River Thames is one of the most fascinating ways to consume the antiquity seeped sights of London. On a River Thames Cruise, one gets to glide under the London Bridge , see the Houses of Parliament, the Big Ben, admire the Festival Hall and the London Eye amongst the many other sights. When in London, experiencing the Thames is an absolute must and there's no better way to do this than hopping on a River Thames Cruise and gliding past the jewels of London. My favourite happens to be the afternoon tea cruises in London, and after going through the Best Thames River Cruises in this blog, you'll have a favourite too!
Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide
Types of Thames River Cruises London
More Thames Sightseeing Cruises Options
More Thames Lunch Cruise Options
More Thames Dinner Cruises Options
More Thames Tea Cruises
More Thames Hop on Hop off River Cruises Options
Best Thames River Cruises
Choosing the correct River Thames Cruise can be a task, but once you finalise the time of the day you want to experience River Thames at, half the decision is made. There are a plethora of options - dinner cruises, lunch cruises, afternoon tea cruises and even sundowner cruises you can choose from! If you're in the mood for a simple sightseeing cruise, nothing better than the good ol' Hop On Hop Off Cruise. If you'd like a tinge of adrenaline rush, the High Speed RIB Boat is a safe and fun bet. Pick a time, book your Thames River Cruise and fall in love with the city's gothic grandeur from the river.
Thames Sightseeing Cruises
1
London Thames River Cruise
Monday-Sunday
£12
20 min
Considered as one of the most sought after Thames cruise in London, this boat ride is more than just relaxing sail. The London Thames River Cruise is in fact one of the fastest mode of transport in London, allowing you to cross pier after pier in no time. However, despite its speed, you can also marvel at its iconic waterfronts that adorns its shores. Sip a cup of coffee as you speed on by the maximum city!
London Thames River Cruise Features
- Discover the important sights and attractions of London like never before.
- Choose an anywhere ticket, which allows you to travel between pier to pier of your choice.
- Save time on one of the fastest boats in the city.
- Enjoy an on-board coffee shop during your tour.
- By downloading the free MBNA Thames Clippers in:flow app, you can enjoy the pleasures of an audio guide via your phone.
- Dogs and cycles are allowed onboard
- Boats are covered and have inside seating. Most of the boats also have an open deck area.
2
Westminster to Greenwich Thames River Cruise
Monday-Sunday
£12
20 min
Discover London in a whole new light as you cruise by the important landmarks of the city. Make the most of your ride with entertaining narration and facts about the city. Admire the sprawling, panoramic views of the skyline and avail several photo opportunities from the open deck of the cruise. The tour comes with excellent flexibility of timings and a chance to tour London’s scenic water route more extensively.
Westminster to Greenwich Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Features
- Panoramic views of the London skyline.
- Open deck for photo ops.
- Live interactive commentary about London’s history.
- A tour of Thames’ important waterfronts along with the landmarks.
- By downloading the free MBNA Thames Clippers in:flow app, you can enjoy the pleasures of an audio guide via your phone.
- Dogs and cycles are allowed onboard
- Boats are covered and have inside seating. Most of the boats also have an open deck area.
3
Thames High Speed RIB Boat Experience
Monday-Sunday
£39
50 min
If you’re tired of sailing around the city, Thames High Speed RIB experience makes sure you have a rush of adrenaline in your day. Get onboard a thrilling boat ride and explore the city like never before! The exciting 50 minute ride will show you around the Westminster pier and take you past the iconic buildings of the city. Witness the House of Parliament, Big Ben and many other landmarks before zipping your way back to the Westminster Pier.
Thames High Speed RIB Boat Features
- High speed jet boat tour.
- Save on time by indulging in a 50 minute speed tour from Westminster pier.
- Have a chance to experience the incredible architecture and history of London.
- Life jackets and Waterproof clothing will be provided.
4
Thames River Unlimited Hop on Hop Off Cruise
Monday-Sunday
£19
24 hours
Escape the fast paced lifestyle of London as you hop on to the Thames River cruise. Lounge around on the open deck as the ride takes you through London’s stellar riverfront. Rediscover the charm of the city with a whole new refreshing perspective. Enjoy the chaos of the city with the comfort of a luxury cruise. What’s more is that you can hop on from any of the 4 piers, for as long as you like in 24 hours!
Thames River Unlimited Hop on Hop Off Cruise Features
- Unlimited hop on hop off between 4 piers
- On-board commentary and facts about the history of London
- Extensive views of the London skyline
- Open air deck
- Audioguide
Thames Lunch Cruises
1
Bateaux London: Lunch Cruises on the Thames
Tuesday-Saturday
£36
1.5 hours
There’s nothing like relishing a sumptuous three course spread while gazing out at the magnificence of the city. Enjoy incredible views of London as your cruise glides by some of the most important attractions that shouldn’t be missed out on. The one and a half hour cruise promises a quintessential London experience along with a rejuvenating ride. Walk through the the city’s cultural and historical landmarks with live commentary during the journey.
Bateaux London: Lunch Cruises on the Thames Features
- On board commentary that guides you through the important aspects of the tour
- A seasonal three course meal for both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian tourists
- Flexibility of timings for those who want to enjoy this ticket at a later date and time
- Half a bottle of wine per person
- Audioguide
- Window Table (Optional)
2
River Thames Lunch Cruise
Sunday-Monday
£32
2 hours
If a cheerful lunch soiree is what you’re looking at, the River Thames Lunch Cruise takes you through that and everything more. Get a quick glimpse at London’s well-known attractions. Sail through the city while enjoying a sumptuous three course meal on the go. For those who simply want to sit back and take in the view, take a window seat and grab a chilled drink from the indoor bar that the cruise has to offer.
River Thames Lunch Cruise Features
- Three course meal and friendly staff
- Indoor bar
- Cruise past some well known sights and sounds of London
- Live Commentary
3
Bateaux London: Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on Thames
Sunday
£50
2.5 hours
Make the most of your Sunday on board the meandering river Thames. Capture the incredible views and sprawling cityscape during your journey and tap to the soulful rhythm of a three-piece jazz band. Apart from groovy music, satiate your innermost cravings for authentic British food on board. As you sway to your all time favourites, sail by some of the most iconic sites in London with a glass of wine!
Bateaux London: Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on Thames Features
- A seasonal three course meal for both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian patrons.
- Take in the magic of smooth jazz, with hits by Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra and several others
- A two-hour thirty minute cruise that de-stresses you to attractions such as Big Ben and London Eye amongst many
- Half bottle of Champagne per person (Optional)
Afternoon Tea Thames Cruise
1
River Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
Tuesday - Sunday
£32
1.5 hours
Discover London’s tea culture onboard the Afternoon Tea Cruise. Sail through the city and take in the sights and sounds that make London what it is today. Gorge on the delicious high-tea menu that includes an eclectic range of tea-time sandwiches, scones, traditional cakes and marmalade to give you an all-inclusive authentic experience. Sip on delicious tea as you marvel at the stunning views that London has to offer on this cruise!
River Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise Features
- A cruise alongside London’s remarkable sights
- Eclectic spread of high-tea treats along with unlimited cups of tea or coffee
- Enjoy live commentary during your trip to make the most of what you see
- Unlimited tea and coffee
2
Bateaux London: Afternoon Tea Cruise
Monday - Sunday
£32
1.15 hours
Nothing spells out ‘British’ than this quintessential Afternoon Tea cruise aboard the river Thames! A brief, but elaborate cruise takes you through the essential attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, London Eye, Oxo Building, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, O2 Arena, Royal Observatory and several others. Feast on delicious scones, pastries, sandwiches and an assortment of teas while enjoying a solo jazz performance during the tour. Sit back and enjoy the bustle of the city from a distance like never before.
Bateaux London: Afternoon Tea Cruise Features
- Selection of assorted tea and treats during the trip
- Live entertainment and jazz
- Glass of champagne
- See the landmark attractions of the city from the water
3
Sundowner Cruise with Champagne on Thames River
Wednesday - Sunday
£29
2 hours
An unforgettable journey that includes a stellar view of the city in gold, the Sundowner Cruise is an experience you can definitely carry back home with you. Set sail aboard the Thames to revisit historic milestones of London while admiring the pristine sunset from the cruise. Apart from enjoying a fine-n-dine, this cruise also gives you an opportunity to look at some ancient relics and marvellous architecture on your way!
Sundowner Cruise with Champagne on Thames River Features
- Enjoy some of the best views of the city in a mesmerising filter
- Check out the prominent attractions with live commentary
- Relish a selection of eclectic snacks and sparkling wine on your tour
- Groove to an indoor jazz performance
Thames Dinner River Cruises
1
Bateaux London: Dinner Cruise on The Thames
Monday - Sunday
£82
2.45 hours
Witness the beautiful London in a whole new perspective, on a scintillating night cruise aboard the Thames. Float on by taking in the serenity of the night, whilst enjoying an authentic 3-course-meal. Apart from live music and sumptuous food, experience the stunning views of London shore during your journey. Take back fond memories of a multi-sensorial experience from this three hour-long cruise around the city
Bateaux London: Dinner Cruise on The Thames Features
- Relish a sparkling drink on arrival in a starlit ambiance
- Take in the iconic attractions of the city from up close
- Groove to the tunes of live music along with dinner
- Indulge in a lavish three course menu with both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options
- Upgrade you experience to include house wine along with your fine dining (Optional Upgrade)
2
Friday Dinner Jazz Cruise on River Thames
Friday
£65
3 hours
Pack a suitcase full of memories as you sail under a starlit sky along the peaceful waters of river Thames. Take a seat and enjoy a live jazz band take its course. Spend a musical evening whilst sipping on a glass of champagne and dinner to take your experience up a notch. The cruise will acquaint you to a nighttime view of London that will stay with you long after your trip is over.
Friday Dinner Jazz Cruise on River Thames Features
- The Chijazz quintet that will fill your evening with popular jazz tunes
- A nighttime cruise of London
- A glass of champagne on your arrival
- A three course authentic British meal
- Cash bar offering Champagne, Pimm's, wines and beers
3
London Showboat Dinner Cruise on River Thames
Monday-Sunday
£80
3 hours
Pamper yourself with a spread of delectable spread aboard your cruise. Take in the iconic sights and attractions of London city as you sail on through an incredible night of food, fun and frolic. Witness the Houses of Parliament, Churchill Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms and Big Ben in all its glory. Relish a delicious welcome drink as you step in, and continue on through the evening with live performances and a sumptuous vegetarian as well as a non-vegetarian menu.
London Showboat Dinner Cruise Features
- Four course meal
- A bottle of sparkling wine
- Live performances and a dancing area
- A closer look at the important attractions in London under the starlit sky
- Half a bottle of wine per person
Ready for a River Thames Cruise?
Get your River Thames Cruise tickets here, or check out other attractions in London here.