A Thames River Boat Cruise: What to Expect

By Go City Expert
Published: July 17, 2024

Get a different look at the city and explore London by water on a Thames River Boat cruise.

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The River Thames is the heart of the British capital. Many stunning landmarks line its 346 km waterway. The easiest way to get your sightseeing done in one go is to take a Thames River Boat Cruise and hop on and off at key districts, here's a guide to this whistle-stop vessel tour below. This post includes:

  • Price
  • Duration
  • What you'll see
  • And more...

Price

The Thames River Boat Cruise is priced at £18 for adults and £9 for children. London Pass holders are eligible for a free 24-hour ticket. But as you can hop on and off during the tour, why not take advantage of entry to many of the attractions on the Thames also included with the pass? There are a number of places to hop-on and hop off the river boat to explore popular tourist areas. These four hop-on and hop-off stations are Westminster Pier, Southbank's London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich.

Duration

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The Thames River Boat Cruises has different durations. Depending on which tour you choose, you can be on the boat for anything from 30 minutes to three hours.

What You'll See

Westminster As one of London’s most politically significant and picturesque neighbourhoods, Westminster is one of the river boat cruise’s biggest highlights. With the opportunity to take stunning photos of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from the River Thames. It's also well worth hopping off to explore Westminster Abbey. 

Southbank Historically, Southbank has always been a creative hub with cultural icons such as Shakespeare staging many of his plays in its riverside theatres. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the Jacobean theatre of the same name, used to be his favourite haunt (as well as the pub alongside it). It continues to stage plays to this day. The Tate Modern, easily identifiable by its gigantic somber structure, is worth a visit if you have the time to peruse its massive permanent collection. Have your cameras and funky socks ready for the Millennium Footbridge, a relatively new modern London structure that has featured in the Harry Potter films. The London Eye also sits on Southbank, boasting a 360 degree view of the city. 

Tower Hill As the most popular hop-on and hop-off point for the river boat cruise, this area is always teeming with tourists trying to find the perfect shot. Home to both the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London, the sights here have defined the international perception of London as a modern metropolis with a long cultural history. Step off for an hour and explore the exhibition in Tower Bridge’s glass skyway and see the Royal Jewels at the Tower of London, watched over carefully by the tower guards and tour guides named the Beefeaters. 

Docklands The Docklands has cleaned up its act in recent years and while it's a little while away, it's well worth a visit to some of the city's most beautiful sights. Float past Cutty Sark, a gigantic tea clipper that once raced across the seven seas, and then leap into the future with the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf. Need some more inspiration on things to do around London? We've got you covered.

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London's Oldest Pubs: Sipping History

The great British tradition of sipping a pint in an old, old pub is one every tourist should try. And there's no better place to commune with one's pint than in London's oldest pubs. Pubs are deeply intertwined with British culture. For centuries, they've been popular places for social gatherings and central to neighbourhood life. So it's no surprise then that some pubs are among the oldest buildings in the city. They are still points in fast-moving London endless spin. From famous literary hangouts to more notorious gathering places, here's a list of London's oldest pubs. Featuring: The George Inn Spaniards Inn The Angel The George Inn This old stalwart has been a favourite watering hole for some of London's most famous faces for centuries. Charles Dickens used to relax here after a day of writing. It's no surprise then that it's popular with literary sorts. Rebuilt after the Fire of London in 1676, it continues to be a local favourite and has plenty of outdoor seating for those long summer nights. Address: The George Inn, London Bridge, SE1 1NH The Lamb and Flag Set up in 1772 and located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Lamb and Flag is one of the newer pubs on this list. But it has an equally as fascinating history. Back in the day, this pub was well known for its rowdy customers and was the site of many bare-knuckled prize fights. It has cleaned up its act in recent years and its historical detailing makes it a popular place with tourists. It used to be nicknamed 'The Bucket of Blood'. Whisper that fact in someone's ear and - hey presto! - a free seat. Address: 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB Cittie of Yorke This Grade II-listed historical building has been a favourite with locals and travelers since 1420. It was initially an inn, but transformed into a pub in 1645. With multiple bars and grand decor, it's an atmospheric spot for drinks on High Holborn. It's also a Sam Smiths pub. And if you know what that means, you know to keep it to yourself (it's cheap. Sorry, Secret Society of Central Sam Smiths Pubs members, it's my job). Address: 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BN Ye Old Mitre Tales tell that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around this pub's cherry tree, which survives at its entrance to this day. While it can be a little tricky to find, it's a great example of a traditional English pub and dates back to 1772, though another pub had stood on the same location from 1546. Perfect for a quiet drink in the colder months, their coal fires and impressive Tudor details will keep you warm as you slip into a deep reverie. Address: 1 Ely Pl, London EC1N 6SJ Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese This sprawling Fleet Street pub features frequently in London tourist guides. And it's with good reason. Built in 1538 and then later rebuilt in 1667 following the Fire of London, it's one of London's oldest pubs. It has a number of rooms with distinctive characters, from the Victorian entranceway to the cellar room that's thought to have been part of a monastery which once stood here. Another Dickens favourite, other former patrons include Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Address: 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU Spaniards Inn Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, some of London's most important literary figures have passed through the Spaniards Inn's front door, along with a number of notorious characters. Established in 1585, it has been both a place of great beauty and great darkness - John Keats is said to have written his poem Ode to a Nightingale here, while famous highwayman Dick Turpin seen drinking at the bar. Nowadays, they do a lovely Sunday lunch. Address: Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ The Angel First built by 15th-century Benedictine monks, this historical pub had a facelift in the 19th century and has a diverse mix of patrons ranging from locals to Thames pub journeymen and journeywomen. Its picturesque Thames setting and Sam Smiths Brewery add to its charms. Oh, and it's got some very pleasing British pub grub too. Address: 101 Bermondsey Wall E, London SE16 4NB Know of another golden oldie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. Now you've done the historical ones, how about a pint outside?
Megan Hills
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Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour: FAQs

OK, so what happens first? First off is a self-discovery tour - ‘Self-discovery’? I don’t go to gin distilleries to discover myself. It’s just the term they use...how is ‘self-guided’ for you? Yeah, that I can deal with. Go ahead. Thanks. So first off is a self-guided tour around a museum revealing the history of gin in London. You’ll find out how gin was first created and how international factors and bold personalities turned it into London’s drink of choice and the world’s most popular cocktail spirit. And, of course, you’ll learn about how Beefeater Gin came to be and how it set itself apart as an iconic London gin. And then - I get to drink some gin. Nope, not yet. You still haven’t had a distillery tour. This part is guided. You’ll head into the distillery and learn about the hand-crafted production process behind every bottle of Beefeater Gin. The Kennington distillery still hand-crafts their gin to a secret recipe that hasn’t changed since the 1800s. So there’s a lot of history in this place, and totally authentic London Dry Gin is all they produce. Your tour guide will also break down the different ingredients that go into their gin, and you’ll learn just what a sensory balancing act is going on inside it. And then - I get to drink some gin? Yes, you get to drink some gin. But this is a tutor-led comparative tasting session of gins from across the Beefeater range. You’ll be picking up on differences both clear and subtle, and learning all that gin-tasting vocab that will make you so fun to talk to at parties. OK, I’ve finished that. My favourite was that one. And that one. And....that one. Well, that’s all of them. Yeah, I’m pretty keen on gin. Something of a connoisseur. I see. Well, the bold finish to the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour is a complimentary Beefeater Gin and Tonic. If you’re under 18, you get a complimentary soft drink. Suckers. Ok, yep, well that’s the main tour completed. Any questions? Yes, can I bring my eight year old? No, nine and up only. How much does it cost? Adult tickets (18 - 59 years old) cost £15. Children get in free, but remember that under 9s can’t come in. Concessions (Over 60s and Students) cost £13.50. But guess what...entry is included with the London Pass. Is there a VIP experience available? Yes. Hosted on select Fridays, VIP tours give you more info, more access and more gin. They last about two and a half hours and kick off at 10.30am. Children cannot join the tours. 18 and above only. It costs £40 and is not available with the London Pass. How long does the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour last? Around an hour and a half. What are the opening hours and tour times? Monday to Saturday, the distillery is open to visitors from 10am until 6.30pm. Last entry is at 5pm. They are closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The first guided tour leaves at 11am, and they run on the hour, every hour. The last tour leaves at 5pm. On Bank Holidays, the distillery is open from 11am until 4.30pm, with the last admissions at 3pm. Is the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, it is fully wheelchair accessible. Are there any multimedia aspects? What a strange way of asking that question. Yes, there’s an app that you use on a complimentary hire iPad. Is there a shop at the distillery? Yes, right at the start. Do they sell gin? Strangely, no. What? Yes, of course they do. Little souvenirs and bottles of gin. You’ll love it. Fancy a drink out in the sunshine? Read our guide to London's best rooftop bars.
Matthew Pearson
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