Thames River
Thames River
4.5
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Top ways to experience Thames River
The area
Neighbourhood: Southbank
Big time attractions such as the London Eye and a thriving theatre scene (compliments of the National Theatre and the Young Vic) are but a few of the reasons that Southbank is such a collectively cherished part of town. With plenty of family friendly activities and venues lined up along a pedestrianized river bank between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, visitors can always expect a casual and festive atmosphere. On top of all the fun stuff to do at Southbank is the opportunity to simply sit back and admire photo-op views of iconic landmarks like Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, just on across the Thames.
How to get there
- Waterloo • 5 min walk
- Embankment • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,331 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Mark FarrellBallaghaderreen, Ireland115 contributionsThe heart of a great cityHow do you rate a river like the Thames? I would never be convinced the Thames is clean, I'd never swim in it, it's not exactly clear blue waters either, but it does flow through, and I'd the beating heart of a historic beautiful city. It's a river where the best is to be on it look at the sights rather than looking at it. To review the Thames is to review the city. It's amazingVisited January 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 December 2022
- Sarah JayneUnited Kingdom491 contributionsLondon mudlark spotting.A wonderful walk at the side of the Thames, my only criticism is the people who think it is ok to drop their rubbish and leave it! We walked and rode along the river and it is a lovely experience and even in the evening looking at London lit up in various colours it is well worth a visit. Hats off to the London janitors who come and clean up as well during the middle of the night trying their best to clear up after the scruffs who think littering is ok! For the record take your rubbish home or back to your hotel!!Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 January 2023
- ianwyjSingapore5,197 contributionsTake a cruise down the Thames to observe LondonThe River Thames flows through a large chunk of southern England of which only greater London only makes up a small fraction. Nevertheless, it's not surprising that it's both influenced and been influenced by the development of London for at least two thousand years. I agree with previous reviewers who have said that there are many ways to experience and enjoy the River Thames. For this recent trip, we boarded the at Westminster pier and made our way downstream towards Greenwich, taking in the main sights as well as being able to observe life on both banks. As it turned out, we found that a river cruise (with commentary provided) was a wonderful way to see the sights while spending a peaceful hour or two on the water.Visited December 2022Written 12 April 2023
- Marie SSunbury, United Kingdom8 contributionsKenny Thomas Soul Boat LondonSoul Boat with Kenny Thomas, absolutely fantastic! Pity about the DJ music was awful, too loud music sounded distorted! Asked for a certain track and he completely dismissed me! Would give this trip 100% but get rid of the DJ!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 July 2023
- therichastillStevenage, United Kingdom2,521 contributionsLondon RiverThe River Thames is the main River flowing through the city of London. It flows from humble beginnings many miles away and as it gets wider becomes a source for tourism where in the past it was used for trading. Besides the River there are many paths to allow you to walk / cycle / run. It is a great place to enjoy scenery. Ultimately as it gets closer to the North Sea the river is much wider and the Port of Tilbury which still has huge container ships arriving to deliver cargo and also export it. It's worth visiting Southend on Sea and visit the world's longest pier which will take you into the Thames estuary. Wherever you go besides the River Thames there is something to see.Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 25 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,874 reviews
Excellent
1,540
Very good
1,015
Average
238
Poor
47
Terrible
34
therichastill
Stevenage, UK2,521 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
The River Thames is the main River flowing through the city of London. It flows from humble beginnings many miles away and as it gets wider becomes a source for tourism where in the past it was used for trading.
Besides the River there are many paths to allow you to walk / cycle / run. It is a great place to enjoy scenery.
Ultimately as it gets closer to the North Sea the river is much wider and the Port of Tilbury which still has huge container ships arriving to deliver cargo and also export it.
It's worth visiting Southend on Sea and visit the world's longest pier which will take you into the Thames estuary.
Wherever you go besides the River Thames there is something to see.
Besides the River there are many paths to allow you to walk / cycle / run. It is a great place to enjoy scenery.
Ultimately as it gets closer to the North Sea the river is much wider and the Port of Tilbury which still has huge container ships arriving to deliver cargo and also export it.
It's worth visiting Southend on Sea and visit the world's longest pier which will take you into the Thames estuary.
Wherever you go besides the River Thames there is something to see.
Written 26 July 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.
Marie S
Sunbury, UK8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Soul Boat with Kenny Thomas, absolutely fantastic! Pity about the DJ music was awful, too loud music sounded distorted! Asked for a certain track and he completely dismissed me! Would give this trip 100% but get rid of the DJ!
Written 16 July 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.
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary3,125 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Exploring the Thames River an important part of a visit to London. I walked from St. Paul's Cathedral to Big Ben.
I have never experienced such a low water level of River Thames in May 2022.
I have never experienced such a low water level of River Thames in May 2022.
Written 22 June 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.
Savita R P
Bangalore District, India17 contributions
Apr 2023
We love river cruises and have done on so many like Seine, Danube etc. Researched quite a bit and found 2 which shared boats doing the same Tower bridge-Greenwich-Westminster rounds. They were City cruises and Thames River sightseeing. Both said there would be commentary on the sights we pass. Based on the time slots given, I took Thames river sightseeing. It was ridiculous - just a point to point drop. No commentary, nothing. Site said it would take 30-40 mins from Tower Bridge to Westminster and it took just 15-mins. Feel really cheated.
Written 3 May 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.
ianwyj
Singapore5,197 contributions
Dec 2022
The River Thames flows through a large chunk of southern England of which only greater London only makes up a small fraction. Nevertheless, it's not surprising that it's both influenced and been influenced by the development of London for at least two thousand years. I agree with previous reviewers who have said that there are many ways to experience and enjoy the River Thames. For this recent trip, we boarded the at Westminster pier and made our way downstream towards Greenwich, taking in the main sights as well as being able to observe life on both banks. As it turned out, we found that a river cruise (with commentary provided) was a wonderful way to see the sights while spending a peaceful hour or two on the water.
Written 13 April 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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,188 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Exploring the Thames River in some fashion is an important part of a visit to London. This may simply be walking across Westminster Bridge, pedestrian Millennium Bridge or Tower Bridge. Even better is a stroll along the Southbank Walking Path from Westminster down the the Tower. There are pleasant river boats offering tours. You can board at Westminster Bridge and ride down to the Tower or all the way to Greenwich. So many other options including nighttime dinner cruises or party boats.
Written 6 February 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.
Sarah Jayne
United Kingdom491 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
A wonderful walk at the side of the Thames, my only criticism is the people who think it is ok to drop their rubbish and leave it!
We walked and rode along the river and it is a lovely experience and even in the evening looking at London lit up in various colours it is well worth a visit.
Hats off to the London janitors who come and clean up as well during the middle of the night trying their best to clear up after the scruffs who think littering is ok! For the record take your rubbish home or back to your hotel!!
We walked and rode along the river and it is a lovely experience and even in the evening looking at London lit up in various colours it is well worth a visit.
Hats off to the London janitors who come and clean up as well during the middle of the night trying their best to clear up after the scruffs who think littering is ok! For the record take your rubbish home or back to your hotel!!
Written 31 January 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.
Mark Farrell
Ballaghaderreen, Ireland115 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
How do you rate a river like the Thames? I would never be convinced the Thames is clean, I'd never swim in it, it's not exactly clear blue waters either, but it does flow through, and I'd the beating heart of a historic beautiful city. It's a river where the best is to be on it look at the sights rather than looking at it. To review the Thames is to review the city. It's amazing
Written 26 December 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.
Debbie Bennett
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Fabulous local guide who had us in fits of laughter from beginning to end. Truely a memorable experience that we will certainly do next time we're in London
Written 4 November 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.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA13,464 contributions
Aug 2022
We enjoyed spending time along the banks in the parks on the Victoria Embankment. The banks and bridges offer views of London’s many modern and historic buildings.
Written 21 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.
Hi, can you activate the hop on hop off cruise portion at any of the four ports?
Vanessa P
Calgary, Canada1,394 contributions
no. Only from the port numer 3. Right under/in front of the Eiffel Tower.
LoveGreece83
Manchester, UK268 contributions
I have booked the river cruise. Is it inside or outside seating on the boat?
peggychapple
Saffron Walden, UK14 contributions
The boat has inside and a few seats outside. It's used for commuters so goes slightly quicker than the other tourist board but don't be put off by this. It's has just as many stops and being able to get on and off is great. Enjoy
LoveGreece83
Manchester, UK268 contributions
I have booked the river cruise. Is it inside or outside seating on the boat?
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel39,605 contributions
Both.
kheerthijb
Chennai (Madras), India
Are there tour packages covering part of Thames other than the Greenwich to Westminster.
George F
Marlton, NJ53 contributions
Yes there are tours which focus on the Tower of London....and the bridges that cross the Thames
What are the various site seeing attractions on both sides of the Thames from the eye to tower bridge . Please at least name all of them .
Jolly traveler
Singapore, Singapore647 contributions
"...at least name all of them" You gotta be kidding right? Name all of them. Look there's the London Eye, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge...and the rest, go see for yourself!
PMA
Mumbai, India75 contributions
How to reach thames from Brick Lane? What is the best way to do a tour / cruise? Will we get vegetarian food?
NicholasARRoberts
Villa La Angostura, Argentina265 contributions
Priya. From Brick Lane you're about 800 metres/yards north of the Thames. The best way to get there walking is down brick lane (against traffic), and when it ends turn right on Whitechapel and then take the third left (Mansell St.). Just follow this road (straight across the rotunda) and you'll end up on Tower Bridge, probably the most famous bridge in London.
If you want to catch a river cruise, turn right as soon as you get to the river. About 100 metres you'll find a loading pier for the tour (as well as a ticket booth).
As to veggie food you'll probably be able to get that just about any food shop in London. About 100 metres before the river you'll find many places to eat (on your left going towards the river).
Enjoy and please ask again if you have any doubts.
neriw08
Novara, Italy16 contributions
Ciao a settembre vado a Londra e volevo fare l'attraversata del Tamigi con il traghetto da Westmister a Greenwich (andata e ritorno) .. solo viaggio andata e ritorno senza cene o aperitivi ecc. senza spendere una cifra esagerata. Quali sono i prezzi piu convenienti? ( siamo in 2) , è meglio comprare i biglietti online o farli in loco?
Alessandro P
Bellaria-Igea Marina, Italy1,099 contributions
Io da casa ho fatto il biglietto settimanale che comprendeva metrò e bus con quello ho avuto un grosso sconto anche per il traghetto che ho fatto sul posto . Però io sono andato al andata con vari metrò anche quello nero che offre una vista bellissima alla zona moderna di Londra fino a Greenwich. Poi la sera il ritorno l'abbiamo fatto col traghetto come ti ho detto con lo sconto in loco , fino a Westmister.
Tragitto di quasi un oretta , di sera è stupendo e facendo così abbiamo speso veramente poco ( tanto che non mi ricordo più la cifra , ed eravamo tre adulti ) facendo in questo modo abbiamo visto Londra da due prospettive completamente diverse.
Spero di essere stato esauriente,
Can I take some luggage on the trip as we will be heading to Heathrow around 3pm
Joe W
Houston, TX468 contributions
It is possible but I would leave it @ your hotel and leave from there to LHR.
Steph12345
Germany1 contribution
Hi. I would like to enquire about boat trips departing from Richmond on Saturday 11th June. A afternoon short to medium would be great.
Thanking you in advance.
Stephan
Jennifer44_11
Londonderry, N. Ireland24 contributions
I haven't travelled to Richmond myself but note that there is a London River Service Map which details all river services. See the londontoolkit. Travelling by riverboat is certainly hassle free. Hope you enjoy your journey
Wrinkley
Hampton-in-Arden, UK132 contributions
I would like to take a boat trip to Richmond. I only see trips to Greenwich and back to WEstminster pier. Is there such a boat trip.
I would be grateful for some advice please.
Many thanks
Shelby L. D
Baja California, Mexico132 contributions
Hi I always like to search about my trips. I give you one of my favorite websites you can look.
thamesriverboats
citycruises
Goood Luck
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Claim your listingTHAMES RIVER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Thames River:
- Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise (From £24.15)
- London Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket (From £63.00)
- High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London (From £43.28)
- Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride (From £26.25)
- London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch (From £54.61)
- Hotels near Thames River:
- (0.02 mi) The Mariner Suites
- (0.12 mi) Premier Inn London County Hall Hotel
- (0.15 mi) London Marriott Hotel County Hall
- (0.17 mi) Premier Inn London Waterloo (Westminster Bridge) hotel
- (0.20 mi) Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
- Restaurants near Thames River:
- (0.00 mi) Peacock London Eye
- (0.00 mi) Peacock London
- (0.11 mi) Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
- (0.09 mi) All Bar One Waterloo
- (0.10 mi) Troia Southbank
- Attractions near Thames River:
- (0.01 mi) Pick A Pictour London
- (0.01 mi) London Eye
- (0.05 mi) Thames Rockets
- (0.08 mi) The English Bus
- (0.11 mi) Witness for the Prosecution