The Thames River winds through the heart of central London, offering travelers unrivaled views of some of the city’s most famous riverside landmarks, such as Big Ben. Here are a few ways to take to the water and see London from a different angle.
Highlights
- Enjoy a seated lunch or dinner on a cruise, and take in panoramic views over the historic riverbanks.
- Combine a sightseeing Thames River cruise with a visit to the Tower of London, and explore centuries of English history.
- Get across the city without the hassle and take in the sights with ease on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise.
- Zoom across the river at top speeds, and enjoy wet and wild thrills aboard a powerful rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) tour.
Sightseeing Cruises
There’s no better way to beat the traffic than to travel through London by river. Hop-on hop-off boats pick up and drop off passengers at mooring stations along the length of the Thames, while sightseeing cruises ferry travelers across the waters for prime views of top attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge.
Cruises with Food and Drink
Whether for a relaxing lunch, refreshing afternoon tea, or romantic dinner, there’s a Thames River dining cruise for all occasions. Take to the water for panoramic city views, and savor dishes such as smoked salmon roulade, roast pepper and basil soup, or vegetarian lasagna as the sights pass by.
Combo Tours
Combo tours are a great way to mix a trip on the Thames River with a visit to some of central London’s most famous landmarks. Take to the water to see the historic riverbanks, and then pay a visit to attractions such as the London Eye or Tower of London. You’ll save money by booking a combo tour and enjoy a day of sightseeing in London.
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49 London On the Water
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Day CruisesRiver Thames Evening Cruise
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 sparkling wine and canapés as you cruise the river and delight in the magic of London’s urban shoreline as night falls.
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- 2 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$36.84
Day CruisesThames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea
While in London, combine an iconic British tradition with a unique sightseeing excursion on an afternoon tea cruise. Spend a luxurious time enjoying a unique dining experience with family and friends on the Thames River. As you cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster, indulge in tea, freshly prepared cakes, and sandwiches, and view London’s great landmarks including the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye.
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- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Taking safety measures
From
$43.19
Day CruisesWestminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise
Glide by some of London’s must-see landmarks on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames River. Step aboard your comfortable cruise boat at Westminster Pier and listen to the entertaining live commentary as you pass sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Drink in the views from the open or indoor deck, and at Greenwich, step ashore to visit attractions (own expense) such as the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum. Upgrade to include a return cruise back to Westminster.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
From
$17.29
Day CruisesThames 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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- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Taking safety measures
From
$43.19
Day CruisesLondon Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket
Many of London’s top attractions lie along the Thames River. This boat tour cruises by most of them and includes a London Eye ride to see them from above. Get to know the city’s beating heart and great contrasts as you pass historic sites such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London as well as contemporary landmarks like the Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge. Then, ride the Lastminute.com London Eye for sweeping views of the city.
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- 40 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$41.92
Wine TastingThe 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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- 3 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$102.88
Day CruisesLondon 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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- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$50.90
Dinner and ShowThames 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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- 3 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$88.91
Day CruisesLondon Eye River Cruise
Have only a short stay in London? See more of the city’s landmarks in less time—and enjoy a memorable way to travel—on a Thames river cruise. Pick from numerous daily departure times, and head to the London Eye Pier near the famous Lastminute.com London Eye, where you’ll hop aboard your vessel. As you cruise along the river, glimpse monuments ranging from St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern to Big Ben and the Tower of London. Live commentary is included (as are audio guides in eight additional languages).
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- 40 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$15.24
Day CruisesTower of London and Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy two classic London experiences with this combined Thames River cruise and Tower of London ticket, all for one great-value price. With your admission ticket, head inside the infamous Tower of London and explore the grounds, towers and Crown Jewels exhibition independently as you uncover the palace-fortress’ blood-soaked, 900-year history. On the same day, take a leisurely sightseeing cruise on the historical Thames. Settle on a comfortable cruise boat and soak up panoramic views of famous sights such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the London Eye from the water.
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- 1 day
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$62.43
Day CruisesLondon 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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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$43.19
City PackagesHigh-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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- 50 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$45.68
$11.41 savings
Day CruisesWestminster to Tower of London Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise
Cruise from Westminster to St Katharine's on a 1-hour circle cruise in London. Choose to disembark at any of the stops, including St Katharine's Pier, Bankside Pier, Festival Pier and Embankment Pier, to visit the landmarks in central London. While on the boat, listen to live audio commentary by your captain about the sights you pass and London's rich history. Departures every 30 minutes from Westminster Pier between 11am and 6pm.
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- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$13.06
Day CruisesDouble Decker Bus Tour and Hard Rock Cafe Meal in London
Discover London with ease and efficiency with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus package. In addition to 24-hours of access to the seven bus routes, you also enjoy a Thames river cruise and three walking tours. Go wherever you like and take time to explore the places that interest you. When your stomach starts rumbling, head the the Hard Rock Cafe and choose from a variety of menu options.
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- 1 day
- Free Cancellation
From
$75.62
Day CruisesCutty Sark and 24 Hour River Pass
Combine admission to the British clipper ship ‘Cutty Sark’ with a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames. See major London landmarks with your 24-hour pass to the hop-on, hop-off river cruise, departing from four piers every 30 minutes. Then step aboard the world’s last surviving tea clipper for an awe-inspiring look at the fastest ship of the 19th century.
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- 1 day
- Taking safety measures
From
$47.31
Day CruisesRoyal 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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- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$60.97
Day CruisesSt. Paul's Cathedral Visit and 24 Hour River Pass
Combine two of London’s top experiences with an entrance ticket to St Paul’s Cathedral and a Thames River sightseeing cruise. With your 24-hour cruise pass, you can hop on or hop off your boat at three conveniently located piers. See iconic London sights like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye from the water, and then pay a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. Admire the elaborate beauty of the cathedral floor, see the tombs of historic figures in the crypt, and ascend to the Golden Gallery for spectacular views.
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- 1 day
- Taking safety measures
From
$51.12
City PackagesThames 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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- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$69.86
Day CruisesThames River Cruise Including The View from The Shard
Combine a ticket to The View from The Shard with a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames. You’ll see major London landmarks such as Tower Bridge and London Eye from these popular attractions. Gain admission to the city’s highest viewing platform atop the tallest building in Western Europe. Then use your 24-hour pass for a hop-on, hop-off the river cruise departing from four piers.
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- 1 day
- Taking safety measures
From
$68.91
Day TripsFull-Day Self-Guided Paris Tour from London by Eurostar with Seine River Cruise
Paris is just two hours by train from London, but visiting on a group tour can mean limited time to explore. This full-day self-guided tour offers the best of both worlds, with round-trip transport by Eurostar, a Paris map and welcome pack, and a Seine River sightseeing cruise, plus plenty of free time to take in the sights that interest you most.
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- 14 hours 30 minutes
- Taking safety measures
From
$227.36
Day CruisesTate to Tate - Private Art Tour
Explore the extensive art collections of Tate Britain and Tate Modern with professional Fine Artist Lou Smith. Lou exhibits her work both nationally and internationally.
Enjoy a free river boat journey between the two venues and absorb the architectural delights of history and tradition contrasted against modern Britain.
- Entry to both Tate galleries and all Special Exhibitions included free
- Complimentary entry to members rooms at both Tate's
- Examine works of art anew through the eyes of artist Lou Smith
- Boat ride included in the price.
- Bespoke private tour – your choices – your timing.
Tate Britain houses a collection of British art from the 1540’s to the present along with major special exhibitions.
The boat takes you past river landmarks like Westminster and London Eye.
Tate Modern houses International modern art and is one of the most visited Galleries in Europe.
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- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$521.99
Price varies by group size
Day CruisesRoyal Observatory and 24 Hour River Pass
Combine admission to the Royal Observatory Greenwich with a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames. Step inside the astronomical observatory to stand on the Prime Meridian of the World and experience the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Then see major London landmarks such as Big Ben and London Eye with a hop-on, hop-off river cruise. Your cruise ticket is valid for 24 hours and departs from four piers every 30 minutes.
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- 1 day
- Taking safety measures
From
$44.77
City PackagesHigh-Speed Boat Trip through London
Enjoy an alternative and thrilling way to explore London when you book tickets to a high-speed boat tour along the River Thames. Meet at Blackfriars Pier and hop aboard one of the largest Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB) on the river. After a safety briefing, grab your lifejacket and get ready to zoom past landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, the Tower of London, and more. The boat reaches speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kph), so you’re guaranteed a rousing journey.
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- 45 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$50.03
City PackagesThames High-Speed Zone RIB Cruise in London
Appease an appetite for adventure during a high-velocity cruise on London’s Thames River. Greet your professional guide, climb aboard a state-of-the-art RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and prepare for the ride of a lifetime. Feel your adrenaline levels surge as you reach speeds of up to 35 miles (56 km) per hour, and then catch a glimpse of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, the O2 Arena, and Canary Wharf as you zoom past at high speeds. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
... More
- 40 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$59.63
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