesrockets.com.
- Website: thamesrockets.com.
3. Thames RIB Experience (4.8 Stars | 6,400+ TripAdvisor Reviews)
The cruises here start at a gentle pace as the speedboats pootle along the central London stretch of the Thames.
This allows passengers to get an eyeful of the Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
But don’t let that fool you.
Once the famous bridge is out of the way, it’s pedal to the metal down the Docklands — you’ll feel the full thrust of the boat’s 740 hp twin-turbo engines as the skipper switches from sightseeing mode to speed demon.
Despite the breakneck speed, sea sickness won’t be an issue as the speedboats provide passengers with a super steady ride, even on the Thames’ choppier days.
The sightseeing part of the cruise is accompanied by guided commentary and remember to don the provided poncho as the surf can get gnarly once the engines get going.
Discounts & Offers
- Ultimate weekend discount: A 15% discount is available on all trips booked for weekend cruises.
- Family & Early Bird Offers: A 10% discount is available on the company’s Thames Barrier cruise. This offer is also applicable to gift vouchers.
Key Info
- Departure times: Multiple departures daily.
- Departure pier(s): Westminster and Embankment.
- Duration: 45 to 75 minutes.
Contact Info
- Phone: 0203 245 1177.
- Email: info@thamesribexperience.com.
- Website: thamesribexperience.com.
4. Thames Clippers: Illuminated River Boat Tour (4.1 Stars | 4,500 TripAdvisor Reviews)
This 40-minute night-time cruise is run by the people at Uber (you can even book your place via the Uber app).
It’s perfect if you want to drink in the installations of the Illuminated River project, the largest public installation you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Running along over three miles of nine of London’s iconic bridges (from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge), the installation features eye-popping LED artworks by Leo Villareal and Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.
The cruise also offers live on-board commentary, giving guests the low-down on the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of each bridge and the accompanying artwork.
Original music composed by Guildhall School students plays onboard, enhancing the visual experience.
Discounts & Offers
- Concession fare available for people with disabilities or with a Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster photocard, or UK Veterans photocard.
Key Info
- Departure Time: Every Saturday at 21:30 (from September to May).
- Duration: 40 minutes.
- Departure pier(s): Tower Pier (Boarding Point D).
- Prices: Start at £14.70 (adult) and £9.90 (children between the ages of 5 and 15).
Contact Info
- Phone: N/A.
- Contact form: thamesclippers.com/info/contact-us/general-enquiries.
- Website: thamesclippers.com.
5. London Eye River Cruise (4.5 Stars | 900+ TripAdvisor Reviews)
This 40-minute sightseeing cruise departs and terminates at London’s most famous landmark – the London Eye.
The cruise offers panoramic views of some of London’s other equally iconic edifices, including the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s.
You can expect plenty of comfy seating, informative commentary (audio guides in 10 languages) and on-board drinks.
Discounts & Offers
- River Cruise + London Eye Combo (‘The Ultimate Duo’): From £46 per adult, enjoy both a 40-minute Thames cruise and a 30-minute London Eye rotation with 360° views.
Key Info
- Departure times: Daily 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 14:45, 15:45, and 16:45.
- Departure pier(s): London Eye Pier.
- Duration: 40 minutes.
- Prices: Start at £15.50 per person (adult).
Contact Info
- Phone: 0870 500 0600.
- Email: info@londoneye.com.
- Website: londoneye.com.
6. Thames River Sightseeing: Westminster to Greenwich (4.5 Stars | 790+ TripAdvisor Reviews)
These cruises operate year-round on modern vessels, the Thomas Doggert, and a more traditional boat, the London Rose, both equipped with open and enclosed decks for the optimal sightseeing experience.
The cruises feature multilingual audio guides and depart every 40 minutes, taking in over 40 major London landmarks.
It is a flexible and affordable option for exploring the Thames, with group discounts and ticket packages available.
Wi-Fi audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Mandarin.
Discounts & Offers
- Family and group discounts, including a £49 ticket for a 2-day family river pass.
Key Info
- Departs: Daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
- Departure pier(s): Westminster, Embankment, Festival, Bankside, and Greenwich.
- Duration: 60 minutes (approx).
- Prices: One-way: Start at £10.90 | Round-trip: Starting at £16.50 | 2-Day River Pass: Unlimited hop-on-hop-off travel over two consecutive days, starting at £16.50 (adult).
Contact Info
- Phone: 0207 930 409.
- Email: bookings@thamesriversightseeing.com
- Website: thamesriversightseeing.com
7. City Cruises: Dinner Cruise on the Thames (4.1 Stars | 320+ Trustpilot Reviews)
Operated by City Cruises, this indulgent dining experience features a four-course meal, live entertainment, and dancing on the deck of the liner’s iconic boat, the Millennium Diamond.
Guests enjoy drinks as they are welcomed aboard and wonderful views of the Illuminated River project, the lit-up art installations that come into their own once the sun sets.
Smart-casual attire is encouraged, and the cruise is designed for adults.
Discounts & Offers
- Group discounts available for 20+ guests.
Key Info
- Departure times: 19:45 (boards at 19:30).
- Departure pier(s): Westminster Pier.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Pricing: Prices start at £94 per person.
Contact Info
- Phone: 020 7740 0400.
- Email: N/A.
- Website: https://www.cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises/.
8. Terrible Thames (Horrible Histories) (4.5 Stars | 60+ TripAdvisor Reviews)
The brainchild of the folk behind the Horrible Histories franchise, the Terrible Thames tour is part river cruise, part waterborne theatre experience for children that is both fun and educational.
Guests enjoy a mix of live performances and sightseeing, with actors performing a Horrible Histories-style show that focuses on the unseemly side of the city’s history.
Everyone with blood on his or her hands – from Julius Caesar to Jack the Ripper – gets a mention, so expect plenty of blood and gore.
The cruise is perfect for families and school parties and provides an engaging alternative to more traditional sightseeing tours.
Discounts & Offers
- School groups (10+ students): 1 teacher goes free for every 10 children brought on a cruise.
- Group bookings (10–30 people): Discounts are available on all group bookings (automatically during online booking).
Key Info
- Departure times: Between 9:45 and 15:45 during school holidays and selected weekdays.
- Departure pier(s): Tower Bridge Quay.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Pricing: Adults £25 | Children and elderly: £20.
Contact Info
- Phone: N/A.
- Email: customerservices@terriblethames.com.
- Website: terriblethames.com.
9. River Thames Cruises: Sundown / Riverlights Cruise (5 Stars | 27 Website Reviews)
This cruise takes in London at its crepuscular best, offering an intimate soiree-like atmosphere as the sun sets.
Guests are plied with sparkling wine and gourmet canapés on arrival, and live chill-out music complements the reception.
The panoramic upper deck is the place to be if you want to soak in the sights of London by night, especially Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Discounts & Offers
- Newsletter subscription: Sign up to receive the company’s newsletter and get special offers and promotions.
- Group bookings: Consider organising group events or private hires, as these may offer more cost-effective options for larger parties.
Key Info
- Departure times: 18.30 (boarding time: 18:15).
- Departure pier(s): Tower Millennium Pier.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
Contact Info
- Phone: 020 7237 9111.
- Email: N/A.
- Website: riverthamescruises.co.uk.
10. City Experience: Shakespeare’s Globe Cruise + Guided Tour (3.5 Stars | 16 Website Reviews)
This is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing river cruise that gives passengers access to not just an unbeatable sightseeing tour along the Thames but a 50-minute Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour, too.
You can enjoy both the cruise and the Globe tour together or on different days.
The Globe Exhibition is the world’s largest dedicated to Shakespeare and features live sword-fighting and Elizabethan special effects.
Discount & Offers
- 15% discount on a pair of tickets at Buyagift.com when you use code TREAT15.
Key Info
- Departure times: Sightseeing cruises depart every 40 minutes; Globe tour times vary due to performances.
- Departure pier(s): Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich.
- Duration: Globe Theatre tour: 45 minutes | River cruise: flexible with hop-on-hop-off access.
Contact Info
- Phone: 020 7740 0400.
- Email: N/A.
- Website: cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises/shakespeares-globe-guided-tours/.
The Need for Speed
The Cutty Sark used to be the fastest thing on the Thames back in the day.
Today, tourists and thrillseekers can leave it in their wake in more ways than one as they zoom past the dry-docked clipper in Greenwich at almost 30 knots while strapped into an RIB.
This year, the speed-fest will kick up a gear with the introduction of Thames Rockets ‘Rocket Rebel’, launched in April 2025, which is billed as London’s fastest and most fuel-efficient speedboat to date.
That’s not to say that the traditional Thames cruise isn’t still popular – the traditional steamers on our list are testament to their enduring appeal.
But it’s full speed ahead as far as cruising on the Thames is concerned.
Our advice – remember to pack your waterproof poncho this summer!
Recently been on a Thames cruise experience and want to share it with our readers? Get in touch with us here!
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