Thames River Tours
145 Reviews
Flowing right through the heart of central London, the Thames River offers a dramatic backdrop to the city's famous skyline with landmarks lining its shores. Walk along the riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you'll pass London icons such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, Shakespeare's Globe, and the London Bridge.
The Basics
A boat ride along the Thames River is a quintessential London experience, with popular choices including city cruises, afternoon tea or dinner options, RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) excursions, London duck tours, and hop-on hop-off boat tours. Many Thames River tours even run all the way to Greenwich, passing Canary Wharf, Waterloo, and Cutty Sark.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can get chilly, especially at night, so bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat.
- Most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
- Other boat tours operating on the river include the Thames Clippers and River Roamers ferries, London showboats, and the Tate-to-Tate boat, linking the Tate Modern with the Tate Britain.
How to Get to the Thames River
It's impossible to miss the River Thames on any sightseeing tour in London—it runs right through the center of the city, with cruises typically leaving from Embankment, Westminster Pier, or Greenwich Pier. The river meanders for 215 miles (346 km) from the Cotswolds in the west, through Oxford and London, all the way to the coast at Southend-On-Sea.
When to Get There
Thames River cruises run regularly all year round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. And for an unforgettable holiday experience, book a Christmas cruise to admire the waterfront illuminations, or take in a spectacular view of fireworks and festivities on a New Year cruise.
Where to Find the Best Views of the River Thames
Look out along the Thames as you walk over the Millennium Bridge, admire the waterway and city skyline from the hilltops of Greenwich Park, or relax in a riverfront pub in neighborhoods such as Kew, Putney, or Richmond. For an aerial view, head to the top of The Shard, London's tallest building; ride the London Eye; or soar overhead on a helicopter tour.
Address: London, England
Admission: Free
113 Tours and Activities to Experience Thames River
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London Thames River Dinner Cruise
Take to the Thames for a sparkling river dinner sailing past London’s waterfront sights. Settle at your table to savor a delectable dinner and admire floodlit city sights such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben as you eat and relax, and enjoy enchanting live entertainment.
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From
$151.83
From
$151.83
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London
Let your adrenaline levels go through the roof during a white-knuckle ride on the Thames River. Climb aboard a modern RIB (rigid-inflatable-boat) and satisfy an appetite for adventure as you soar past iconic landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. Enrich your knowledge of English history as you listen to illuminating onboard commentary, and experience the exhilaration of super-fast speeds up to 35 miles (56 km). Enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
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From
$55.65
From
$55.65
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise
Discover the sights and history of London from the water on this leisurely cruise down the Thames River. With your 24-hour pass, enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s main riverside attractions like the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament from within an all-weather vessel, and hop on or off at any stop along the way. Create your own London adventure.
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From
$22.84
From
$22.84
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

The London Showboat Dinner Cruise on the Thames River
Enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine, and entertainment on this showboat dinner cruise on the Thames River in London. Feast on a 4-course dinner aboard your sightseeing boat as you sail past London attractions such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, all illuminated at night. While you eat and admire the sights, enjoy live entertainment from a cabaret singer, and, if you wish, take to the dance floor.
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From
$112.83
From
$112.83
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise with Optional London Eye
Discover the grandeur of London aboard the open-top, double-decker Big Bus on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. With your 1-, 2-, or 3-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with stops including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral and more. Enjoy unobstructed views and onboard commentary as you view the city’s highlights and upgrade to The Big London Day Out option to get an aerial view of the city aboard the London Eye giant observation wheel. Hop off to enjoy a Thames River cruise, currently operating Friday to Sunday only.
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From
$48.89
From
$48.89
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

London Thames River Lunch Cruise
Combine London’s riverside landmarks with a delicious meal on this lunchtime sightseeing cruise along the Thames River. Escape the city’s midday crowds, and relax as you admire the iconic sights ranged along the riverbanks. Enjoy stellar views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and more; all as you savor a starter, main course and dessert freshly conjured up by the expert onboard chefs. A delightful way to spend lunchtime in London with family and friends or to celebrate a special occasion.
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From
$82.18
From
$82.18
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on the River Thames
Enjoy a delicious meal and be serenaded by live jazz on this relaxing Sunday lunch cruise on the Thames River in London. Step aboard a comfortable sightseeing cruise boat as you sail by top London sights such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and many other iconic landmarks. As you cruise, sit down to a delicious 3-course lunch and kick back to sparkling jazz classics including easy listening, Dixieland and trad jazz numbers played by a band of acclaimed musicians.
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From
$96.11
From
$96.11
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

London in One Day Sightseeing Tour Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard with Optional London Eye Upgrade
Get to know London in one day on this sight-packed, full-day tour with a guide. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, see top London attractions such as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and enjoy fast-track entry and a guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and then visit the Tower of London. Break for a pub lunch, and receive a ticket for a Thames River sightseeing cruise to use after your tour or another day. For a bird's-eye view of the city, upgrade to include a ticket for the London Eye in the evening.
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From
$96.11
From
$96.11
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade
See the English capital’s top landmarks on this most comprehensive of London magical tours. Take a tour of beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visit the Tower of London, where you'll have free time for lunch (own expense). Enjoy an extended river sightseeing cruise, and upgrade to cap everything with a London Eye flight or cream tea at Harrods.
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From
$137.90
From
$137.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Thames Barrier Speedboat to/from Embankment Pier - 75 minutes
Whet your appetite for adventure with a high-speed Thames river RIB experience. Soar over the surf of London’s iconic river and gaze at impressive monuments as your adrenaline levels soar. Listen to commentary from a knowledgeable guide over a state-of-the-art speaker system and see popular attractions from a totally unique vantage point. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only 12 passengers.
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From
$76.61
From
$76.61
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

The Original Tour London: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
See the best of London without the stress of rigid tour times and massive crowds on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With your flexible pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a comfortable sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, your pass offers multiple route options with stops at main attractions like Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and more. Bonus features include a free city walking tour, a Thames River cruise, and local discounts.
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From
$41.79
From
$41.79
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch
Hop aboard a vintage double-decker bus for a comfortable sightseeing bus tour through London! On this fun-filled excursion, see main attractions like Big Ben and the Tower of London, take a Thames River cruise past Westminster and the London Eye, and watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Upgrade to include lunch at a traditional British pub.
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From
$47.36
From
$47.36
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Central London Helicopter Flight- Shared flight
Take in London’s famous skyline from above on this 10- or 20-minute helicopter flight over the capital. Follow the route of the Thames River and gaze down at Buckingham Palace, the Shard, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, along with several other world-famous landmarks. As you fly, your pilot will point out the big-name sights, so you don’t have to worry about missing a thing. The helicopter seats a maximum of six people, not including the pilot.
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From
$305.31
From
$305.31

Small-Group River Thames Bike Tour
Explore the main attractions along London’s central riverside on this half-day Thames River bike tour. On this small-group excursion, see the world-famous sites that flank the river, including Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, cross the Tower Bridge and indulge in international delicacies at Borough Market. As you ride, enjoy interesting commentary about the city's rich and extensive history.
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From
$44.57
From
$44.57
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Thames Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal
Partake in a unique sightseeing excursion on this delightful lunch cruise along the Thames River. See the best of London’s riverside attractions on a cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster. Stroll the deck, savor a delectable 2-course meal, and admire great views of the London Eye, the Tower of London and more. An onboard bar offers additional drink options for spicing up your afternoon (own expense).
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From
$47.36
From
$47.36
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Thames River Jazz and Dinner Cruise
Watch the Thames River light up at night on a dinner cruise with live jazz. Kick-off your night with a glass of sparkling wine as you glide into the current, and spot the iconic Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower of London. Enjoy jazz classics along with swing and Latin tunes, then relax over a 3-course dinner in a heated cabin. Savor dishes like cheese and charcuterie, chicken escalope, and rich berry cheesecake, with plenty of time to take in the sights between courses.
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From
$97.51
From
$97.51
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Royal London Walking Tour: Early Access Tower of London & Changing of The Guard
Discover London’s royal history and sights on a London tour by foot and boat. Start with an early access visit to the Tower of London to see the opening ceremony and Crown Jewels without the usual daytime crowds. Then, take to the water on a half-hour River Thames sightseeing cruise. Stroll to Horse Guard’s Parade or Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and learn all about the British Royal Family from a knowledgeable local guide.
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From
$110.04
From
$110.04

Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames Cruise with Optional London Eye
See London’s signature sights by vintage Routemaster bus and Thames River cruise on this sightseeing tour. Board a retro, red double-decker bus London Routemaster, and enjoy stellar views of top London attractions including the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. Then, after a short Thames sightseeing cruise, ride your London double-decker to Buckingham Palace for a photo stop or to witness the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you wish, upgrade to add a visit to the London Eye, Tower of London, or UNESCO-listed Stonehenge after your tour.
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From
$47.36
From
$47.36
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

London by Night Sightseeing Tour - Open top bus
Experience the enchantment of London after hours on a night sightseeing tour. Aboard a double-decker bus, take a trip through the city to see illuminated attractions like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. Hear fascinating facts about passing sites and insider tips on where to visit in the bustling capital city from your expert guide.
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From
$33.43
From
$33.43
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

London Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Access to Over 80 Attractions
Discover London’s top sights for one low price with the London Pass®. Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 10-day sightseeing credits package, and enjoy access to your London Pass straight from your mobile. Simply show it at the gate or ticket office to gain entrance to more than 80 attractions including Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the "View from the Shard." You also benefit from skip-the-line access at some of the city's top attractions like the London Zoo. Your pass also includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Thames River cruise, a free guidebook packed with useful information, and valuable shopping and dining discounts.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 30 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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From
$110.04
From
$110.04

Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover and Greenwich from London
Maximize your time and budget on this full-day tour from London, starting with a tour of Leeds Castle, Henry VIII’s grand Tudor palace. Next, explore the medieval city of Canterbury, famous for the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. After lunch, head to the coast to visit the mighty White Cliffs of Dover, then return to London to discover more of Britain’s maritime history in Greenwich. Then, cruise along the River Thames, past landmarks like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
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From
$140.69
From
$140.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

London in a Day Private Custom Tour
Discover the spectacular sights of London according to your own personal itinerary on a private custom tour of the vibrant capital with a knowledgeable guide. Opt to enjoy a half- or full-day tour and customize your itinerary according to your cultural and historical interests. Allow your expert guide to pre-plan logistics like public transportation and reservations, and then delve into the capital’s rich history by listening to illuminating commentary. See iconic attractions like Big Ben and the Tower of London, and stray from the conventional tourist trail for a unique experience of London.
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From
$158.28
Price varies by group size
From
$158.28
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Royal London Sightseeing Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Thames River Cruise
Discover the regal residences and rich royal history of London on a sightseeing tour and Thames River cruise. With an accomplished guide, travel by luxury coach through the capital’s most opulent areas to see majestic landmarks like Big Ben and Kensington Palace. Gaze at a traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and then climb aboard a boat for a tranquil cruise on the River Thames. Glide past iconic sights like the London Eye and the Tower of London and enjoy illuminating commentary as you sail.
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From
$66.86
From
$66.86
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Thames Rockets Sunset London Speedboat Experience
Nights are made for chilling and chatting, and Thames Rockets renowned guides love nothing more than showing you the river when all the other boats have disappeared, and with just the winding Thames and London’s romantic sights between you and the sunset, you’ll feel like the most important people in town. With only the very best hand-picked guides at your service, you’ll soon be giggling past the Gherkin and tittering by the Tower.
As Tower Bridge cruises into view hold on tight as your expert skipper opens the throttles and rockets you down the river! Find out why they're famous for their speedboat experiences as you twist and turn through Canary Wharf and listen to a medley of all the latest hits!
This high speed ride is sure to take your breath away, so once back to Tower Bridge you'll receive a seasonal drink to calm your nerves and bobble back to the London Eye feeling fired up.
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From
$62.61
From
$62.61
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use