Britain · BOAT TOURS IN LONDON
The 15 best boat tours in London you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Cruise from Westminster Pier to Greenwich in about an hour, passing Parliament, Tate Modern, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Enjoy live English commentary, a six-language smartphone guide, open-deck views, and the choice of a one-way or return ticket.
“The captain was great! So much fun and a great way to get some photos if you are short on time!”
Board at Westminster Pier for a 25 to 30 minute Thames cruise past Parliament, St. Paul’s, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and The Shard. Choose a one-way ride to Butler’s Wharf or a return trip, which requires changing boats. Live English commentary, an app audioguide, and onboard refreshments are available.
“I loved this cruise and wish we'd booked the longer one. It's a great way to see London, the guide was entertaining and had obviously been doing this routine for years. I will likely do this every time we visit, it's a much prettier way to get around the the tube.”
See London by bus, boat, and sky with a 24 or 48-hour Big Bus pass, one-way Thames cruise, and London Eye time slot. Ride past Westminster, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, and Buckingham Palace, then add guided walks with the 48-hour option.
“I liked that the Hop on Hop off tour helped with moving around the city. We could explore a lot of stuff and don't feel rushed as long as we showed our ticket. The bus stops were easily marked so we knew where to wait for a bus and the audio was absolutely brilliant. I learned a lot about London in 2 days. I'm also happy about the London eye. While it was just one rotation it was good enough to get a lot of snaps. The river cruise was also great and the commentary was hilarious”
Use a 24, 48, or 72-hour Tootbus pass to see London’s major sights from an open-top bus. Hop off at 45 stops, follow audio commentary in 10 languages, try four self-guided walks, and add a one-way City Cruises trip between Westminster and Tower Pier.
“It was so easy. Staff helpful. Just what we needed bring our first time in London.”
Board at London Eye Pier for a 40-minute circular cruise toward Tower Bridge and back. An English-speaking guide such as Mitch, George, or Ben brings Big Ben, St Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Tower of London to life. Add a London Eye ticket if you want both attractions.
“Our guide Paul was a tour master, blending historical facts and sites with a good sense of humor. Highly recommended this tour!”
Use three Big Bus routes and more than 50 stops to reach Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, museums, and shopping streets. Add a Thames cruise, Royal Walk, Jack the Ripper or Harry Potter tour, and a two-hour evening tour with a 48-hour ticket.
“Signed up for 48 hr ticket with cruise. Also did 10 am walking tour with Emma. She was Incredible Tour Guide… gave us best viewing area for changing of the Guards & Royal Marine Band. The Bus was ALWAYS at a stop. Never had to wait. Was an AWESOME way to see London. All drivers were very helpful & knowledgeable too!!!”
Use a 24, 48, or 72-hour Tootbus pass to see London by open-top bus and river boat. Ride past Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, and more, then hop off to explore. The app tracks buses, stores your ticket, and adds audio commentary and four self-guided walks.
“Great way to see London. Jasmine, our guide, was very knowledgeable and even with a diversion along the was she was still able to tell us interesting facts along our bew route.”
Cruise London’s Thames aboard an all-weather, wheelchair-friendly City Cruises boat. Ride between Westminster, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich, hopping off for sights such as the Tower of London and Cutty Sark. Live crew commentary adds history and humor, with drinks and snacks sold onboard.
“Great option with kids to explore the city and have a short break for your feet! The guides on the boat also provide you with some additional insight to all the landmarks you're passing. Some of them even with a little added British humour ;-)”
Cruise from Tower Millennium Pier for two hours as London changes from sunset to city lights. Enjoy one glass of sparkling wine or a soft drink, canapés, live chill-out pop, and views from the saloon or open deck. This is a scenic social outing, not a narrated history tour.
“it was wonderful having live music. everyone on the cruise was so friendly and helpful. the boat was clean and we had a fantastic time looking at London while enjoying a bottle of champagne and absolutely wonderful appetizers. it was easy, and a great way to relax during the evening.”
Spend three hours aboard a dinner boat sailing from Westminster to the Thames Barrier and back. You get sparkling wine, a three-course British meal, floodlit sights, and live music from singers such as Emma, Patrick Phelps, Andrew, or Paddy, depending on the evening.
“Loved everything thing about this cruise Great value for money”
Board at Tower Pier beside the Tower of London for a 105-minute Thames cruise with a two-course lunch, tea or coffee, and audio commentary. You will pass Tower Bridge, the Shard, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament from a refurbished vessel with panoramic windows and an open upper deck.
“Lovely cruise!! Food was excellent too! Would definitely recommend!!! Thank you”
Follow a live guide through Green Park, St James’s, Westminster, and the Tower of London as London’s grim stories unfold. Choose a 30-minute Uber Boat ride with an onboard bar, or take the Underground. Guides include Marvin, Julia, Luke, John, and Zachary.
“Great tour Julia was really knowledgeable and good fun!”
Board the colourful Jenny Wren at Camden Lock for a 90-minute cruise to Little Venice and back. An English-speaking guide, sometimes Captain Morgan or Dave, explains canal life, local history, and the working Hampstead Road Lock. The covered boat keeps you dry, but seats are close and stairs are required.
“It was a great time, our family loved it. It was a little hard to hear the guide at the beginning when in the more crowded Camden dock area. But this improved as we floated away from the crowds. Fun time - highly recommended.”
Board Thames Rockets beneath the London Eye for a 50-minute ride that begins with landmark commentary and builds into a 30-knot sprint toward Canary Wharf. Your English-speaking comedian guide, backed by an experienced skipper, mixes London stories with music, jokes, and sharp turns.
“Great experience - the staff and guide were all very nice and loved the tour!”
Meet guides such as Steve Reid, Ariana, Dan, or Adrian for a guided Tower of London visit, Crown Jewels access, and a flexible Thames cruise. Choose the longer option to add Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard.
“It was a fabulous trip. Our guide Andy was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable and bought everything to life! He was very caring and looked after the whole group. I highly recommend the trip.”
Pick a city, a castle or a long drive north.
