See the capital from a whole new perspective on a London boat tour or Thames river cruise. Escape the crowds and glide along the river Thames by day or night, taking in the city’s most iconic landmarks – from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Whether you're looking for a guided sightseeing cruise, a romantic dinner on the water, or a fun canal boat adventure, these London boat tours and Thames river cruises offer an unforgettable way to experience the city. During the festive season, enjoy special Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises – book your favourite experience today and make the most of your time on the Thames.
Best London boat tours to see the city from the water
Satisfy your desire for London afternoon tea with this afternoon tea Thames river cruise. Tuck into a traditional afternoon tea served with jam and a generous dollop of cream, plus plenty of finger sandwiches, cakes and, of course, a side helping of stunning views! Settle back and relax aboard this London river cruise, and be part of this British tradition.
Duration: 90 minutes
What attractions will I see? Glide past London's iconic riverside landmarks including the Tower of London, the Shard, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.
London, EC3N 4DT
From £99.00
Travel to tourist hotspots including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Tower Bridge on one of City Cruises’ Thames river sightseeing boats. Explore the city at your own pace and hop on and off as often as you like with a 24-hour pass offering unlimited access.
Duration: 24 hours
What attractions will I see? Spot London icons such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. On some routes, you’ll even pass beneath historic Tower Bridge for a unique view.
Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London, SW1A 2JH
From £13.95
Based on 6,638 reviews
One of the best nights out in the capital is aboard the City Cruises London dinner cruise on the river Thames. Dance the night away on this dazzling cruise, with top tunes from a live performer and a glass of bubbly on arrival. Take a break from the dancefloor and enjoy a delicious four-course dinner with views of the illuminated city.
Duration: Three hours
What attractions will I see? Cruise down the river Thames past London’s iconic landmarks and pass beneath Tower Bridge as your main course will be served. All before heading towards Canary Wharf in time for dessert and coffee where you’ll then head back as the main entertainment begins.
City Cruises: London Dinner Cruise, SW1A 2JH
From £129.01
Based on 227 reviews
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the river Thames with the London Rose cruise party. Step aboard for an evening of music, celebration and stunning city views as you welcome 2026 in unforgettable style. Enjoy unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks while a live DJ sets the mood with party favourites. When midnight strikes, raise a glass and toast the new year with the capital sparkling around you.
Duration: Five hours
What attractions will I see? Glide along the Thames, passing famous landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Shard and the London Eye. Head to the open-top deck for panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline and world-famous fireworks display.
London, SW1A 2JH
From £319.00
Gaze at London’s twinkling skyline as you glide past the city’s iconic sights on an evening cruise on the Thames. Tuck into delicious canapés throughout the evening, glass of bubbly in hand, while you admire the gorgeous riverside views of London from the upper deck, on this Thames evening river cruise with live music.
Duration: Two hours
What attractions will I see? Spot the illuminated London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and more iconic landmarks, to the groovy sounds of a live musician.
London, EC3N 4DT
From £49.01
See spectacular views of London from above and from the water with a London Eye and river cruise package, which combines a ride on the iconic London Eye with a 40-minute London Eye river cruise. Enjoy incredible 360-degree views over the capital from the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, before taking to the water for a relaxing, circular sightseeing Thames river cruise.
Duration: 40 minute river cruise
What attractions will I see? Set sail from the London Eye Pier and experience spectacular sights from the river Thames, including the London Eye itself, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
London, SE1 7PB
From £46.00
London boat trips operators Uber Boat by Thames Clippers leave every 20 minutes from piers all along the Thames, so you’re never too far away from a departure point. 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.
Duration: One day
What attractions will I see? See many of London’s attractions along the route through central London, including the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. Travel west and spot the iconic Battersea Power Station and Chelsea Harbour among other riverside areas. Venture east to discover the modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf before reaching Greenwich.
London Bridge City Pier, London, SE1 2QE
From £10.80
Enjoy a sophisticated evening of jazz and gourmet dining on a Jazz dinner cruise on the Thames. With a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival, a delicious three-course meal and dazzling views of the iconic skyline at nighttime, it's the perfect experience to add to your London dinner cruise list.
Duration: Three hours
What attractions will I see? Set sail from Westminster Pier and experience the iconic London skyline from the comfort of your seat. Take in the sights of the London Eye, Tower Bridge and more as the glittering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf edge closer.
London, SW1A 2JH
From £94.00
Experience London’s past on the Tower of London River cruise – a historic circular journey brought to life with humour and authenticity. Featuring a unique narrative by the co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts and live guides, the tour offers expert insights curated by Historic Royal Palaces into the iconic landmarks along the Thames.
Duration: 40 minutes
Cost: From £18.50 adults and £14 for children
What attractions will I see? Enjoy panoramic views of more than 20 famous landmarks on this round-trip tour, including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Big Ben.
Step aboard the official Illuminated river boat tour and watch London sparkle from the Thames. Discover nine iconic bridges transformed by artist Leo Villareal’s mesmerising light installations, each telling a story inspired by the city’s rich history. With every bend of the river, see the capital in a whole new light.
Duration: 40 minutes
What attractions will I see? Sail past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Shard and more – each landmark glowing against the night sky.
London, EC3N 4DT
From £14.70
Celebrate Christmas Day in unforgettable style with a panoramic bus tour through London, aglow with twinkling lights and festive cheer. Then, swap city streets for river views as you board a river Thames cruise, where a delicious Christmas lunch awaits while spectacular landmarks drift past your window.
Duration: Seven hours
What attractions will I see? Enjoy breathtaking views of London’s most famous landmarks from both land and river – including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and the striking Tower Bridge.
Enjoy London sightseeing combined with a delicious lunch aboard this fine Thames lunch cruise. Take a relaxed mini voyage through the heart of London and see Big Ben, historic London Bridge and other important London landmarks, while listening to audio commentary. Enjoy a two-course lunch and stroll on the deck afterwards to take advantage of the fully stocked bar.
Cost: From £49 for adults and £39 for children
Duration: One hour and 45 minutes
What attractions will I see? See the Tower of London and London Bridge up close, plus spectacular views of Big Ben, the London Eye and South Bank.
London, EC3N 4DT
From £79.00
Get the adrenaline flowing with an exciting London speedboat experience. Whizz along the river Thames and feel the wind whip through your hair on a Thames Rockets ride that is sure to induce FOMO among your friends! Speedboat Thames boat trips are an exhilarating way to experience the capital's iconic skyline.
Duration: 50 to 80 minutes
What attractions will I see? Pass by top London landmarks on one of the many Thames Rockets tours. Journey up to the Thames Barrier and spot sights such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge, or zoom by HMS Belfast, Tate Modern and more riverside attractions on a Canary Wharf voyage.
London, SE1 7PB
From £64.95
Based on 15,875 reviews
Travel on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river roamer to North Greenwich pier before taking to the skies in an IFS Cloud Cable Car for stunning views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, modern icon The O2 and the iconic city skyline.
Enjoy panoramic views on board popular Thames river boats and add this experience to your London boat trips list!
Duration: One day
What attractions will I see? Hop on and off the river to explore historic and modern sites on or near its banks. See the Tower Pier, London Eye, Greenwich, The O2 and more.
London, SE10 0FR
From £22.80
Cruise between Westminster and Greenwich on a hop-on hop-off Thames river sightseeing cruise. With four piers to choose from, you can start wherever you like and enjoy a relaxed journey, complete with multilingual audio commentary on London’s iconic landmarks. Opt for a two-day river pass to make the most of your time in the capital.
Duration: One or two days
What attractions will I see? Admire panoramic views of the capital’s spectacular sights from the water, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the London Eye.
London, SW1A 2JH
From £16.50
More river cruises and boat trips
16. Turks Launches tour
17. Canal boat tour
18. Kayak tour
Booking London river cruise tickets
Pre-booking tickets is the best way to guarantee a place on board your Thames river cruise.
You can pick up tickets at pier ticket offices for some services, while other operators require pre-booking via an app or contactless payment when boarding – if you have a Travelcard, you can get a third off some fares. Touch in and out with your pay as you go Oyster card for a discounted fare on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers services.
Browse through the London river cruises in the "All River Tours" link below, or find out how to use river bus services.
Where do you catch the Thames river cruise?
Most Thames river cruises depart from Westminster Pier, Tower Pier or the London Eye Waterloo Pier. London boat trips including Uber Boat by Thames Clippers services depart from several piers along the river, between Barking Riverside or North Greenwich and Battersea Power Station or as far as Putney.
Check specific departure points for your Thames river cruise or London boat trip on the booking page when you buy your tickets.
