Thames River Cruises | Sightseeing, Dinner & Afternoon Tea Options

From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+

Andreea

United Kingdom

Oct 2025

5/5

‌

Rainy but magical Thames cruise! Iconic views of The Shard, Big Ben, and Walkie Talkie shimmered through drizzle. Cozy vibes, great company, classic London mood—grey skies, warm hearts, unforgettable ride.

Mark

United States

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

The boat was great, the sites were awesome, the running commentary was informative and Fun! You really made this a time remember. Thank you

Joana

Spain

Oct 2025

4/5

‌

Very good. There were few people. The weather was good and the tour very pleasant. We were seated both on deck and outside the ship.

Rachel

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

+2 more

The cruise and London Eye experience was absolutely amazing and memorable. A beautiful light breezy and partly sunny day made it ideal for walking, sightseeing and taking photos. It wasn't too crowded so it was easy to get to and from locations. Overall, I had an awesome experience and enjoyed every minute of it.

Alina

Germany

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

The staff were very friendly and the guide on the boat trip told us interesting facts such as the fact that "Big Ben" is actually called "Elizabeth Tower".

Daniel

Romania

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

I had a very nice experience on the Thames Sightseeing Cruise. The boat was not very crowded and the weather was mostly sunny. I really liked the captain. Even though they don’t employ an actual guide, it felt like they did. The captain entertained us and shared interesting facts about key locations along the route. I would definitely recommend this experience.

Precious

United Kingdom

Aug 2025

5/5

‌

The Thames River Cruise was such an exciting and memorable experience! The views were absolutely beautiful, The atmosphere was relaxing yet lively, making it a perfect way to enjoy the sights. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting London

Angeli

Philippines

Jul 2025

5/5

‌

Prior to our arrival in London, I booked our tickets online with great ease! In just a few minutes, our booking was confirmed! This was our family's first visit to London and surely the Thames river cruise shouldn't be missed. When we arrived at the embarkation pier, queuing was well organized! But you got to be there at least 15 minutes before departure :). The experience was amazing!!!. We got to see the best attractions in London while cruising Thames river. It was a wonderful experience for me and my family! It was really worth visiting London!

Top things to do in London

Experience a Thames River Cruise

Ways to sail: Sightseeing cruise (45–75 mins) or relaxed dining cruise (2–3 hours), available day, sunset, or night.
Routes & duration: Central city loop (Westminster, Tower Bridge, and the historic South Bank). Longer routes extend downriver toward the Docklands and Greenwich.
Boats & seating: Modern, comfortable vessels with open decks and indoor seating.
Boarding hubs: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich Piers.
Queues & check-in: Ticket lines are not skipped; please arrive at the pier 15–20 mins early for check-in. Have your ticket confirmation and a valid ID ready.
When to book: Sunset slots and weekend dining cruises sell out quickest. The last sightseeing cruise during peak season can run as late as 10pm.

Check out the comparison table below to find your best cruise match →

Find your best River Thames cruise match here

Experience	Boarding point	Timings & duration	Boat type & seating	Inclusions	Cancellation policy	Book tickets
Sightseeing cruise with flexible time and departure point	Westminster, Tower, London Eye, or Greenwich Piers	Daily departures; 30-90 mins long	Standard cruise boat	Food available for purchase onboard, multilingual audio guide	Can be cancelled up to 24h prior	From £13.95
Sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich	Westminster Pier, Boarding point B	Daily departures, from 10am; 2 hours long	Standard cruise boat	Food available for purchase onboard, multilingual audio guide	Can be cancelled up to 24h prior	From £13.95
Sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Tower Bridge	Westminster Pier, Boarding point B	Daily departures, from 10am; 2 hours long	Standard cruise boat	Food available for purchase onboard, multilingual audio guide	Can be cancelled up to 24h prior	From £13.50
Thames River Uber Boat Tour	24 piers	Available daily, 24hr; flexible duration	High-speed, modern catamarans	Canapes and live music or a 4-course meal, welcome drink, and live entertainment	Can be cancelled up to 48h prior	From £10.80
Thames River Evening and Dinner Cruise	Westminster Pier	Daily departures at 6:30pm or 7:45pm, 2-3 hours long	Luxury river cruiser with large panoramic windows	2-course lunch with live or recorded commentary	Cannot be cancelled or rescheduled	From £49
Thames River Lunch Cruise	Tower Pier	Daily departures at 11:45am; 1 hour 45 minutes long	Luxury river cruiser with large panoramic windows	Afternoon tea included: unlimited tea and coffee	Cannot be cancelled or rescheduled	From £49
Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise	Tower Pier	Daily departures at 3:30pm, boarding at 3:15pm; 1.5 hours long	Luxury river cruiser with large panoramic windows	Afternoon tea included: unlimited tea and coffee	Cannot be cancelled or rescheduled	From £49

What to expect on a Thames River cruise

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Seamless boarding

Start your journey easily at central, well-known embarkation points like Westminster, Tower Pier, or Greenwich. Clear signage and friendly staff ensure a quick check-in before you settle in for your sail.

Comfortable seating and ambience

Enjoy the journey from an open-air upper deck for unobstructed skyline views or a cosy, climate-controlled lower saloon. Both decks offer excellent perspectives for sightseeing across all seasons.

Iconic views from a unique angle

Glide past world-famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. The river offers photo-perfect angles you can't get on land.

Engaging live or audio commentary

A river cruise is a moving history lesson! Listen to live narration or multilingual audio guides sharing facts and stories about the city's architecture and four centuries of history along the Thames.

Onboard refreshments and dining

Most cruises feature a fully stocked bar offering drinks and snacks. Options range from simple daytime sailings with light refreshments to elegant dinner cruises with three-course menus and fine wine.

Evening sailings and illuminated views

Experience the magic of London at night. Sunset cruises offer stunning light, while evening dinner sailings feature the illuminated city skyline with its bridges and buildings beautifully lit up.

Things to know before booking your Thames cruise

Ticket types: You have three main ways to cruise:
- Single/return tickets: Great for getting from point A to point B, or completing a one-off scenic loop.
- Hop-on Hop-off (HOHO) cruises: Gives you the freedom to explore the sights at your own pace; just hop off at a pier, walk around, and reboard later. Commuter services (like Uber Boat) are ideal if you want a flexible, fast, and affordable way to travel between any of the 19-25 major central piers.
Routes & duration: Need a quick fix? The central 30–60 min cruise covers the major landmarks. Want the full journey to a historic site? Look for longer routes (up to 3 hours) that travel out to Greenwich, giving you a comprehensive view of London’s maritime history.
Day vs. night: A day cruise gives you crystal-clear views and the best light for photos of Big Ben and the Tower of London. An evening cruise offers pure magic—think the city glowing with thousands of lights and a romantic sunset over the water.
Sightseeing vs. dining experiences: Can’t decide between a quick tour and a leisurely feast? Sightseeing cruises are perfect for snapping photos and getting the highlights, usually lasting 40–90 mins with live commentary. Dining cruises (like Afternoon Tea, lunch, or a dinner cruise) turn the journey into an event, running for a few hours and making them ideal for a celebration or a relaxed, luxurious outing.
Food and drink onboard: Just a heads-up: not every cruise comes with a meal or snacks. But don’t worry, most standard sightseeing tours have a fully licensed bar where you can purchase hot drinks, beer, wine, and light refreshments. Food is generally not included in your basic ticket price.
Seating: Seating on Thames River cruises may differ. For sightseeing cruises, seats are usually first-come, first-served, so you pick your spot when you board. For dining or special events, seats might be pre-assigned in advance. Check with your cruise provider for details!
Best time to book: The peak season (March–October) is when tickets sell out fast, especially for weekend and evening cruises. Want that magical sunset view? Book your spot well in advance! For fewer crowds and a calmer experience, aim for a weekday morning cruise.
Accessibility check: While many modern vessels are adapted for wheelchairs, you must check with your operator before booking. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is usually a top option. Most piers are step-free and accessible, but note that Cadogan, London Bridge City, and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter piers are exceptions. Accessibility can depend on the tide (which makes pier ramps steep) and the specific boat's age and design. For example, some cruises (like the London Eye River Cruise) require you to pre-book a wheelchair slot, and not all piers are step-free.

Your Thames River cruise boarding points explained

While there are multiple boarding piers, these are some of the most easily accessible and scenic piers you'd want to hop on from:

Famous for its proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Pier offers stunning views of London's historical heart.

Getting there:

By Tube: Jubilee, Circle, or District lines to Westminster station (2 min walk).
By bus: Multiple routes stop near Westminster Square.
By car/taxi: Located beside Westminster Bridge; congestion is heavy.

Nearest attractions: Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament

Adjacent to the iconic London Eye, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.

Getting there:

By Tube: Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern, or Waterloo lines to Waterloo station (5 min walk).
By train: Waterloo Station (5 min walk).
By bus: Numerous buses stop on Westminster Bridge Road.

Nearest attractions: SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Southbank Centre, Jubilee Gardens, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey

Tower Pier serves as a gateway to London's past, with the historic Tower of London nearby, along with the famous Tower Bridge.

Getting there:

By Tube: Circle or District lines to Tower Hill station (5 min walk).
By DLR: Tower Gateway station (10 min walk).
By car/taxi: Located right beside the Tower of London; drop-off is restricted.

Nearest attractions: Tower of London, Tower Bridge

Situated in the picturesque Greenwich area, it is known for its maritime history and the Royal Observatory.

Getting there:

By DLR: Cutty Sark station (5 min walk).
By train: Southeastern to Greenwich station (10 min walk).
By car/taxi: Accessible via the Blackwall Tunnel approach.

Nearest attractions: Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market, Royal Observatory Greenwich, and National Maritime Museum

Thames River cruise route map

Take a look at our comprehensive map, which will help you quickly understand all the sights you will see on your Thames River cruise!

What you’ll see on your London cruise

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, a London icon, opened in 1894 and spans the Thames with its distinctive bascule and suspension design. It features walkways and raises its central span for ships to pass.

The Shard skyscraper against a clear blue sky in London.

Check-in and boarding guide

How early to arrive: Please aim to arrive at your designated pier 15–20 mins before the scheduled departure time to allow for a smooth check-in process.
Documents needed: Have your mobile or printed e-ticket/voucher ready, along with a valid photo ID for verification, especially for dining or themed cruises.
What to wear: For most sightseeing cruises, casual wear is fine. For dining or evening cruises, a smart-casual dress code is generally expected to match the atmosphere.
Seating: Seating on sightseeing cruises is usually unassigned and first-come, first-served. For dinner or special event cruises, seating is typically pre-assigned to your table.
Find your pier: Check your booking confirmation for the exact pier (Westminster, Tower, Greenwich, etc.), as this is crucial. Final boarding closes 5–10 mins before departure.
Security & luggage: Expect minimal, routine security checks. You can bring a small bag or personal item; however, luggage is generally restricted, and large suitcases are not permitted onboard.
Children and pets: Children are welcome on all standard cruises with a valid ticket. Dogs are often permitted on sightseeing cruises (usually on a lead), but confirm the specific policy for dining experiences.
Weather considerations:
- Clear/sunny day: Head straight for the open-air upper deck for the best panoramic views and photos. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat, especially in summer, as the sun reflects off the water.
- Rainy/cold day: Don't worry, all vessels have spacious, enclosed lower decks with large panoramic windows. These areas are heated and fully sheltered, ensuring comfortable viewing regardless of the weather.
- Fog or extreme weather: Cruises run year-round, but dense fog or extremely high tides can occasionally lead to delays or cancellations for safety. Always check the operator's website on the day of travel for updates.

Know before you go on a Thames River cruise

Sightseeing cruises:
Duration: Typically 1 hour
Timings: Available throughout the day, with multiple departure times starting from early morning (10am) to late afternoon (4pm).
Hop-On-Hop-Off cruises:
Duration: Flexible, usually valid for 24 hours
Timings: Offered from early morning (6am) to night (11pm), with boats departing every 30 minutes.
Meal cruises:
Duration: Ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours
Timings: Typically scheduled during lunch or dinner hours, with afternoon tea cruises also available.

For sightseeing: If you want to get the best views of the London landmarks, then aim for a cruise during the daytime, ideally between 10am and 4pm. This will give you plenty of sunlight for capturing photos.
For a romantic experience: An evening cruise (around sunset) can be very romantic, especially if you choose a dinner cruise with drinks and a scenic view.

Evening cruise: This cruise treats you to a tasty lineup of cold canapés, perfectly paired with a glass of sparkling wine or a refreshing soft drink if you prefer.
Lunch cruise with 2-course meals: Veggie fans, cassoulet's calling your name! This traditional French dish features a hearty mix of foraged oyster mushrooms and white beans, topped with a crispy herb and Parmesan crust. Meat-lovers, don’t miss out on the roasted chicken! And for dessert, indulge in a slice of zesty lemon gâteau for a perfect finish.
Afternoon cruise with tea: Relax with a tasty spread of sandwiches on board, including cheddar ploughman, egg and cress, smoked salmon, and more! Oh, and don't miss the scones with clotted cream and a pot of your favourite tea.

Some Thames cruises are wheelchair-friendly, offering step-free piers, accessible ramps, and dedicated spaces on board. However, accessibility options may vary, so you should inquire with the cruise provider beforehand.
Dining cruises cater to all tastes, from vegan and gluten-free options to classic meat plates of roasted chicken. Be sure to notify the operator of any dietary needs when booking, and savour everything from afternoon tea to gourmet lunches onboard!
There is no need to worry about restrooms as most boats are fully equipped, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities on larger vessels, ensuring everyone stays comfortable throughout the journey.
Live or recorded commentary is your onboard guide to London's rich history and iconic landmarks.
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome aboard, free of charge! You and your furry companion can enjoy the cruise together, making it an accessible adventure for everyone.

London weather loves to keep you guessing, so layer up! Dressing in layers lets you quickly adapt to shifting temperatures, especially if you're on an open deck where it can get chilly. So, pack a light jacket or raincoat, especially for evening cruises or if there’s rain on the horizon.
You'll likely be walking to and from the pier and exploring nearby spots, so sneakers or casual flats will keep you comfy all day long.
A dinner cruise calls for smart casual wear. Whether it's a fashionable dress or stylish pants with a dressy top or collared shirt, you'll be perfectly suited.
If you're cruising during the day, remember to take sunglasses and a hat. They'll keep you shaded from the sun while you soak up those deck views!

Life jackets are provided and must be worn if instructed. Crew members will brief you on safety procedures before departure.
Most cruises have a no-smoking policy indoors, including cabins and enclosed areas. Smoking might be allowed on designated outdoor decks, so check signage.
Be cautious when moving around the boat, especially between decks or when disembarking.
Bins are provided for waste disposal. Help maintain the cleanliness of the boat by disposing of rubbish responsibly.
Outside food and drinks are also not allowed.

Visitor tips and guidelines

Best seats: Sit on the starboard side (right) when heading east (downriver) from Westminster to see the London Eye, St. Paul’s, and the Tower of London. Switch to the port side (left) on the return journey.
Arrival buffer: Aim to arrive at your designated pier at least 15–20 mins before your scheduled departure, especially for fixed-time or dining cruises, to allow for check-in and securing your preferred seats.
Golden hour photography: For the best lighting, book a cruise one hour before sunset (which can be as early as 4pm in winter), known as the 'golden hour,' for photos of the city skyline.
Audio commentary: Most sightseeing cruises feature excellent live commentary or multilingual audio guides. Bring your own wired headphones for better sound quality and a more personal experience.
Wind and layers: The Thames can be breezy year-round, particularly on the open top deck. Always bring an extra layer (jacket or scarf), even on warm days, to stay comfortable throughout the journey.
Dining cruise dress code: For dinner cruises, the dress code is typically smart casual (e.g., no trainers or ripped jeans). Sightseeing cruises are strictly casual, but avoid flip-flops or high heels for safety on the gangways.
Motion comfort: The river is generally calm, but if you're sensitive to motion, stick to the lower, enclosed deck toward the middle of the boat (mid-ship) for the most stable ride.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River cruises

Can I book at the last minute?

While basic day tickets are often available, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular sunset and dining cruises or during the summer peak season, as these sell out quickly.

Can I use an Oyster or Travelcard for the cruise?

You can use an Oyster or contactless payment on some services, like the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which operates a commuter route. Sightseeing and dining cruises require a specific ticket purchase.

Are the cruises suitable for kids?

Yes, most Thames River cruises are family-friendly and suitable for children. With diverse options, educational commentary, and discounts, they offer engaging experiences for all ages.

Which cruise is best for small groups or solo travelers?

Sightseeing or hop-on-hop-off cruises offer flexibility for solo travelers or small groups.

What’s the difference between sightseeing and dining cruises?

Sightseeing cruises are shorter and focus on views and commentary. Dining cruises are longer, include a multi-course meal (e.g., lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea), and often feature live entertainment.

Is there a specific boarding time?

Yes, boarding times vary by cruise. For instance, lunch cruises typically start at 11:45am, while sightseeing cruises run every 30 mins, allowing for more flexible boarding.

What happens if I miss my cruise?

If you miss your Thames River cruise, you can usually board a later departure on the same day with your ticket, as most operators offer this flexibility. Thames River Sightseeing, for instance, allows you to use your ticket for any departure on the same day. Always confirm with your provider for exact policies regarding fees and rescheduling.

What happens in bad weather?

In bad weather, Thames River cruises typically operate as usual, with indoor areas offering shelter. Some operators may adjust schedules or routes for safety, so it’s wise to check in advance or be prepared for possible changes.

How helpful is the commentary/audio guide on a cruise?

Commentary is very helpful. Whether live or via audio guide, it enhances your experience by pointing out the historic and cultural context of the famous landmarks as you pass them.

Is seating assigned or first-come, first-served?

Seating for premium dining cruises is typically reserved in advance. For standard sightseeing cruises, seating is usually first-come, first-served, especially for open-deck spots.

Are there any seasonal events or special cruises on the Thames?

Seasonal and special cruises are available on the Thames, including Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve events, plus themed party options. Consult your provider for more details.