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Sightseeing At Its Best

Explore london with thames river sightseeing.

Make the most of your adventure! Join our local skippers and friendly team for an unforgettable Thames River cruise.

THAMES RIVER CRUISE TICKETS

Tickets & packages.

• Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Ticket

Westminster to Greenwich | Thames River Sightseeing

Travel from Westminster to Greenwich and enjoy beautiful views over London’s famous landmarks with our River Thames Sightseeing cruise.

Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay | Thames River Sightseeing

2 Day River Pass | Hop On Hop Off

Our 2-day hop-on and hop-off Thames River Sightseeing ticket is the best way to explore London from the water – with unlimited river travel over two consecutive days to enjoy at your own pace.

THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING

Featured Attractions

There’s so much to see when you’re on your Thames River Sightseeing cruise that you’re bound to find at least one place you’ll want to visit. Explore iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, & more!

• Closest Pier: Tower Bridge Quay

TOWER OF LONDON

• Closest Pier: Greenwich Pier

ROYAL OBSERVATORY

• Closest Pier: Bankside Pier

SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE

St. paul's cathedral.

• BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
• EXPERT CREW

Are you a group of 15 or more? Book now and get 15% off your tickets. Please select a cruise below and the discount will automatically be applied for group bookings of at least 15 people.

Select a cruise for your group and get 15% off your tickets when check out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our common answer to your common questions. Didn’t see what you are looking for? Click the button below to read all our FAQs.

The Thames is a chock-a-block full of London landmarks, including the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Cutty Sark, as well as modern attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. Rest assured your skipper will point out all the points of interest in an entertaining and informative commentary.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH
• Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6NU
• Festival Pier, Riverside Walk, London, SE1 9PX
• Bankside Pier, Bankside, London, SE1 9PD
• Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LA
• Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

• +44 (0) 20 3778 700
• [email protected]

Join us whatever the weather

Make the most of London with a River Roamer ticket for all-day travel!

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Travel across London

From all-day passes to one way tickets, travel by boat and enjoy the views!

River and cable car

Experience London from the sky and the river with our joint tickets with IFS Cloud Cable Car!

Illuminated River Official Boat Tour

See London at night bathed in the light of the Illuminated River project. Every Saturday from Tower Pier.

Commute by river

Sit back, sail through rush hour and arrive stress-free. Flexible ticketing options available while season tickets offer you the best value for money

Looking for things to do in London?

We've curated a list of events happening in London this Easter break and in April. From egg hunts to art trails, hop on board and we'll take you there.

New weekday timetable from 2 April

Exciting news! Starting 2 April, we’ll introduce an hourly off-peak daytime service to Royal Wharf and West Zone piers (except Cadogan). Please check the timetable before travelling as this change may have affected your departure time. 

Visit our online merch shop!

Purchase some of your favourite merchandise from our range and have it delivered anywhere in the UK!

Light up your weekend

Tickets are available for the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour every Saturday in January. Get yours now and see London in a new light!

Save with commuter ticket

Your morning commute now costs less with our new ‘Commuter AM‘ ticket that offers a 25% saving! Upgrade your journey into work and enjoy taking in the views with a freshly brewed coffee from the onboard café bar.

Tell us how we did!

If you’ve travelled with us recently, let us know how it went with this quick customer survey.

Looking for day out inspiration?

London is a big city... With so many options on where to go, it can be hard to decide. Luckily for you, we've done the hard work already! Head to our blog to see our recommendations on places to explore along the Thames.

Travel tools

Ticket information, service alerts.

Guaranteed seat

Comfortable seats in climate controlled cabins or enjoy the fresh air on the outside back deck. 

Café bar

A whole range of refreshments are available from the onboard café bar.

Bikes permitted

Bring your bike on board at no extra charge. We can currently carry up to 14 bikes on our largest vessels. Pets are also welcome.

There are toilets with accessible facilities on board most of the fleet. Our larger boats also have baby changing tables.

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

London by river

Kids go free!

Go on an adventure with the kids. Travelling by river is a great way for families to explore London differently. They will love being on the back deck! With a Family River Roamer kids go free. 

Enjoy the café bar

Sip, snack and sail! Refreshments are available at our onboard café bar from hot drinks to alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Make special occasions extra special

Add a touch of luxury to your events with our high speed vessel Orion Clipper from VIP transfers, to birthdays and excurions with family or friends.

Accessible travel across London 

Boat accessibility information.

All our boats are wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram accessible by ramp. All boats, except Star, Storm and Sky Clipper, have accessible toilets and larger boats have baby changing tables.

All our piers are step-free and wheelchair accessible except for Cadogan, London Bridge City and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter piers.

Mobility scooter owners are welcome on board but need first to apply for our Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme .

You can bring your guide or assistance dog on board for free.

Any person with a valid Disabled I.D. badge/card, will get 50% off ticket fares and a complimentary ticket for their carer.

Latest service updates

For the most up to date information on our services please follow   @thamesclippers on X (formerly known as Twitter). You can also find live departure information at the piers or on the Thames Clippers Tickets app.

"I would just like to say, you do an amazing job, always helpful, friendly. Provide an amazing service."

Thames River Cruises 

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is the fastest, most frequent and reliable fleet on the River Thames - carrying over 4 million passengers last year. Unlike most other forms of public transport, we are always reliable - the only days our river boats don’t run are Christmas and Boxing Day.

Thames River Boats 

Our Thames river boats are fully equipped with comfortable seating and plenty of space. Our larger river boats all have licenced on-board bars, with a range of coffees, snacks and alcoholic drinks. They all have toilet facilities, and some even have baby changing facilities. Our Thames river buses have Metro and City AM newspapers available on board and Free Wi-Fi is available at our main piers. The experience of travelling through London on a Thames river bus is unlike any other form of travel, providing an epic experience for its users. Far more enjoyable than struggling for space on a packed London Underground tube, quicker than driving or getting the bus, and less exhausting than walking or riding your bike!

Our History 

Starting in 1999 with just one boat in operation, our fleet has grown exponentially to 20 high-speed Thames river boats, offering services from all major London piers every 10-20 minutes. Our services cater for everyone from early morning commuters to night-time passengers. There are countless reasons to choose a London River Bus over any other form of transport – choose a Thames river cruise next time you need to travel through London.

• Experiences

Cruise the Thames aboard Illuminate - the Italian designed Azimut charter yacht. Up to ten guests can enjoy her spacious decks. As darkness falls, take to the flybridge for 360° panoramic views and experience London’s landmarks come alive with light.

best for weather

Soak up the sun or stay dry inside. Socialise under our covered rear deck and shelter from any unexpected turns in the weather.

best for style

Contemporary interior. Newly refurbished. A new era of Thames chartering.

the experience

cocktail cruise

Sip sundowners and witness London’s landmarks come alive whilst leading mixologists shake your perfect cocktails. Illuminate’s covered outer deck makes it the best yacht in London for cocktail cruises, whatever the weather.

TOUR THE THAMES

The best sightseeing tour in town. Our open-top deck, charismatic tour guides and various pick up and drop off points allow you to discover the timeline of the Thames.

JUST THE TWO OF YOU

A romantic gesture, a special occasion, perhaps an engagement. Enjoy privacy away from your captain and crew on Illuminate’s open upper deck or her secluded covered rear deck.

MICHELIN ON THE MOVE

If you’re a foodie you’ll be more than impressed by our selection of world class chefs. Fine dining for six or canapes and smaller eats for up to ten guests.

BOOZY BUSINESS

Wine and dine whilst getting down to business. Brainstorm, negotiate or simply entertain. Illuminate’s three separate areas provide ample space to deal and deliberate.

TWICKENHAM TAXI

Raise a glass ahead of the game and arrive in style. Illuminate will get the party started, beat the traffic and impress your guests. And after the whistle, cruise effortlessly back into Central London.

enquire now

This year, we are moving the luxury of London to the comradery of Cowes. Enjoy world class sailing, superb hospitality and all the buzz of Cowes Week aboard Illuminate.

ILLUMINATED RIVER PROJECT

The story behind the name.

Inspired by London’s spectacular Illuminated River Project – a long term light installation that will transform 15 of the cities bridges into unique works of art. And what better way to experience each bridge than from Illuminate’s covered rear deck and open air flybridge. “The Thames is London’s most ancient public space ... and the bridges that span our river are some of the most precious historic sites we have. The Illuminated River project is the next stage of the Thames evolution.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England

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20 Best London Boat Trips and Cruises

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2023

Are you considering booking a cruise down the River Thames? Not sure what is available or which one is best for you? We have you covered in our complete guide to the best London boat trips.

One of the most popular ways to experience London is to take a boat trip along the River Thames. With so many different Thames river cruises and boat trips to choose from it can be overwhelming picking the right fit for your needs. In this article, we compare the best London boat trips and provide a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right one for you.

We have divided the city cruises by theme including 8 different cruises (dinner cruises, lunch cruises and more) which offer food, drink and entertainment. There are also a number of speedboat tours available if you want the thrill of experiencing the Thames a la James Bond.

If you are planning to travel along the Thames to some of London’s popular landmarks and sights such as Greenwich, the Tower of London and the London Eye we recommend considering the hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise which includes unlimited travel on the river for 24 hours.

Overview of the best London boat trips and cruises

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Best London boat tours and cruises

• Duration – 24 hours

Wheelchair Accessible – YES

• Leaves from – Westminster, north Greenwich Pier, London Eye, and the Tower Pier.

On this boat ride on the River Thames, you’ll get a chance to see London’s most famous attractions . The 24-hour river ticket allows you to hop on and hop off at any of London’s major piers for 24 hours, including Westminster, Greenwich, London Eye, and Tower Pier.

Click here to purchase your ticket on the River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

• Duration – 30 minutes to 1 hour (choose one way or round trip)
• Includes on-board commentary
• Wheelchair accessible – Yes

Leaves from – Westminster Pier

• Not included – Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

See the sights of London along the banks of the River Thames on a sightseeing river cruise from Westminster Pier to Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, and Tower Bridge Quay.

Click here to purchase your Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

You have the option of purchasing a 1-way trip to Tower Bridge Quay or you can opt for a round-trip city cruise and return to Westminster. Listen to the live audio commentary from your captain and make use of the state-of-the-art facilities on board the boat.  

Regular departures from Westminster Pier every hour. The boats offer ideal viewing opportunities from the open top deck of the modern “Sapele” and “Mercuria” vessels or the open deck of the traditional “Sarah Kathleen.” Each vessel features a bar serving light refreshments available to purchase.

Click here to purchase your Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

Duration – 3 hours

• Includes tour guide
• Leave from – Meet your guide by the London Eye Waterloo Pier.

With a 3-hour cruise down the River Thames, enjoy seeing landmarks like the Tower of London and historic Greenwich while being guided by your private guide.

Click here to purchase

Best London Canal Waterbus Tours

Duration – 45 minutes

Guided commentary

Wheelchair Accessible – NO

Leaves from – The cruise will depart from Little Venice and end at Camden Lock

Travel the Regent’s Canal to Little Venice and enjoy a picturesque journey through London. This leisurely waterway is lined with quirky houseboats, while boats pass by on their way to Camden Town – an area bustling with culture!

Duration – 45 mins

Leaves from – West Yard, Camden Lock Place, Camden Market, NW1 8AF

Take a journey through London’s Regent’s Canal and experience the city like never before on this 1-way waterbus trip. Sit back as you cruise along with your window seat facing out into beautiful natural scenery, enjoying views that are impossible to find anywhere else!

London boat cruises with food (& entertainment)

Duration – 105 mins

Live commentary

Leaves from – Tower Pier, Lower Thames Street. London EC3N 4DT.

Discover a new way to enjoy London on this fantastic 105-minute cruise along the River Thames! You’ll be treated to 2 courses from an expert chef, including tea or coffee.

Get spectacular views of some of England’s most famous landmarks while sipping your beverage and listening out for fun facts about each site’s history during our journey down the river

Duration – 2.5 hours

Leaves from – Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6NU

Included – A three-course set menu (starter, main course, and dessert) Live band

Relax on board of a luxury pleasure boat and enjoy live music as you cruise down river. Including a 3 course dinner and live entertainment performed by a jazz band this is the perfect cruise to celebrate that special occasion.

Duration – 2 hours

Live music performance

Leaves from – Tower Pier

Start your evening with a Taste of Britain Cruise that will take you on a relaxing journey along the River Thames. As you take in the sights, enjoy traditional British-themed bowl food, and musical hits created by British artists.

Duration – 1.5 hours

Sightseeing commentary

Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, savouries and cakes as you cruise down the Thames past some of London’s most iconic sights and landmarks.

Step aboard for a wonderful 3-hour dinner cruise on the River Thames and a 4-course meal. Enjoy a live cabaret performance and dance into the night as you cruise past London’s illuminated monuments as far as the Thames Barrier and back.

Leaves from – Tower Millennium Pier

Set sail after sunset and enjoy London on a river tour down the Thames. Start your evening with a glass of bubbly and delicious canapés. Enjoy a selection of jazz and chill-out pop songs from live performers.

Duration – 2 hours 45 minutes

3 or 5-course meal

Leaves from – Embankment Pier

See the sights of London illuminated for the night on a dinner cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy a 3 or 5-course menu of delicious food, with live music and professional service, as you pass iconic views of the city.

3-course meal with tea and coffee

Leaves from – Westminster pier

If you’re looking for a sophisticated night out in London with fine food, great live music, a friendly atmosphere, and some of the most stunning sights in London, this 3-hour Thames jazz dinner cruise is the ideal solution for you!

Best London speetboat tours

Duration – 50 minutes

Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems or children under 33 lbs

Leaves from – Embankment Pier 

Get the ultimate adrenaline rush aboard a high-speed RIB boat and see the sights of London as you speed along the River Thames on a 50-minute round-trip from Embankment Pier to Tower Bridge.

Leaves from – London Eye Pier 

Experience a wild and fantastic River Thames boat cruise that is fun for all ages. Informative banter is provided by an award-winning comedian guide, whose cheery anecdotes include narration about the history of London.

Leaves from – Tower Bridge Quay

See the sights of London aboard a high-speed powerboat and ride past the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and other sights on the River Thames. Blast through Wapping and Canary Wharf to the O2 Arena at Greenwich and back.

Enjoy a fun-filled, adrenaline-packed experience as you cruise down the River Thames on the fastest boats in London. You’ll enjoy sightseeing, speed and awesome aquabatics.

Duration – 75 minutes

Board a speedboat from Embankment Pier and enjoy a round trip experience right up to the Thames Barrier, including guided commentary and high-speed action.

Duration – 40/45 minutes

Wheelchair Accessible – Contact for more information

Prepare to experience a Horrible Histories tour of the Thames. Terrible Thames is the new hit Thames river cruise for those interested in the history of the city and the river that runs through it.

I am sure this post will have helped you choose the right boat tour from the many London river cruises the city has to offer! You can find out more to help plan your trip to London in these articles:

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Visiting Greenwich? Best things to see and do in Greenwich & one day itinerary
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• Best bus tours? Read our guide to th e best sightseeing London bus tours
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s main trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
• London Eye – Top tips plus ticket options
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London
• Visiting in winter? 21 Festive things to do in London in December

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Explore London Boat Tours

Thames river cruises tours and tickets, ( ) experiences found.

• Recommended
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Top Customer Reviews

David miguel.

Todo perfecto, el crucero muy bien. Lo aprovechamos para ir a Greenwich, que nos habían recomendado y francamente bien. Llegamos sobre las 10:00 de la mañana a Westminster Pier y en cinco minutos teníamos canjeados nuestro bono por los billetes definitivos.

saumya jaiswar

It was an amazing cruise. The commentary on-board was enjoyable. you can explore a lot, as you can get down at various piers. Remember to exchange your voucher with tickets at the counter. it is very convenient and cheap to book because at the location the price of the tickets were higher.

Umakant kandpal

Cruise was very nice , food was warm ,

Experience Boat Tours in London

Lunch or dinner sorted : Wondering what to do for some lunch or dinner as you explore London? Then look no further than a lunch or evening boat cruise. Let the London sights glide by as you dine. There’s no better way to see London and eat in style.

Bus, boats, trains, trams and bikes : London is one of the most accessible cities in the world, with a transport system that is as historical as it is convenient. Head on the tube, hop on the bus or boat and even hire a city bicycle. You even have the option of trams in certain parts south of the river. No part is left out in this city.

Explore without worry : You’ll find that London is considered a safe city to explore. Certain parts of the capital are best avoided. However, with most of the major attractions centrally located and often busy with tourists, you’ll find that these areas are very safe.

What are the best places to visit : London is a city packed full of tourist treats. Take your pick from the bustling West End for the shows to the shopping streets of Oxford and Bond Street, and the museum district of South Kensington. You have Westminster as the seat of power, and the River Thames that will reveal plenty of London’s secrets.

• Tidal or not tidal, that is the question. Actually, the River Thames is both. After Teddington Lock, it becomes tidal as it heads into the estray and then the North Sea.

• It may not look it from the murky waters you’ll see on your boat tour, but don’t be fooled. This river is teaming with life. There are over 119 species of fish, as well as otters, voles and eels!

• Fancy a walk? You can walk a large portion of the River Thames along the 184-mile Thames Path. It’ll take you about 12-14 days to complete it. It starts in the beautiful Cotswolds and finishes at the Thames Barrier in Woolwich.

• The Oxford v Cambridge boat race has been competing on the River Thames for just the past 200 years! First held in 1829.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: dinner and a cruise.

You will find there are several London lunch and dinner cruise options available. Check the individual tour details for the menu and the options available.

Q: Do London Boat Cruises offer free Wi-Fi onboard?

We realise you want to capture those destination hotspots on your tour. Many operators do offer free Wi-Fi on board, but you will need to check with the individual operator.

Q: Do London Boat Cruises run throughout the year?

Yes, but be aware that there is a high season (April to September) and Low Season (October to March). Check the tour details for timings.

Q: Can you give me some alternative tours to your cruise and boat tours?

London is a city full of attractions and experiences to enjoy and immerse in. Check out our London Tours by visiting isango.com

Q: What is the duration of the London Boat Tour?

Each tour is different, but in general, they will have a duration of between 1hr and 2hrs. Make sure to check the specific tour for timings.

Q: What time do London Boat Tours operate?

Boat tours will run at different times of the day, especially if you are booked on a lunch or dinner cruise. Make sure to check the tour details for a full listing of times.

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The best boat trips in London

See the city from the Thames or one of London’s canals with these great London boat trips

London boat tours are a truly fabulous way to see the city’s top spots. The River Thames is a destination in itself, of course, and most London boat tours will take in famous landmarks such as the Tate Modern , St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, The O2 and Canary Wharf . You’ll be spoiled for choice with footage for your Instagram story.

If you fancy something a little bit different, there are some charming London boat tours along Regent’s Canal, many leading to the incredibly picturesque  Little Venice . Whether you’re a seasoned sea dog or a naval novice, there are definitely one or two London boat tours for you.

RECOMMENDED: The top 50 attractions in London

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City Cruises

• Things to do
• Walks and tours
• Victoria Embankment

City Cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis and run from Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich Piers with commentary along the way. The River Red Rover ticket allows unlimited one-day cruising; there's also the Rail and River Rover ticket allowing unlimited one-day travel by river and on the DLR. Single or return tickets are available for shorter journeys, too. The London Showboat is an evening dinner and dance cruise running from Westminster Pier. Afternoon tea and lunch cruises are another popular option during peak periods. 

Thames Rockets

• Ships and boats

This slick RIB (ridged inflatable boat) operation offers a thrilling, high-speed ride on the Thames. You can book by phone or online, or just turn up and pay on the day at the London Eye Ticket Office. Arrive 20 minutes before the off to be kitted out with a waterproof jacket, a life jacket and goggle-style visors (fun in itself). The trip starts calmly enough and the guide will keep kids and adults entertained with fun facts and celebrity stories. But once the boat passes Wapping, it’s pedal to the floor all the way to Canary Wharf. 

Tate to Tate Boat

Running every 20 to 30 minutes, the boat service connecting London’s two Tate galleries, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, takes you through the heart of London, with plenty to see on both banks (head to the outdoor deck at the back of the boat for the best views). The catamaran service boasts specially commissioned exterior and interior designs by artist Damien Hirst, but there’s no commentary, so take a map.

Thames Clippers

River bus services running daily between Royal Arsenal Woolwich in the east and Battersea Power Station in the west. A daily commuter service operates every 20 minutes calling at all major central London piers. On event nights at The O2, the River Bus Express operates a fast direct shuttle service from London Eye (Waterloo) and London Bridge with optional champagne upgrades. There’s no tour guide on board, but you can download a free app for an audio commentary. 

Thames RIB Experience

• Sightseeing

Hurtling about the Thames at 30 knots (roughly 35mph) is the closest thing we’ve got to a white-knuckle ride in central London. It takes just under 40 minutes to travel from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Then the turbo engines kick in and you’re off, bumping about on the open water between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, turning in terrifyingly tight figures of eight. It’s the quickest, most thrilling way to travel the Thames.

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Two tours in one. The first, departing from Victoria Coach Station on a restored double-decker bus, will take in views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Tower of London. The second is a cruise on the River Thames passing Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before arriving at Embankment pier, where you hop back on the bus and head for Buckingham Palace. The tour will finish back at Victoria Coach Station.

Turks Launches

Turks Launches have been operating boat tours along south-west London’s pretty stretch of Thames for 300 years. Running from Richmond Pier to Hampton Court, their routes pack in more historic sites than you might realise, including the seventeenth-century pile Ham House, Eel Pie Island (where Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones used to party), and Teddington Lock’s Dunkirk Memorial. Turks tours run daily from March until September; look out for special disco and jazz cruises during peak months.

London Waterbus Company

• Camden Market

Navigate Regent’s Canal in a narrowboat with the London Waterbus Company. Trips run along the Regent’s Canal linking Little Venice, Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Camden Lock. Warwick Avenue is the closest tube if you’re catching the boat from Little Venice. There’s no advance-booking option – these tours are first come, first served – so if you arrive at peak time, just before lunch, you might have to queue. 

Canal Museum Tunnel Boat Trip

• King’s Cross

These trips are best suited to the brave. Regent’s Canal’s tunnel – built in 1820 – is long, dark, dank and three quarters of a mile long. Once upon a time, boats normally pulled by horses on the towpath had to be inched through the tunnel by a process of ‘legging’ – with the men on board having to brace their legs against the tunnel walls to power the boat along. The tunnel tours take place during the summer, and tickets also includes admission to the London Canal Museum proper. There are only 12 places on each boat tour, so booking is definitely recommended.

Jason’s Trip

• Little Venice

Jason’s Trip navigates the picturesque route along Regent’s Canal from Little Venice, through Regent’s Park, on to Camden Lock and back again. The boat is more than 100 years old and the trip, which includes a live historical commentary and lasts for 45min each way, has been a feature on the canal since 1951. Tours run from the first week of April right through to the first week of November. 

• Camden Town

Hop aboard for an hour and a half's cruise from Camden Lock, past London Zoo in Regent's Park, through the tunnel to Robert Browning’s Island at Little Venice and back to Walker’s Quay. A commentary is included on the cruise, and picnic lunches are available from the company’s waterside restaurant. If you prefer the idea of more formal onboard dining, try the My Fair Lady cruising restaurant boat, operated by the same company.

Bow Boat Company

Bow Boat Company offers a more bespoke kind of canal tour. Its cute narrowboat seats up to 12 people and can be hired (complete with skipper and tour guide) for special-occasion tours of east London’s waterways. You can decide exactly how long you want to tour for, and precisely where you’d like to stop. The comprehensive ‘east London loop’ takes in everything from the Olympic Park to Victoria Park and stretches out over a leisurely five hours; a shorter tour from Hackney’s buzzy Broadway Market to bustling King’s Cross takes just two hours. 

Looking for more things to do in London?

101 things to do in London

Check out The DO List for London. It’s the ultimate city checklist put together by Time Out editors who really know and love London

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Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

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Return Ticket With a return ticket you can go one way, take in some of the sights around the pier and then take the same route back.

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Private River Cruises

Woods’ Quay, right on the doorstep of The Savoy, is home to Woods’ Silver Fleet , one of the most exclusive private river cruises in London.

Since 1866, the Woods family have been providing excellent service and delicious food to their guests in their handcrafted vessels: the Silver Sturgeon, Woods’ 61 metres flagship river yacht; the Silver Barracuda , an art deco vintage river cruise; and the smaller Silver Darling , a 15 metres high-speed river taxi.

To find out more about hosting an event at Wood’s Quay or hiring one of the vessels for your own private party and river cruise, contact Woods’ Silver Fleet.

Tel. 020 7491 1947

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