Sightseeing Cruises
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
£16
per adult
Thames River Sightseeing
Thames River Sightseeing
4.5
City ToursHop-On Hop-Off ToursBoat ToursSightseeing ToursBoat Hire
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Thames River Sightseeing operates river cruises between Westminster, Embankment, Festival, Bankside, Tower Bridge Quay and Greenwich Piers. Cruises feature live audio commentary; alternatively, passengers can listen to a multi-lingual commentary system available on smartphones via Wi-Fi in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Suitable for all weathers Thames River Sightseeing boats have bars, toilets and wheelchair access. Our fleet of boats come in different sizes and each has its own unique character. Our route takes sightseers from Westminster Pier all the way to Greenwich Pier. You will see all the sights of the South Bank as well as Canary Wharf.
Tours and Tickets by Thames River Sightseeing
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Sightseeing Cruises
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
£13
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,488 reviews
Excellent
915
Very good
368
Average
103
Poor
53
Terrible
51
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Wildcat7400
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,168 contributions
Nov 2019
We were less than a minute late & that made us miss the cruise. Prior to the disappointment, we were told to go to the ticket counter to get the physical tickets before we were given entry. It wasn’t enough just by showing our London Pass on our hand-phones. We were told to come back no later than 3 days before the physical ticket in our hand expires.
We came back the very next day & made sure that we arrived early. The gate-keeper remembered us & smiled. Without the London Pass, each ticket would cost £19.25. The cruise was on our list as we wanted to see London when it was dark. The cruise started at 4 pm & soon it became dark & lights came on from the places of attractions.
Some of the sights were of London Bridge, Big Ben with scaffoldings, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tate Modern, St Paul Cathedral, The Shard & Tower Bridge.
Unfortunately, we had to change ship to go back to the same disembarkation place as the cruise ship had some engine problems. On the 2nd ship, there was a man with a microphone. His job was to provide information on all the buildings that we were seeing. But I don’t think many were listening. Most were busy taking photographs.
Overall, it was quite a nice experience. London looked alive at night. It was breezy & towards the end, it started to rain. A cruise not to be missed indeed!
We came back the very next day & made sure that we arrived early. The gate-keeper remembered us & smiled. Without the London Pass, each ticket would cost £19.25. The cruise was on our list as we wanted to see London when it was dark. The cruise started at 4 pm & soon it became dark & lights came on from the places of attractions.
Some of the sights were of London Bridge, Big Ben with scaffoldings, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tate Modern, St Paul Cathedral, The Shard & Tower Bridge.
Unfortunately, we had to change ship to go back to the same disembarkation place as the cruise ship had some engine problems. On the 2nd ship, there was a man with a microphone. His job was to provide information on all the buildings that we were seeing. But I don’t think many were listening. Most were busy taking photographs.
Overall, it was quite a nice experience. London looked alive at night. It was breezy & towards the end, it started to rain. A cruise not to be missed indeed!
Written 29 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia Seaton
Waukee, IA16 contributions
Oct 2022
Since we only had 1 full day in London we thought seeing it by river would allow us to see more. I'm not sure if that is true, but the view of the sights from the river was amazing. It was a beautiful sunny day so we sat up top. If it was raining, we might not have had the same experience. The crew was fun and knowledgeable and the speed was such we could stand up and get nice photos along the way.
My only problem was with the tour description. It was marketed as a round trip tour lasting 1 hour. Again, we only had 1 day and time was important. We had to leave the boat at Tower Bridge and wait an hour for the boat to take us back to Westminster. As a result, we missed our Westminster Abbey tour time and could not get in later tours. We did make it inside on Sunday for the early service, but no photos and no tours are held on Sunday.
My only problem was with the tour description. It was marketed as a round trip tour lasting 1 hour. Again, we only had 1 day and time was important. We had to leave the boat at Tower Bridge and wait an hour for the boat to take us back to Westminster. As a result, we missed our Westminster Abbey tour time and could not get in later tours. We did make it inside on Sunday for the early service, but no photos and no tours are held on Sunday.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Choosing a river tour for a single day in London was a great idea for sightseeing. The sunny weather made the experience even better. The crew's knowledge and the boat's speed allowed for excellent photo opportunities. However, the tour's description should have been more accurate to avoid timing issues with other plans like your Westminster Abbey visit.
Written 8 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharnia G
United States1 contribution
Dec 2021
My favorite was feeling cold breeze against my face while the boast gracefully glided through the waters. It was filled with smiles, laughter, and memories of the people surrounding me. There was even moments of calm and tranquil atmosphere. I was able to get an outside view on London before I got to experience an outside view. It made London seem very large and more interesting. This experience of viewing London on the River Thames was worth my time and money.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your valued feedback. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and we meet your expectations. We hope to welcome you back at our boats. Thames River Sightseeing Team.
Written 22 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
geegeewardens
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK57 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Took what we were told was a sightseeing tour, the clue is in the name I guess? We paid £16 for the two of us from Greenwich to Westminster, the lady in the kiosk told us clearly that it was a sightseeing tour and not just a ferry trip. We eventually boarded the boat in which a bar was available selling alcohol, tea and coffee, unfortunately this was all that was on offer where was the guide, information, the history of what we were looking at? What were we looking at? Is there anybody going to tell us? No! No tour guide equals No tour. This was not the sightseeing tour we planned for £8 each to look at things we could have seen from a Uber. Don’t get me wrong nice views from the river but really that’s all it was. A ferry trip not a sightseeing tour.
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annabel B
9 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
There are a number of Thames River Sightseeing Cruises. This one started off from Festival Pier. The tour itself was actually OK but the ticketing and information was atrocious.
We were sold single tickets despite saying three times that we wanted round trip ones and we were told that they didn't allow discounts for carers (my son is disabled and I'm his carer) although apparently they do.
We ended up in Greenwich, stuck there waiting for a return boat, when we had specifically requested a circular tour as we knew that we had no time to go ashore in Greenwhich.
We were sold single tickets despite saying three times that we wanted round trip ones and we were told that they didn't allow discounts for carers (my son is disabled and I'm his carer) although apparently they do.
We ended up in Greenwich, stuck there waiting for a return boat, when we had specifically requested a circular tour as we knew that we had no time to go ashore in Greenwhich.
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura R
32 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Maybe it was an off day when we went, but though the experience was pleasant enough, I don't think it was worth the money. We did Tower Bridge to Westminster. Despite sitting on the top, it was a little tough to hear the guide. especially over people talking. and it was very much focused on the facts and not trying to make it engaging at all. The views are lovely though, especially if the weather is cooperative, but I could enjoy a similar experience on the Uber boat and pay a lot less.
Written 11 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyP1998
Wakefield, UK1,095 contributions
Sept 2021
We bought a 48 hour pass via Travelzoo. The 1st day we made a return journey to Greenwich on a lovely boat with fixed seats and allowed you to take forward photos. The 2nd day we just went to Tower pier on a smaller, what felt an older boat with poor seating. When we got towards Tower Bridge you couldn’t actually take a photo of the bridge cos of the upstairs inside seating. Despite the leaflet saying your journey includes live commentary, all 4 trips the crew made it clear they were providing commentary as a special favour and on the journey to Greenwich they came round with the tipping bucket. Did the same 2 years ago. However what surprised us they never asked to see ours or anybody’s tickets on any of the journeys. Starting to wonder if this is a Covid thing cos we’ve been to other London attractions and not been asked to show our tickets or check our reservation. Very strange
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julianne B
Simlangsdalen, Sweden1,364 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
If you're in London and the weather is absolutely wonderful, what's better than taking a trip on the Thames. White hopped on at Westminster and hopped off at Tower bridge. An absolutely wonderful tour with a fun and easy-going "guide" who kept telling us what we saw. He was absolutely superb. Talked reasonably fast and threw in a few joking comments here and there about what we were seeing. We absolutely did not regret this trip and it was not expensive either. Highly recommended.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tack för den underbara recensionen! Vi är glada att du njöt av turen på Themsen och vår underhållande guide. Ser fram emot att välkomna dig igen!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosaria R
London, UK39 contributions
Dec 2019
I did the cruise that went from Westminster to the Tower of London. It lasts for about an hour, which was a good time as we did not really want to spend too long on the boat and the length was perfect to see all the most visited sites in London. The explanation was fantastic, not many people were English speakers but the guide was still very enthusiastic and told us a lot! I would recommend it!
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased to hear that you enjoyed your cruise with us! Thanks for your wonderful review!
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarenBMelb
Gold Coast, Australia108 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
If you haven’t seen London from the Thames this is worth the time. It does take most people to the Tower but it’s worth staying on to see the cute little village of Greenwhich.
The commentary gives you a different side of London and was humorous.
It was worth the time.
The commentary gives you a different side of London and was humorous.
It was worth the time.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there food/drink on board
Written 27 April 2022
The Thames Clipper page have a great Q and A page.
Written 21 February 2020
If we *just* make the last departure of the day from Westminster, can we still go all the way to Greenwich and back? Not looking to HOHO, just to take the "loop".
Written 7 February 2020
kenneth o
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Can you use ferry from LCY to downtown London?
Written 19 January 2020
Not sure. You might try a Google search, you also might try Rick Steve web site, it can be very helpful. You might also go to the Airport web site and see if that is helpful. Good luck. Cheers.
Written 19 January 2020
I have a gift experiences for an afternoon tea for 2 it was for my partners birthday and I found out I can not use it on a saturday only monday to Thursday only I may need to get a refund. Can I buy a river crusie in london on the day on a saturday and how much would that be for 2
Written 11 January 2020
We bought out ticket on the day with no problem. I expect it will depend on the time of year as to how busy they are.
Written 12 January 2020
Can i get tickets using a 2for1 voucher but buy them 2 days before day of travel. As in I'm in london for weekend but want to do this on the sunday, can i buy the tickets on the friday?
Written 6 November 2019
If you are doing 2-for-1 with National Rail then I think you can get a voucher on line via National Rail before you travel by going to their website. I have only purchased 2-for-1 at the venue in the past and had to show my rail ticket.
Written 7 November 2019
How long is the entire cruise from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier?
Written 3 July 2019
We are going to London in August 2019. Do we need to book cruise in advance or can we just turn up?
Written 12 January 2019
We didnt' book either - there are several kiosks together so unlikley you won't get on one - also you can then decide if you have time to get off at Tower Bridge etc.
Would recommend leaving time to go down to Thames Barrier if you can for extra £2 pp from Greenwich - think it's about 45 mins each way.
Written 14 January 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.