The Best London Boat Trips & River Cruises

London’s waterways are a great way to sightsee the city’s most essential landmarks. Our guide to the best boat trips and river cruises in London takes in Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Hyde Park’s Serpentine lake and the charming canals of Little Venice, to name just a few. Come on in, the water’s lovely!

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: March 14, 2025
People walking alongside the Regent's Canal

The Best River Thames Boat Trips and Cruises

Riverboats alongside Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

You can’t really miss the Thames: it’s that big wet thing that snakes all the way through Central London before tipping itself out into the North Sea at the Thames Estuary in Essex. Here are a few of our favourite ways to experience this mighty river.

The All-Rounder: Thames Clippers

Do you know how many iconic landmarks you can ogle from the Thames? No? Well, we’ll tell you. Loads. It’s loads. We’re talking – deep breath – the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral and HMS Belfast. Need we go on? Oh, ok then: The Shard, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Cutty Sark, The O2, Greenwich Observatory, AND MANY MORE.

Dodge the Tube and make getting from A to B an integral part of your sightseeing experience. Operated by Uber Boats, the Thames Clippers are hands-down one of the best ways to get around Central London. Boats depart every 20 minutes from 24 piers across London, all the way from posh Putney in the west to the East London heartlands of Barking. Strike a light, guv’nor! 

You get a one-day Uber Boat River Roamer ticket included when you buy a London Pass or London Pass Plus, both of which bag you major savings on an additional 100+ top London attractions.

Thames Clippers: Top of the Stops

Cable cars over The O2 Arena at sunset

Thames Clippers cover more ground (or rather water) than any other London boat service, Here are three of our favourite stops along the route…

  • Battersea Power Station. This iconic London landmark has been reborn as a thriving entertainment hub crammed with green spaces and cool new shops, bars and restaurants. Ride Lift 109 up the chimney stack for panoramic skyline views or mosey over to beautiful Battersea Park with its pagoda, petting zoo, art gallery and (in case you rapidly tire of being a landlubber) boating lake.
  • Bankside. Here be bucket-list biggies. Disembark for the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard and the foodie fantasia that is Borough Market. 
  • North Greenwich. Heading for a show at The O2 Arena? This stop’s for you. It’s also where you can ride the cable cars for sky-high views of the city.

The Full Package: City Cruise Tour Experiences

Woman on a boat approaching Tower Bridge and The Shard

City Cruises provide an informative live commentary as you enjoy the short journey between Westminster and Greenwich. There are only four stops along this route – Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Greenwich (for the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park and museums) – but you can hop on and off as you please, making it a solid option for first-time visitors to London.

City Cruises: Other Thames Experiences

As well as getting from A to B (and listening to the always-entertaining commentary), City Cruises also run several add-on experiences. For example…

  • Afternoon tea cruise. Pinkies at the ready: this 90-minute cruise takes in several of London’s most recognisable landmarks but, more importantly, includes the opportunity to fill your face with sandwiches, pastries, scones and enough tea to sink the Titanic.
  • Evening cruise. No surprises here, this one takes place at sundown. Expect illuminated city views accompanied by canapés, bubbly and live music.
  • Elvis tribute cruise. Here’s one to leave you all shook up. Try to tear your eyes from those thrusting hips long enough to snap landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard. The cruise also includes a three-course dinner. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, anyone?

The White-Knuckler: Thames Speedboats

Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier

In the market for something a little more… high-octane? Less a sightseeing experience and more a hang-on-for-dear-life thrill ride, these rip-roaring rigid inflatable boat experiences (or RIB rides to you and me) are very much not for the faint of heart. 

Prepare to see your life (and, yes, several somewhat blurry London attractions) flash before your eyes as your RIB twists, turns and generally whizzes up and down the Thames. Thames Rockets and The Thames RIB Experience offer a variety of different locations and experiences, including Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier, and something called – rather frighteningly – the Tower Beast. Buckle up: it’s gonna be one helluva ride.

The Best Sedate London Boat Trips

Colourful barges in Little Venice

And now for something completely different: think the gentle putter of a barge forging its placid path along picturesque canals. Or the splash of oar meeting lake in bucolic parkland. Here are some of our faves for the more refined London lady or gent.

  • Little Venice. All pristine Regency mansion, brightly painted barges and graceful swans, Little Venice is one of London’s most disarmingly charming neighbourhoods. Hop aboard one of Jason’s tour boats and chug east along the scenic Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock, passing London Zoo and the Maida Hill Tunnel, and admiring plenty of cool canal art en route.
  • A day trip to Kew or Hampton Court. Indulge in the fine art of slow travel on a pleasure cruise with Thames River Boats from Westminster Pier to Kew Gardens, or beyond to the mighty Hampton Court Palace. The journey to Henry VIII’s medieval party pile takes a little over three hours – plenty of time, in other words, to admire the views of Chelsea, Putney, Richmond et al along the way. 
  • The Serpentine. To many, it’s the jewel in Hyde Park’s not inconsiderable crown. And with good reason, too. Take to the lake on colourful rowboats and pedalos during spring and summer, for the quintessential English experience. 
  • Crystal Palace Boating Lake. Come for the anatomically interesting model dinosaurs; stay for the tranquil boating lake from which – to complete your Jurassic experience – some of the creepy (but thankfully static) critters can be spotted lurking in the undergrowth.
Rowing boat on the Serpentine in Hyde Park

Looking for more things to do in London? The London Pass® can save you £££s on entry to dozens of top attractions, tours and activities. Hit the buttons below to find out more and choose the pass that's right for you.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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London Bridge Attractions

London Bridge Experience The London Bridge Experience is a do-it-if-you-dare kind of attraction. Under the arches of London Bridge station you’ll go deep underground and journey through centuries of London history, from the Roman invasion, to the Great Fire of London and the brutal murders of Jack the Ripper. Take the tour into the Tombs and relive the tales of the city’s forgotten folk… Tower Bridge Not to be mistaken with London Bridge, Tower Bridge as it’s rightly called, is London’s oldest and most historic river crossing. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in London and a must-see on anyone’s visit to the area. Suspended over the river, the new Glass Walkways give you unparalleled views and the Victorian Bascules are on show in the Engine Rooms – they still operate the bridge lifts to this day. Tower of London The Tower of London is arguably London’s most popular attraction and one of the most impressive sights in the London Bridge area. A historic fortress from the time of the Norman Conquest, it’s been a prison, palace and menagerie over the centuries. The Tower of London is famously home to the Crown Jewels and a tour by a Yeoman Warder is not to be missed!  Discover this bustling London neighbourhood with our guide to London Bridge attractions and landmarks. London Bridge is one of the most popular areas in London for its wealth of historic sites, impressive modern landmarks, as well as its strong reputation for great food and drink. On the famous south bank of the River Thames, London Bridge is easy to get to and easy on the eye with its cobbled streets, winding alleys and river banks, making its urban landscape one of the best in London. From Tower Bridge (often mistaken for London Bridge) to the delicious Borough Market, or even the spooky London Bridge Experience and wartime HMS Belfast, there are many things to do in the London Bridge area. HMS Belfast HMS Belfast is the legendary battleship that served in the Second World War and the Korean War. Now, taking pride of place on the River Thames by Tower Bridge, she is free to explore, both above and below deck. Learn what life was like on board and the military victories she had as a vessel. If you’re a fan of British military history, HMS Belfast is for you! Hays Galeria If you’re after a picturesque place to stroll through to get out of the rain, Hay’s Galleria is the perfect place to take shelter. This old warehouse and wharf, Hay’s Wharf, is a Grade II listed building and one of the finest buildings along the river. Take a look in the small shops and stalls inside, or stop for a coffee or bite to eat at the many restaurants, pubs and cafés indoors Golden Hinde Another historical ship in the area - this Elizabethan Galleon ship is quite a sight to behold amongst its more contemporary architectural neighbours. A full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's flagship, the Golden Hinde is a living history museum offering insight into what it was like to sail the mighty seas during the adventurous days of the 16th century. Unicorn Theatre If you like a bit of theatre, the Unicorn is a great place to get a fun, cultural fix in London. One of London’s great modern theatres, the Unicorn puts on interactive plays to appeal to and involve young audiences. The schedule is ever-changing, so visit their website to see what’s on and book your seats in advance. Old Operating Theatre Museum You’ll never complain about healthcare ever again after a visit to the Old Operating Theatre Museum! Stepping back in time you can see how far medicine has come from herbal remedies and unsanitized conditions. Visit this fascinating collection of medical supplies, surgical equipment and an old operating table to experience a truly unique London museum. London Bridge Area Guide Borough Market  To really make the most of your London Bridge experience you must pay a visit to the delicious Borough Market. As one of the most popular food markets in London, it offers a wealth of fresh British and international foods – from French cheeses, Spanish olives, Mexican burritos to good old English cakes. Make sure you go with an empty stomach as you’ll want to sample from more than one stall! The View from The Shard Arguably London Bridge’s most iconic modern monument, The Shard is the tallest building in London and is famed for its luxury, world class hotel, Michelin starred restaurants and viewing platforms at dizzying heights. The View from The Shard is one of the best places to go to get a unique view over London and from the 69th or 72nd floor you’ve a choice of an indoor viewing platform or open air terrace from which to cast your eye over the capital. If you want to splash your cash, why not book a table at one of the five star restaurants to enjoy on your way down! Sky Garden  One of London’s newest and most exciting concepts and venues to open, the Sky Garden is London’s highest garden, situated in the Walkie Talkie building in the heart of the City. Lose yourself in this green oasis, featuring an observation terrace and landscaped gardens, and take in breath-taking 260 degree panoramic views, showcasing the beauty of London. You can even enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar as the sun goes down to complete a delightful visit. Royal Oak Pub Sit down to a Full English Breakfast or tuck into a Sunday Roast in this typical English Pub. The Royal Oak is one of the most popular London Bridge pubs and is a great destination for a wide range of beers. Voted one of the UK’s top 10 pubs, you can be sure to enjoy your visit as you tuck into their warm dishes, sipping on a cool pint.  The Hide Bar One of London’s most quirky bars, The Hide Bar is tucked away around the corner from London Bridge on the popular Bermondsey Street, and is so secret that you really need to know where it is – and make a reservation in advance to guarantee you get in. But it’s worth it, and you can rely on The Hide Bar for a good night out. Choose from a long list of expertly made cocktails and get dressed up for the occasion. Elliot’s Café Elliot’s sources all of its menu and food from the fresh produce at Borough Market. It’s organic and fresh, so a hit with those interested in healthy yet enjoyable eating! With an impressive food and wine menu, it’s a great place to go at any time of day. If you time it right, there are even a few tables outside in the sun too, which make for a great people-watching spot. Roast Restaurant London Bridge’s answer to the perfect roast, Roast Restaurant in Borough Market is ‘deliciously British’ and offers a range of roasts to tuck into – complete with all the trimmings. Forget your pub lunch, if there’s one place you’re going for your last London roast, it has to be here. Choose from chicken or pork, goose fat potatoes and pigs in blankets. Who said you had to wait until Sunday? Antico Restaurant Dishes are kept simple in the hopes of every single ingredient showcasing its clarity of flavour. With a menu that changes by the season to ensure the highest quality of ingredients, Antico blends its old-fashioned authenticity with a fresh approach making it a perfect fit for the contemporary palate. With a focus on delicious food and friendly service, Antico epitomises a well-rounded night out. Escape Rooms  Challenge your mind and logic at the Escape Rooms, London Bridge’s newest and most exciting experience. Based on the Japanese online game ‘Takagism’ players are locked up in a room and have to work together, solving puzzles to try and escape. Clues are hidden around the room so you’ll need your thinking caps and some great team work! A hit experience around the world, Escape Rooms will have you talking about it for months. If it’s one thing you do on your trip to London, visit the London Bridge area. From sky-high views over the city, to fine dining and market food, there is plenty to keep you busy. Spend a day walking the cobbled streets and along the river and marvel at the history and heritage of this part of the city.  
Cara Merren
Trafalgar Square, London
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The best museums in London included on The London Pass®

Visit London’s best museums to learn about the city’s rich culture and history London is renowned for hosting some of the top museums in the world, each one a testament to the city’s vast cultural and historical tapestry. Whether you're intrigued by wartime history or the evolution of toys and advertising, the London Pass boasts an extensive list of museums in London, ensuring there's something captivating for everyone. Explore the Best London Museums with the London Pass® The London Pass® is your gateway to explore the rich diversity of museums across the city. From the museums in central London to those that are uniquely cool museums in London, this pass is your all-access ticket to cultural enlightenment and historical discovery. To make the most of your visit, consider planning your itinerary with a comprehensive London museums list, ensuring you don't miss out on hidden gems and celebrated institutions alike. With the London Pass®, you can curate your own personal museum trail, taking you from the heart of London's history to the forefront of modern art and beyond. Museums in central London Charles Dickens Museum If you’re a fan of literature and British literary heritage then a visit to the Charles Dickens Museum is a must. With over 10,000 items on display from Dickens’ personal artefacts, to early manuscripts and even his furniture, his old apartment on Doughty Street is said to have been the place in which he wrote two of his best loved masterpieces; Nicholas Nickelby and Oliver Twist. Florence Nightingale Museum The Florence Nightingale Museum is dedicated to one of the most influential women of Victorian Britain who inspired so many people who have followed in her footsteps. Access included with the London Pass. London Transport Museum Lively exhibitions explore the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture and society since 1800. It's tucked away at the back of Covent Garden, which is always well worth a stroll through to see its shops and the street performers wandering about. Access included with the London Pass. Freud Museum London The final home of Sigmund Freud, the Freud Museum offers insight into the famed psychoanalyst. Enjoy attraction access with your London Pass®.  Cool museums in London Looking for something unconventional? The following are some of the coolest museums in London, offering quirky and engaging exhibits off the typical tourist trail. Cartoon Museum Forget Cartoon Network, this museum is jam packed with distinctly British cartoons that you'll spend hours poring over. From old 18th century illustrations through to today's satirical newspaper cartoons, you'll find something to put a grin on your face - plus, access is included with the London Pass. Sports Museums There are also some great London museums dedicated to various British sports such the Chelsea FC Museum, the Arsenal FC Museum and Twickenham World Rugby Museum. Tour behind-the scenes and get to see the players changing rooms and get exclusive access into these iconic venues. Access included with the London Pass. Unique museums Fan Museum The museum is set in two grade II listed buildings dating from the 1720s that have been sensitively restored to their original grandeur in order to exhibit these wonderful items in suitably lavish surroundings. Access is included with the London Pass. Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising Live out your Mad Men fantasies at this unique museum, which features over 12,000 original items: household and global brands, toys, sweets, fashions, posters and magazines. Access included with the London Pass. The Guards Museum The London Guards Museum is a fascinating insight into the history of the military in the capital and is unique among London museums as it was not originally intended for public view. Access included with the London Pass. Household Cavalry Museum Household Cavalry Museum is unlike any other military museum because it offers a unique ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the work that goes into the ceremonial duties and operational role of The Household Cavalry. Access included with the London Pass. Jewish Museum London The Jewish Museum in Camden, North London, is a celebration of Jewish life, culture and heritage. Access included with the London Pass. London Canal Museum The London Canal Museum tells the story of London’s canals from the days when they were a vital part of the city’s industrial and commercial life through years of decline and abandonment to today’s more leisurely pursuits. Access is included with the London Pass. London Museum of Water and Steam The London Museum of Water and Steam is recognised as one of the most important historic sites of the water supply industry in Britain. Access included with the London Pass. Science Museum IMAX ~As the home of human ingenuity, the Science Museum’s world-class collection aims to make sense of the science that shapes our lives, inspiring visitors with iconic objects. Access included with the London Pass. The Foundling Museum The Foundling Museum was originally one of the first houses in London for abandoned children and housed over 27,000 children before its closure. Access included with the London Pass. Free museums in London Victoria and Albert Museum As one of the most beloved art museums in London, the Victoria and Albert Museum holds a special place in many people's hearts - both locals and tourists alike. With a permanent collection spanning sculpture, furniture, photography, jewellery and more, you can pay a little more to get access to its limited exhibitions such as the BALENCIAGA and Winnie the Pooh exhibits just gone. British Museum As one of the best London museums, the British Museum presents an unparalleled historical journey, housing artefacts that span two million years of human history. Access to the permanent collection is free, offering a window into global cultures and ancient civilisations. From ivory Parthenon sculptures to real Egyptian mummies, it'll take you beyond the United Kingdom to discover some of the greatest wonders of the world. Natural History Museum Whether you're on a date or with the kids, this is one of the best free museums in London to spend a whole day in. Every inch of this grand building is packed with fascinating exhibits, from the gigantic towering skeleton of a blue whale in its main hall through to the rows upon rows of rock formations towards the back. You will have to pay to keep your things in the cloakroom though. Tate Modern Sick of all the classical art? Head to the Tate Modern, where contemporary and modern art is the name of the game. With a sprawling permanent collection including works by masters such as Warhol, Picasso, Dali and more, it's all housed in a former power station right on the bank of the River Thames. 5 Interesting Facts About Museums in London: 1. The Museum of London is made up of three separate museums: the main museum at the Barbican complex, the Docklands Museum, and the Museum of London Archaeology. 2. The British Museum is the oldest museum in the world, founded in 1753. 3. The British Museum has over eight million artifacts from every continent in the world. 4. The Museum of London was created by an act of Parliament in 1965 and brought together the collections of two well-established museums, the Guildhall Museum and the London Museum. 5. London has many unique museums beyond the popular ones like the British Museum and the London Transport Museum, such as the Vagina Museum and the London Canal Museum. The diversity and richness of London's museum scene, from the history of the city itself to the many unique and specialized museums that can be found throughout the city.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Discover the charm of Greenwich: your ultimate neighbourhood guide
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Discover the charm of Greenwich: your ultimate neighbourhood guide

Greenwich: your passport to London’s unique sights and sounds.
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