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Jazz Dinner Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

Great evening.

Steve – TripAdvisor

Just wonderful

Dibleygirl – TripAdvisor

How much is a jazz cruise on River Thames?

Join us on City Cruises Thames Jazz Cruise for £89 per person. It includes a welcome aboard drink, three course meal, three-hour river cruise and live Jazz music.

Does City Cruises have a floating jazz club cruise?

City Cruises welcomes you to a night of Jazz on the Thames. As the London jazz scene is constantly evolving with characterful jazz venues dotted all over the city, come on board for unique floating jazz experience.

Is there a floating jazz club in London?

If you are looking for a unique jazz experience, you’ve come to the right place! City Cruises welcomes you to a night of Jazz on the Thames.

What to wear on a London Jazz cruise?

We encourage smart casual attire on the Jazz Dinner Cruise. However, please feel free to dress for your occasion whether you are celebrating or just heading out for an amazing meal on the Thames.

We would advise against flip-flops, leisurewear and ripped jeans .

Do you need to book in advance for Jazz Cruise?

The Thames Jazz Cruise sails every Friday and you will need to purchase your tickets in advance online before boarding the boat for the Elvis Tribute Dinner Cruise.

Where does a Thames Jazz Cruise in London take you?

The Thames Jazz Cruise takes place on the Thames, departing from Westminster Pier and cruises up and down the Thames with great views of London’s iconic landmarks.

Is there bar on board the Thames Jazz Cruise?

There is a fully equipped bar on our Thames Jazz Cruise that will serve beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Click here to see all Thames dinner cruise FAQs.

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The 19 Best Thames River Cruises for Sightseeing & Getting About

While it’s often overlooked, one of the most iconic and defining features of London is the River Thames. This waterway flows from deep in the heart of southern England to the English Channel in the west. As it flows through London, the Thames is a wide snake, creating the geography of the city with the Southbank on one side, Westminster and the City on the other.

No matter how you think about the Thames, it’s an important part of London and its history. Goods are still shipped up and down the river at all hours of the day and night, and passengers board boats to journey along its lengths too. In this post, I’ll cover the latter – since you may be considering a Thames cruise during your own London itinerary .

I’ve journeyed along the Thames many ways, including on those more focused on commuting. While options used to be limited, today you can enjoy a variety of different Thames river cruises from Murder Mystery cruises to quick museum ferries. You can float leisurely to enjoy the view of London’s must-see sights from the water or zoom around on a speedboat to enjoy a few thrills. There literally are Thames river cruises for every travel style.

If you want to learn more about your options and discover the best Thames river cruises, read on. In this post, you’ll learn the differences between cruise offerings and hopefully find the one that’s perfect for your upcoming London trip.

Table of Contents

​​Best Variety: City Cruises 

London looks pretty from every angle. No discussion there. However, it looks its prettiest from the River Thames. Many landmarks are right on the banks of the river, and that’s why a cruise offers a vantage point to see these iconic buildings. As you’ll read in a minute, you’ll see that cruises are also an excellent opportunity to avoid crowds at the tube. Keep on reading to find out the best Thames River Cruises.

Hop-On/Hop-Off 

The Hop-On/Hop-Off cruise is one of City Experiences’ regular sightseeing boats. This 24-hour river pass is your gateway to tourist hotspots, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The tour has four stops: Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier. You can hop on and off at these stops and explore each London area.

Sightseeing Cruises

There’s nothing like taking in the beauty of London as you meander along the Thames. Below, you’ll find two sightseeing cruises that show you London’s iconic landmark aboard their boats.  

• Day Cruise – City experiences also have day and evening sightseeing cruises. Their daytime cruise takes you on a two-hour ride to see the best of London. During winter, head to the bar, get a hot drink and head up to its fabulous open upper deck where you can marvel at panoramic views of London. The Thames River and the city look lovely when the sun goes down. 
• Evening Cruise – With City Experiences, you can also book evening river cruises on the Thames. Set the mood with a bubbly glass of champagne in one hand and canapés in the other one. You’ll take in views of the London Eye, Westminster, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London for two hours while listening to smooth tunes in the background. 

Specialty Cruises

The best thing about cruises is that the experience they offer comes in all shapes and colors. These cruises below combine sightseeing with music (and mystery) to spice up your river adventure! 

• River Thames Jazz Cruise – Marrying music and sightseeing, the Thames Jazz cruise recreates life in London’s Roaring 20s. So, put on your best clothes and prepare for some gilded fun. You’ll experience a fancy three-course meal, a jazz quintet playing classics like Girl from Ipanema, Day and Night, and Summertime while seeing images of London icons pass by through your window. 
• Elvis Tribute Cruise – From the 20s, we go to the 50s with this fantastic Elvis Tribute Cruise. It’s pretty much the same as the Jazz cruise. The main difference is that you’ll be eating to the sound of Elvis’ lively rock and roll hits. The cruise invites Matt King, who has won many trophies as Elvis, to play Presley’s hits. After dinner, be ready to dance the night away, as you’ll get a chance to get onto the dance floor as the boat heads towards Tower Bridge.
• Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise – If music isn’t for you, don’t worry, I have something you’ll love. The murder mystery dinner cruise invokes Agatha Christie’s spirit and invites you to discover who’s behind the bloody murder that occurred a few minutes before you boarded. While you follow the clues, you’ll enjoy a lovely three-course meal and a glass of fizz. Don’t let your guard down, though. The murderer can be anywhere. 

Poshest Dining Cruises: Bateaux

These culinary cruises are the ultimate London experience for foodies. They cater to every taste and allow you to enjoy sumptuous meals with a backdrop of the city you won’t get from any skyscraper.

Bateaux dinner cruise is no ordinary cruise; it’s an experience. Bateaux combines Thames river sightseeing with elegant, unforgettable dinners and lunches. They offer exclusive seasonal voyages year-round and customized experiences for special occasions, such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. 

The courses boast an impressive selection of premium wines, decadent dishes, and mouth-watering cocktails. As for regular dinner tours, you can always choose among three options: platinum, gold, and silver. The regular Sunday lunches offer two packages, Classic plus Sunday lunch and Classic Sunday lunch. While most experiences provide similar service, the most expensive ones offer better seats and five-course meals. 

Runner Up: City Cruises

• Lunch Cruise on the River Thames – While not as fancy as the Bateaux, this lunch cruise from City Cruises offers a two-course meal with live or recorded commentary. There’s also a bar where you can order delicious cocktails and take them to the deck for unbroken views of the city. 
• Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames – No list of dining cruises would be complete without an afternoon tea cruise. Those who’d like to participate in London’s iconic afternoon teas can do it with this City Cruises package. Instead of fancy hotel rooms, they’ve recreated the English tradition and invite you to sip the best tea in London while meandering along the Thames.  You’ll also enjoy sumptuous delicacies, including a selection of sandwiches, mini pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam.
• Dinner Cruise on the River Thames – Back to the dinner options, this dinner cruise along the River Thames is a more affordable alternative for those who want to experience the river at night . The three-hour journey includes a four-course meal, first-class service, and after-dinner dancing. All while enjoying the best views of the city. 

Best Speedboat Experience: Thames RIB Experience

When it comes to Thames River Cruises, there’s a wide variety. If you don’t believe me, just look at these speedboat experiences!

The Thames RIB Experience will flood your system with a rush of adrenaline. This cruise zips through London while a stereo system pumps out James Bond music. It’s an excellent and fun option if you want to escape regular sightseeing tours. They have different packages with the Canary Wharf, Thames Barrier, the Ultimate Spy experiences as the most popular. They all follow almost the same route and pass by most London landmarks. There’s one thing all tours have in common, though. When you get past Tower Bridge, the captain picks up speed and zips to the Thames Barrier and back!

Runners Up: Thames Rockets & Thamesjet

• Thames Rockets – Thames Rockets also offer speedboats for the adrenaline junkie. The good thing about Thames Rockets is that they offer a fantastic children’s experience, Captain Kidd’s Canary Wharf Voyage. It is exclusively for families and also first-timers. The ride isn’t as crazy as regular speedboat tours and allows children to have a good time without feeling scared. Their Rocket Revolution Embark is another popular tour, which includes a spin on the world-famous London Eye.
• Thamesjet by City Cruises – The Thamesjet by City Cruises is another option you can book to have an exhilarating experience on the River Thames. The tour takes you from Westminster down to Tower bridge in a fun-filled 50-minute ride. When you approach Canary Wharf, the caption will speed up, making exciting twists and turns on the River Thames. 

Transit Cruises on the Thames

You don’t have to book a touristy cruise to experience the Thames from up close. You can also take one of the many transit cruises locals use to commute every day from different parts of the city. 

Uber Boat by Thames Clipper

The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper is just like the Underground, except that piers replace the tube stations. 

Their high-speed catamarans have become one of the best ways to get across London. You can book unlimited all-day tickets to travel across all of their piers (it stops at 23 piers) or simply use your Oyster card to pay. Most people love the trip from Embankment to Greenwich. 

The app has an audio guide you can listen to during the 30-minute journey from central London. The Uber Boat also offers O2 Post-Show services. So, if you watch a show at the O2, you can sail back into town with the Uber Boat!

Thames River Sightseeing

Thames River Sightseeing stands out not only for the diverse tours they provide but also for their boats. The company has an impressive fleet of twelve boats, including the Thomas Doggett, The Mercuria, and the Sarpedon.

They offer three packages to explore London’s best sights, the Westminster to Greenwich cruise (1 hour – 2hours), Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay cruise (30 min- 1 hour), and the Greenwich to Westminster cruise (1 hour -2 hours). You can also buy a 2 Day River Pass, which offers unlimited travel between Westminster, Embankment, Festival, Bankside, Tower Bridge Quay, and Greenwich. 

Turk Launches is one of the oldest companies you’re likely to come across in London. This family-run company has been in the riverboats scene for over 300 years. Their rides last 40 minutes and take you to explore the stunning stretch of the river Thames. You can meander through southwest London with their round-trip between Kingston and Richmond or explore historic Hampton Court Palace on their Hampton Court cruise.

Tate Boat 

Also known as the RB2 service, the Tate Boat is a tiny boat linking the Tate Modern and Tate Britain. It’s an excellent alternative to see some of London’s waterfront as the ride passes by Big Ben Parliament, London Eye, among other sights. The boat departs every 20–30 minutes. I suggest going to the Tate Britain first and then the Tate Modern, so you can walk to The Shard or Globe Theater after visiting the museum.

Other Unique Thames Cruises 

If none of the tours above caught your eye, you might find these Thames River Cruises interesting. Unlike the cruises above, these two tours explore the river and London’s waterfront from a different perspective. 

London Eye River Cruise

The London Eye River Cruise allows you to look at London, not from one but two vantage points. Their tour includes a 40-minute circular sightseeing tour to the heart of London along the Thames and a standard entry to the London Eye. The good news is that you can book your entry times for the London Eye whenever you’re ready since the tickets are valid for 90 days from the day you go on the River Cruise. So, you can see the city from above any other day. 

Lady Daphne

You can travel back to the days when England’s sailors ruled the waves of every ocean aboard the Lady Daphne. Built in 1923, the Lady Daphne is one of London’s historic wooden vessels still sailing. While you obviously can see London’s waterfront, the tour is mainly devoted to learning about English coastal trade and was like spending a day on a boat.

You can also book a Clay Shooting experience, where you take a sail along the Thames and moor up at an approved shooting location. One of the highlights of their tour is that the Tower Bridge rises for Lady Daphne to go through during your trip.

As you can tell, there are plenty of options for exploring London by way of the River Thames. Have any questions about these various Thames river cruises? Let me know in the comments, or join the conversation in my London Travel Tips Facebook group .

Valerie fell in love with London on her first trip to the city way back in 2011. Since then, she spent a year living in London and visits as often as she can (you can find her recent trip recaps here !). She launched LOMM in 2021 to help other travelers fall in love with her favorite city on earth.

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You are here: Things to Do > Boating on the River Thames > Boat trips

Boat trips on the River Thames

The River Thames offers so much history along its banks. To truly enjoy sightseeing on the River Thames then sit back and let someone else take the helm! Sit and relax as beautiful scenery glides by on a River Thames boat trip or cruise and enjoy the commentary on the sights along the river!

Passenger Boat Trips

Passenger boat operators offer a variety including day trips, round trips, stopping or one-way services. As well as the scheduled services, you might enjoy a themed river cruise. Choose from a spot of sightseeing with wildlife watching or party nights and seasonal day trips, to name but a few!

The main cruising season for the non-tidal Thames (outside of London) is April-September but each operator may have sailings and cruises outside of this time including special events so please check availability with the business.

Here's some of the key boat operators along the Thames:

Oxford: Salters Steamers

Reading: Thames Rivercruise

Henley: Hobbs of Henley

Windsor, Maidenhead and Runnymede: French Brothers

London to Greenwich: City Cruises

Themed Public Cruises

There are so many choices for boat trips on the Thames. Choose from jazz cruises, wildlife cruises, children's cruises and more. See the list below to see what's available.

A selection of Boat Trips on the Thames currently available at various locations including: 

Salters Steamers , boat trips from Oxford , Alice in Wonderland Cruise and Lunchtime Picnic Cruise.

Thames Rivercruise , Reading    is offering 45/60/90 minute cruises and Wednesday and Saturday Evening Sundowner Fizz Cruises.

• Thames Experience 45 Minute Round Trip Cruise  - Take a look at the riverside homes, countryside and the Thames as it passes through Reading with refreshments on board as you watch the wildlife pass as the boat glides along the Thames.
• Thames Experience 60 Minute Round Trip Cruise – Ideal for families, it leaves Caversham behind and heads to the countryside reaching two islands – Apletree Eyot and Poplar Island.
• Thames Explorer 90 Minute Round Trip Cruise -  Cruise from Caversham Pier through twists and turns to Mapledurham Lock and Weir. This is the river as it should be, tranquil and stunning in Wind in the Willows Country.

All above: weekends from 1 April to 29 October, daily Easter Holiday, May Half Term and School Summer Holiday 24 Jul-1 Sep (no cruises 21-29 Aug). 

• Other cruises: Shiplake or Goring Cream Tea Cruise, Goring Circular Cruise, Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch or Saturday Sundowner Cruises.

Hobbs of Henley   operates 1 and 2 hour cruises from Henley and themed ticketed cruises.

• Jazz & Afternoon Tea Cruise  (4 Aug 24) – Enjoy the sounds of a traditional jazz band on a three hour cruise whilst enjoying a delicious English Afternoon Tea.
• Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea Cruise  (12 May, 21 Jul, 25 Aug, 15 Sep) - Cruise the Thames on one of the most spectacular vessels, The New Orleans and sample the most incredible afternoon tea whilst doing so!
• Midsomer Murders Cruise with Afternoon Tea  (1 May and 5 Jun 2-4pm) - Aboard The Waterman, these are hosted by a specialist guide who’s knowledge on the TV sensation is superb and enjoy a delicious afternnon tea. Discover many murderous locations along the Thames and which episodes they featured in, the perfect cruise for any fans of this show!
• Henley Regatta River Cruise  (4 July, 11am - 5pm) - Sail the regatta course on-board Hibernia from 11am – 5pm, enjoying a welcome glass of Pimms, canapés, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea. 
• Atul Kochhar’s Henley Festival Cruise  (14 Jul, 7 - 10.45pm) - Aboard ‘The New Orleans’ enjoy the finest Indian cuisine provided by Atul Kochhar’s team. One of the first British-based Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star. Cruising up and down the Henley stretch of the Thames, enjoy the atmosphere of the Henley Festival from the river. The fireworks can be viewed from the open upper deck which will give you the most perfect view point for them!
• Eighties Silent Disco during the Rewind Festival (16 Aug 7-11pm) - Aboard The New Orleans for this fun Eighties night! Put your headphones on and hit our dance floor as you listen to some fab Eighties tunes! This event takes place during Henley’s Rewind Festival so you will be able to take in the sounds and atmosphere from our upper deck during this cruise. The price also includes a cocktail (or mocktail) on arrival and a buffet meal.
• Purdy's Gin and Jazz Cruise  (23 Aug, 7.30 - 10.30pm) – Aboard The New Orleans, is the incredible singer/songwriter Purdy and her band who will be providing sultry Jazz under the stars. Ticket includes a Mr Hobbs G&T on arrival and a fabulous buffet. 
• A Ghoulish Halloween Murder Mystery Cruise (31 Oct, 7-10.30pm) - Step aboard The New Orleans for a scary night to remember, our special Halloween murder mystery cruise for everyone who likes dinner with a fright! Partnering with Little Chico Productions.
• Christmas cruises - Christmas Lunch and Christmas Party Night cruises.
• Santa Cruises - The brilliant Bertie Slippers will have everyone roaring with laughter and he will be adding some magic, balloons and puppets to the children’s entertainment and Santa will be in his grotto bearing gifts for all the children!  

French Brothers   is operating 40 mins and 2 hour cruises from Windsor, Runnymede to Windsor and Runnymed hop-on-hop-off service. 

• Windsor 2-hour round trip – Leaving Windsor Promenade, passengers can enjoy excellent views of Windsor Castle and Eton College. After passing Windsor Racecourse, the boat passes through Boveney Lock and passes Sutherland Grange, The Willows and Bray Film Studios.
• Victorian Paddle Steamer Runnymede hop-on hop-off trip – Daily 29 Mar -18 Apr, 25 May-28 Sep.  Weekends only 15 Apr - 24 May, 9-29 Sep. Board the 'Lucy Fisher', a replica of a Victorian paddle steamer at the Runnymede Boathouse and cruise upstream to the Bells of Ouzeley, which is featured in Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat". Pass the Memorials, and onto the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.
• Windsor 40 min Round Trip – Daily to 27 Oct, Weekends 28 Oct - 22 Dec. This short cruise goes upstream to Boveney Lock & returns with fantastic views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse & the Brocas Meadows.
• Runnymede to Windsor Service – Daily 29 Mar - 29 Sep. Leaving from the Runnymede Boathouse, the boat will cruise upstream through Old Windsor Lock and continues through the pretty villages of Old Windsor and Datchet. Travelling through the grounds of Windsor Castle, the boat then passes through Romney Lock and arrives in Windsor.
• Royal Steamboat Voyage - 19 May, 16 Jun, 22 SeptA nostalgic cruise of discovery through the Queen's back garden on a  beautiful  and  genuine  Victorian steam launch. Departing from Runnymede in the morning you will pass through Old Windsor Lock and the pretty village of Datchet. Salute our Monarch's flag as we steam along past the grounds of Windsor Castle. In the afternoon the boat returns to Runnymede. Enjoy either a hearty lunch or afternoon tea.

City Cruises  in London offers sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and Showboat evening cruises. 

• Sightseeing cruises - depart daily every 30 to 40 minutes from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and to Greenwich.
• 24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass
• Thames Lunch Cruise – Tues-Sun. Enjoy a delicious two course lunch on a relaxed mini voyage through the heart of London: 2-course meal, 1 hour 45 minutes river Cruise, Commentary, Glass of Moët & Chandon (Champagne Package)
• Afternoon Tea Cruise – Thu-Sun.  See the best views in London while you tuck into tea, scones and all the trimmings of a traditional afternoon tea on the Thames.
• London Dinner Cruise – Wine, dine and dance on this great dinner cruise on the Thames. See spectacular views of London’s iconic sights including the magnificent London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge and the recently lit bridges as part of the Illuminated River project, whilst enjoying show songs and top hits. Includes: A three-hour cruise, Four-course meal, Welcome drink, Dancing till late, Half bottle of wine per guest.
• London’s Evening Cruise – See great views of London's riverside landmarks and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a trip through the heart of central London – on a boat. You can choose between being on the open-air upstairs deck or in the saloon, which has big windows. Includes: Sparkling wine or soft drink, Selection of cold canapés served throughout the evening, Background music, 2 hour river Cruise
• London’s Jazz Cruise on the Thames – Fridays. Enjoy jazz and dinner on the Thames on a journey up and down the river, with great views of landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and more. Includes: 3 hour cruise with our quintet ChiJazz playing jazz, Glass of sparkling wine, 3-course meal with choice of dishes, Cash bar offering Champagne, Pimm's, wines and beers.
• Halloween Murder Mystery Cruise  
• Fireworks Night Cruises  
• Christmas - Thames Christmas Dinner Party , Thames Christmas Lunch Party , Christmas Day Sightseeing ,  Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
• New Year - New Year's Eve Gala Dinner , New Year's Eve Stargazer Cruise , 

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Don't Miss

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Thames river cruise, live music and food

• 3 hour cruise on the River Thames
• Freshly cooked food - including vegetarian options
• Live music - playing British hits from the 1960s to modern day
• Barking and Dagenham, Barking and Dagenham, Greater London, England
• Location Name: Tower Pier Location Address: London EC3N 4DT Directions: 5-10 minutes walk from Tower Hill tube station
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Dress code - anything you feel comfortable in
• If you miss the sailing at 7pm tickets will NOT be refunded
• Minimum age is 14 years
• Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 260 travellers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

• jamestM8843GH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic evening and great cruise We were lucky enough to attend a Brit Boat cruise with Top Loader playing live! The boat and cruise was amazing and to see Top Loader in such an intimate gig topped it off! The boat is great and the staff could not be more friendly and helpful - we would definitely recommend it! Read more Written 21 June 2019
• 163Sue 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Toploader were brilliant Excellent night out on the Thames. Toploader were brilliant. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely go again. Drinks reasonably priced which was an added bonus especially in London. Read more Written 11 June 2019
• LorraineH1329 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great night out I really enjoyed the evening, lovely cruise down the thames, everyone on the boat looked like they enjoyed the night, everyone was singing and dancing to the group Top Loader, the guys from the band was really friendly too towards everyone , would definitely go on the boat again :) Read more Written 10 June 2019
• Sophie D 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Brit Boat Launch Event - London Thames River Boat Party Cruise featuring the Kopy Katz Great evening with fantastic music from the Kopy Katz , enjoying all the beautiful sights of London by night, even managed to get in some dancing!! Read more Written 21 October 2018
• trevorhJ9631EX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles River cruise with the Koppy Kats We had a great evening cruising down the Thames with Rockabilly band The Koppy Kats, boat was clean and staff friendly, brilliant views of London......would def do it again!! Read more Written 18 October 2018
• Katie R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rockabilly River cruise I had a fantastic time on the boat listening to the kopy katz (band) and seeing a beautiful lit up evening London. Was such a great time and a great time. The bar was cheap and the facilities was great. To get there was easy for me train straight to temple and the boat was opposite. Thanks for a great time. Definitely will go again. Read more Written 18 October 2018
• dawnien2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thames cruise with The Kopy Katz Awesome evening great band, fab views definitely want to do this again soon. Great way to spend a Wednesday evening. Read more Written 18 October 2018
• Michaela A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hundon crew Brilliant night from the limo party bus picking us up drinking bubbly to the party boat with Kopy Katz. Brilliant fun rockin all night. The views of London while dancin on the deck was amazing. Gotto do this again guys x Read more Written 17 October 2018
• Jeffrey M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rockabilly boat trip What a great afternoon dancing, great band, great price, and lovely people, well worth going on, I recommend it highly Read more Written 14 October 2018
• AnitaR2140 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rockerbilly river cruise I couldn't attend this time after all but my Sister and friend did and they had an amazing time! I have seen Kopy Katz before and throughly enjoyed them. Great entertainment! I will be seeing them again! Anita Read more Written 13 October 2018
• Jimmy W 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Rockabilly river cruise. Fantastic night had by all, would definitely go again and strongly recommended. Well organised staff brilliant and drinks fairly pried. Read more Written 13 October 2018
• Janesmith70 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rockabilly Thames cruise with The Kopy Katz Fantastic music and evening aboard The Brit Boat. Very well organised, looking forward to coming again. Highly recommend. Read more Written 13 October 2018
• Ashley K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Night on the BritBoat! We had an amazing Night on the BritBoat! A nice bunch of people, great music, drinks and the tourist sights of London - All in one place! Well worth every penny - I'm going to tell my friends and family to go. Well done to the organisers for getting the balance just right. Read more Written 12 October 2018
• Christine G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rockabilly River boat Cruise First time we have done this. Absolutely brilliant. So lucky to have a perfect evening for the weather so photo opportunities to capture the London skyline at night we amazing. The live entertainment on board for the whole 3 hours was from the Kopy Katz who kept the whole boat rocking with brilliant rockabilly tunes. All in all we had a great night of fun, views and entertainment with best friends, really do recommend if you get the opportunity. Read more Written 11 October 2018
• susieswingit 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kopy Katz Rockabilly Thames Cruise Fantastic evening. Clean boat with great security. Great band and atmosphere. Amazing views. Can’t wait to do it again Read more Written 10 October 2018

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Thames river cruise, live music and food provided by The Brit Boat

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London’s best Thames river cruises

Get a whole new perspective of the city with these top Thames river cruises

Think you’ve ticked off everything London has to offer? Think again. Try a Thames river cruise – and no, we’re not talking about the Clippers (well we are, but only a little bit). There are few better ways to take in the capital than by its famously choppy, murky central waterway. Plus the views, from Hampton Court down to the City and Greenwich, are some of the absolute finest our city has to offer.

It's time to ditch dry land and hop aboard a Thames river boat tour. And plenty of London’s top attractions are best seen from the water – so get your camera ready.

RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in London

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Best Thames river cruises in London

Thames Rockets

• Ships and boats

Bring your waterproofs, because the slick RIB (rigid inflatable boat) operation offers a high-speed ride on the Thames. It's a great way to discover how exhilarating it can be to swoop along the Thames at almost 30 knots – that’s nearly 35 mph, nautical novices! We're not sure how much you'll actually be able to see, but there are plenty more leisurely-paced tours for that sorta thing.

Bateaux London Cruises

• Victoria Embankment

A good river cruise for those who want a spot of grub while taking in the sights along the Thames – Bateaux offer a full range of different dining cruises. There’s the lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruise – or you could really pull the stops out and enjoy their three-course lunch with a live jazz band playing assorted swingin’ classics. All river cruises depart from Victoria Embankment.

City Cruises

• Things to do
• Walks and tours

Want to see the city in style? City cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis and run from Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers with commentary along the way. All the departure points are convenient for the city’s various sights, with Greenwich Pier ideal for the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.

London Duck Tours

Praise whichever brilliant mind decided to paint the scant remaining WW2 landing vehicles in bright, rubber-duck yellow! These duck city tours take in all the typical land-based sights – then has two ‘splashdowns’ into the Thames as it goes into nautical mode and takes passengers around Docklands, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

Thames RIB Experience

• Sightseeing

Instead of a usual tour’s drab history lessons and endless stream of tedious facts, why not try something a little more thrilling? The Thames RIB Experience is more like a rollercoaster than a classic sightseeing tour, and sees passengers jetted across the water at an impressive 45mph. Lifejackets and waterproofs are provided (fortunately), leaving you free to enjoy whizzing around in figure-eights in open water between Tower Bridge and the Isle of Dogs. Try and take in some sights as the high winds reshape your face.

Thames River Boats

Thames River Boats take you all the way from the Palace of Westminster upriver to Hampton Court Palace. It’s a pretty leisurely 22-mile journey: in 90 minutes you’ll be at Kew; in another 90, you’ll be at Hampton Court. But this westward route is a lovely way to appreciate the Thames, as the banks get greener, less cluttered with high-rise buildings and the river buses are replaced by rowers.

Thames Clippers

These days the Thames Clippers are better known as ‘Uber Boats’, not because they’re the most incredible boats but because, you guessed it, they’re sponsored by a taxi company. Sure, they don’t go very fast (trundling along at a very leisurely 30mph), but they’re a pretty underrated, cost-effective way to traverse the Thames.

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Why choose between the road and the river when you can have both? First up on this guided tour you'll be driven round the capital in a routemaster (that's the old red double decker bus), before boarding a Thames Cruiser to view the sites from the water. Sail past landmarks like Shakespeare's Globe and Tower Bridge, before getting back on the bus and heading to her Maj's residence: Buckingham Palace. There's also the option to add a ticket for the London Eye on this package.

Tate to Tate Boat

A connecting service between either art institution, the Tate to Tate Boat runs every 40 minutes. Aside from getting you from one gallery to another, it’s also great for taking in lots of central London scenery. As you might expect, the boat itself is an arty affair: YBA Damien Hirst covered both the exterior and interior with his trademark spots. It’s also genuinely the quickest way to travel from Tate to Tate – this way, you avoid an irritatingly convoluted tube or bus journey.

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Plan your Easter on the river

Make the most of London with a River Roamer ticket for all-day travel!

Buy tickets now

Easter weekend service

Bank holiday timetable

Remember, Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April are bank holidays and we'll operate to our   weekend timetable .

Gemini boat race

Due to the University Boat Race on Saturday 30 March Wandsworth Pier will be closed 13:00 - 17:00 whilst Putney Pier will be closed until 17:00. Find out more 

Get your tickets now

Travel across London

From all-day passes to one way tickets, travel by boat and enjoy the views!

River and cable car

Experience London from the sky and the river with our joint tickets with IFS Cloud Cable Car!

Illuminated River Official Boat Tour

See London at night bathed in the light of the Illuminated River project. Every Saturday from Tower Pier.

Post-show services

Heading to a show at The O2? Glide back into central London with us!

Commute by river

Sit back, sail through rush hour and arrive stress-free. Flexible ticketing options available while season tickets offer you the best value for money

New weekday timetable from 2 April

Exciting news! Starting 2 April, we’ll introduce an hourly off-peak daytime service to Royal Wharf and West Zone piers (except Cadogan). Please check the timetable before travelling as this change may have affected your departure time. 

Looking for things to do in London?

We've curated a list of events happening in London this Easter break and in April. From egg hunts to art trails, hop on board and we'll take you there.

Visit our online merch shop!

Purchase some of your favourite merchandise from our range and have it delivered anywhere in the UK!

Light up your weekend

Tickets are available for the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour every Saturday in January. Get yours now and see London in a new light!

Save with commuter ticket

Your morning commute now costs less with our new ‘Commuter AM‘ ticket that offers a 25% saving! Upgrade your journey into work and enjoy taking in the views with a freshly brewed coffee from the onboard café bar.

Tell us how we did!

If you’ve travelled with us recently, let us know how it went with this quick customer survey.

Looking for day out inspiration?

London is a big city... With so many options on where to go, it can be hard to decide. Luckily for you, we've done the hard work already! Head to our blog to see our recommendations on places to explore along the Thames.

Travel tools

Ticket information, service alerts.

Guaranteed seat

Comfortable seats in climate controlled cabins or enjoy the fresh air on the outside back deck. 

Café bar

A whole range of refreshments are available from the onboard café bar.

Bikes permitted

Bring your bike on board at no extra charge. We can currently carry up to 14 bikes on our largest vessels. Pets are also welcome.

There are toilets with accessible facilities on board most of the fleet. Our larger boats also have baby changing tables.

Save time and money, download the Thames Clippers Tickets app. Buy season tickets and flexible ticket carnets.

London by river

Kids go free!

Go on an adventure with the kids. Travelling by river is a great way for families to explore London differently. They will love being on the back deck! With a Family River Roamer kids go free. 

Enjoy the café bar

Sip, snack and sail! Refreshments are available at our onboard café bar from hot drinks to alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Make special occasions extra special

Add a touch of luxury to your events with our high speed vessel Orion Clipper from VIP transfers, to birthdays and excurions with family or friends.

Accessible travel across London 

Boat accessibility information.

All our boats are wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram accessible by ramp. All boats, except Star, Storm and Sky Clipper, have accessible toilets and larger boats have baby changing tables.

All our piers are step-free and wheelchair accessible except for Cadogan, London Bridge City and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter piers.

Mobility scooter owners are welcome on board but need first to apply for our Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme .

You can bring your guide or assistance dog on board for free.

Any person with a valid Disabled I.D. badge/card, will get 50% off ticket fares and a complimentary ticket for their carer.

Latest service updates

For the most up to date information on our services please follow   @thamesclippers on X (formerly known as Twitter). You can also find live departure information at the piers or on the Thames Clippers Tickets app.

"I would just like to say, you do an amazing job, always helpful, friendly. Provide an amazing service."

Thames River Cruises 

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is the fastest, most frequent and reliable fleet on the River Thames - carrying over 4 million passengers last year. Unlike most other forms of public transport, we are always reliable - the only days our river boats don’t run are Christmas and Boxing Day.

Thames River Boats 

Our Thames river boats are fully equipped with comfortable seating and plenty of space. Our larger river boats all have licenced on-board bars, with a range of coffees, snacks and alcoholic drinks. They all have toilet facilities, and some even have baby changing facilities. Our Thames river buses have Metro and City AM newspapers available on board and Free Wi-Fi is available at our main piers. The experience of travelling through London on a Thames river bus is unlike any other form of travel, providing an epic experience for its users. Far more enjoyable than struggling for space on a packed London Underground tube, quicker than driving or getting the bus, and less exhausting than walking or riding your bike!

Our History 

Starting in 1999 with just one boat in operation, our fleet has grown exponentially to 20 high-speed Thames river boats, offering services from all major London piers every 10-20 minutes. Our services cater for everyone from early morning commuters to night-time passengers. There are countless reasons to choose a London River Bus over any other form of transport – choose a Thames river cruise next time you need to travel through London.

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• THAMES HISTORY

Sightseeing At Its Best

Explore london with thames river sightseeing.

Make the most of your adventure! Join our local skippers and friendly team for an unforgettable Thames River cruise.

THAMES RIVER CRUISE TICKETS

Tickets & packages.

• Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Ticket

Westminster to Greenwich | Thames River Sightseeing

Travel from Westminster to Greenwich and enjoy beautiful views over London’s famous landmarks with our River Thames Sightseeing cruise.

Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay | Thames River Sightseeing

2 Day River Pass | Hop On Hop Off

Our 2-day hop-on and hop-off Thames River Sightseeing ticket is the best way to explore London from the water – with unlimited river travel over two consecutive days to enjoy at your own pace.

THAMES RIVER SIGHTSEEING

Featured Attractions

There’s so much to see when you’re on your Thames River Sightseeing cruise that you’re bound to find at least one place you’ll want to visit. Explore iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, & more!

• Closest Pier: Tower Bridge Quay

TOWER OF LONDON

• Closest Pier: Greenwich Pier

ROYAL OBSERVATORY

• Closest Pier: Bankside Pier

SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE

St. paul's cathedral.

• BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
• EXPERT CREW

Are you a group of 15 or more? Book now and get 15% off your tickets. Please select a cruise below and the discount will automatically be applied for group bookings of at least 15 people.

Select a cruise for your group and get 15% off your tickets when check out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our common answer to your common questions. Didn’t see what you are looking for? Click the button below to read all our FAQs.

The Thames is a chock-a-block full of London landmarks, including the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Cutty Sark, as well as modern attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. Rest assured your skipper will point out all the points of interest in an entertaining and informative commentary.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH
• Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6NU
• Festival Pier, Riverside Walk, London, SE1 9PX
• Bankside Pier, Bankside, London, SE1 9PD
• Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine Docks, 50 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LA
• Greenwich Pier, King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

• +44 (0) 20 3778 700
• [email protected]

Events & Dining Cruises

Sunday Lunch, Live Music, Sundowners & Fireworks

Events on The River Thames

Enjoy a dining cruise, a sundowner, live music and events on board one of our boats on the River Thames. We also have regular and scheduled daily boat trips.

Back to the 70s and 80's

Vintage Afternoon Tea on the Thames

Traditional Sunday Roast As You Cruise The Thames

Chill out on the river with an early evening cruise and music

Ahoy there! The ORIGINAL 'London Boat Party', has been iconic to the river Thames' London party scene for over 50 years! Incredible value is guaranteed on our boat parties. You can eat, drink and catch-up as we cruise past the impressive and ever-changing illuminated sights of London, before grabbing a group selfie in front of Tower Bridge. Then dance 'til you drop to the sounds of a top Thames DJ, playing party anthems and chart hits from the past to present. Our London Boat Party is an unrivalled experience for friends, family and colleagues. Popular with staff and office parties, birthdays, a hen/stag do, team socials, or just a general night out in London. For those who want to keep partying - we've got you covered with free guest list at a near by nightclub. We also offer exclusive options for groups before setting sail. We offer the biggest selection of dates and use the biggest fleet of Thames party boats.  All are maintained to shipshape standards and run by friendly and professional Crew, who ensure a great party atmosphere and a memorable night out.

1 to 20 TICKETS = £33 per person 20+ TICKETS = £32 per person

GROUPS OF 20+ = 1 x Free Ticket. for the organiser, birthday boy/girl or the hen/stag.

EMERGENCY SERVICES DISCOUNT ON REQUEST

• 4 hour cruise past all the key sights & illuminations
• Top Thames DJ  playing party anthems & chart toppers
• L ight Buffet
• Licensed Bar  at pub prices
• Free  guest list entrance to a nightclub post-cruise -   must be pre-requested
• Price match promise
• Great  party atmosphere – repeat booked by many!
• Exclusive ‘pre-cruise’ packages available – ask for info

Every Saturday night, all year! Most Friday nights, May to Sept.

Saturdays: 20.00 – 00.00   Fridays: 19.00 – 23.00

Thursdays are added during December

Where (Piers used) Westminster, Festival, Waterloo -  your t icket s specify the Pi er

We're proud to be London's ORIGINAL organiser of the ticketed boat party cruise. This enables us to offer the biggest selection of dates; running every weekend throughout the year! There's no Pirates 'ere....r unning for over 50 years , it is a great night out that proves incredible value-for-money and is 'repeat booked' by many shipmates  year on year. We offer flexible payment terms , group discounts , a f ree ticket  reward, excellent customer service and we use the biggest fleet of London party boats on the Thames - so, it's plain sailing  to see why we have so many happy Sailors!

WHY BOOK WITH US?

WE'RE THE LONDON BOAT PARTY EXPERTS

We’re No. 1

As the ORIGINAL London boat party and operating consistently for over 50yrs, we are undeniably London’s No. 1 Thames Boat Party specialist. Be warned 'Me Hearties, there be some Pirates out there on these competitive Seas, so check out the 'About Us' page for our credibility.

Biggest Availability

We pride ourselves in being able to offer the biggest availability of dates, due to having access to the biggest fleet of London party boats. Meaning we run every weekend, all year! During December we add even more dates!

Zero Hassle

You can be assured of a ‘plain sailing’ booking experience. We’re experts and we won’t make you feel like walking the plank! Never a hard sell, always a willingness to be flexible and a quick and knowledgeable reply to any of your questions. Our Captain Chat Bot or FAQs may hold an immediate answer. 

Flexible Payments

Unlike Pirate’s, we don’t hold you to ransom. We treat you as our treasure! You may not know your exact group size straight away, let alone get your group to commit and pay! You can make a provisional booking, pay a deposit, then the remainder 1 week before setting sail, via card or bank transfer.

Trusted by Agents & Suppliers

Think you’ve seen a similar cruise on another website? You probably have. We have numerous party planning Agents and Suppliers that place their bookings with us. So even if you don’t book with us directly, there’s a likelihood that we’ll still be welcoming you aboard our Ship.

Discounted Prices

We love groups and recognise the efforts of the Organiser. We reward groups of 20+ with a discounted price and we include a free ticket for the Organiser or the Birthday boy/girl or Hen/Stag. We believe we offer the best value but still offer a price match promise. Emergency Services receive a special discount too.

Happy Shipmates

Our Crew enjoy getting high fives from happy Shipmates at the end of the night. We pride ourselves in welcoming back familiar faces and have a long list of repeat bookings who are rewarded with a discounted price. If you want to ensure you don’t miss out on special offers – sign up.

Pre & Post Cruise Options

Some like to start the party early, others start later but party on until the sun comes up. That’s why we offer recommendations to help you plan your night out. Whether you’re after a bar for the group to meet up pre-cruise and enjoy some 2-4-1 cocktails or want guest-list entrance to a club after the cruise – we have it sorted!

What Our Happy SHIPMATES SAY

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

Whether you're looking for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner cruises, private hire or special events ; we've got options for 2 - 620 guests!

Thames Barrier Experience

Canary Wharf Experience

Tower RIB Blast

Ultimate Tower RIB Blast

• Transfer to Tower
• Transfer to Embankment
• Spy Experience

Tower Beast Ride

• Wizard Blast

CHECK OTHER TRIPS

To select an alternate trip, please click on any of the boxes above

Thames barrier experience, full guided commentary followed by our longest high speed boat ride, adult ticket (14+), child ticket (13 & under), private boat hire (12 max.), no booking fees charged.

Trips depart to / from Embankment Pier

70min: 20min Guided Commentary + 30min High-Speed + 20min Sightseeing

Trips available 7 days a week, Open All Year

Stereo System Pumping out James Bond Music & Other Tunes

Ponchos Supplied Free of Charge in need

Souvenirs can be Purchased including photos, keyrings, caps, neck tubes and more

1 Adult must accompany any children under 14 years

Minimum weight restriction: 15kg

The mega Thames Barrier gives you 70 minutes of high speed thrills, guided commentary and a chance to see so much more of London by River on our twin turbo 740hp high powered RIB’s. This is the longest trip that the Thames RIB Experience has to offer and is the Ultimate option for sightseeing addicts & Adrenaline junkies.

Get all that the Canary Wharf Experience has to offer with an added 25 minutes of intense G-force and jaw dropping sights.

SIGHTS YOU WILL SEE

Cleopatra’s Needle

Millennium Bridge

Tate Modern

Shakespeare’s Globe

HMS Belfast

Tower Of London

Tower bridge

Canary Wharf

Thames Barrier

"Fantastic experience"

I have done speed boat trips on the Thames before but this was the first time with this company and will definitely not be the last. Both myself and my companions had an amazing time, the commentary was great and gave us all a laugh at times.

"Great fun speedboat trip"

Did this trip at the weekend and it was great. Excellent commentary following by an exhilarating speed boat trip down to the Thames Barrier. My teenaged sons loved it and we’d all recommend it as a trip out.

SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE

We have limited edition merchandise available at our kiosk, as well as hard-copy and digital photos which capture the moment you & your crew embark on the invigorating, full-throttle speed section of your trip. Have a look what we have on offer!

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW!

Please Call: 020 3245 1177 or Book Online

We use COOKIES to ensure you get the best experience on our website Learn More

EXPERIENCES

RIB Blast at the O2

Ultimate RIB Blast at the O2

Tower to Embankment Transfer

Embankment to Tower Transfer

Ultimate Spy Experience

LONDON SIGHTSEEING

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Thames RIB Limited

Company Registration Number 11662807

#1 London’s Fun & Fastest Sightseeing Speedboat Tour

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• United Kingdom

Best London Thames River Cruises – Which One is the Best?

Embark on a journey along the beautifully scenic and meandering river Thames, with one of the best London Thames River cruises !

A trip to London isn’t fully complete without learning more about the historic Thames, a crucial route for trade and transportation dotted with iconic landmarks and numerous bridges!

From afternoon tea river cruises and dinner boat rides with cabaret entertainment to high speed boat trips, an experience along the majestic Thames River ranks highly amongst the top and most memorable things to do in London !

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• river cruises in London

List of Thames River sightseeing cruises

1 – westminster to greenwich cruise by thames river sightseeing.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 10752 reviews )

“Very entertaining and pleasant ride and the explanations (in English) were very entertaining and interesting. There is also an app to get information about the sights in other languages.” Brigitte, Getyourguide

Explore the delights along the river Thames with the  Thames River Sightseeing which includes cruising past some of London’s top cultural highlights such as the Tate Modern art gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the impressive 310-meter Shard skyscraper!

Sit up on the outer deck and take in the refreshing breeze coming straight off the river. The journey will take you to the fascinating area of  Greenwich , celebrated for its Royal Observatory , large green park and a historic bustling market dating back to the 1700s.

Don’t forget to take a look at the Cutty Sark, a clipper ship from the 19th century that was formerly used for transporting tea!

• book this cruise

The boat deck offered some great panoramic views for soaking up the sights of London! The live guide kept us entertained, providing plenty of historic facts and background knowledge along the route. Thanks to the skip-the-line ticket everything was super smooth and we didn’t have to queue for boarding!

2 – Westminster to Tower of London cruise by Thames River Sightseeing

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 113 reviews )

“The narrator was so informative and the view from the boat was beautiful!!!” Patricia, Tiqets

For those looking for a slightly shorter river cruise, but still jam-packed with a high density of major sights, hop on board the Thames River Sightseeing tour to the legendary  Tower of London ! The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight featuring a white tower built by William the Conqueror dating to the 11th century! The tower is also world famous for being home to the Crown Jewels!

During this fascinating river journey, guests can hop on or off at Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, or St Katharine’s Dock. Cruise past the London Eye , the London Dungeon , the National Theatre and the HMS Belfast and learn more about the rich history of the capital!

The live guide was engaging and we enjoyed learning more facts about iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Awesome views and photographs of Tower Bridge. All the crew staff were super friendly and made the experience a relaxing part of our day out in London.

3 – River sightseeing cruise by The London Eye

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 802 reviews )

“The boat ride was good fun, very full but still the lovely staff made it a great experience. Must be done at least once.” Sarah, Viator

After embarking on a trip in the extraordinary London Eye, get a river’s eye view of the big wheel during The London Eye river cruise which will take you down the Thames to the Tower of London.

Highlights include watching the lively atmosphere along the Southbank with views of the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the open-air Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the iconic Oxo Tower.

Snap some photos of the grandiose dome of St Paul’s Cathedral with its famously unique double-shell design before arriving at the Tower of London, home to ravens, beefeater guards and royal treasures!

Highly recommended for all ages. The guided commentary consisted of a good balance between historical background facts, compelling storytelling and humor. It was beautiful passing under the London bridges and gazing up at the London Eye from the water. Great views of the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral.

4 – Hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise by City Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 15 reviews )

“It very good experience. The commentator was very good man and very updated with latest news too. He was very funny man making Very good jokes.” Rousa, Tiqets

With boats departing every 30 minutes, this 24 hour ticket hop-on hop-off cruise is ideal for those looking for a flexible schedule!

If you want to avoid messing around on the tube, this City Experiences river cruise is an ideal way to transport yourself to some of the best major landmarks whilst soaking up the incredible views of the river.

Hop on the boat as many times as you please in 24 hours so you can really get to know the animated atmosphere along the banks of central London! Enjoy a live guide on board who can fill you in with lots of interesting facts along the way.

It was great to have the option of a hop-on hop-off boat as we could get off at the London Eye and explore the beautiful Jubilee Gardens and the Sea Life London Aquarium. I loved watching how the light along the river really changes throughout the day.

5 – River cruises from Westminster Pier by Thames River Boats

The  Thames River Tours cruise from Westminster to Kew is undoubtedly one of the best London Thames River cruises for those wanting to see a large stretch of the river! From the Houses of Parliament , meander past Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury that dates back to the 13th century!

Pass by the towering Art Deco chimneys of Battersea power station and the green park areas of Wandsworth and Bishops Park as you meander along the Thames.

Sit back and relax as you pass under impressive bridges such as Chelsea or Albert Bridge and admire the mix of charming riverside houses, boat clubs and small river islands.

It was lovely to get a contrast from the hustle and bustle of busy Westminster and travel down the river to pass by some more tranquil areas such as the edge of the London Wetland Center. We loved seeing the iconic glass greenhouses such as the Victorian Palm House at Kew!

6 – River cruises from Kew Pier by Thames River Boats

With a collection of over 50,000 living plants, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew are a great starting point for a  Thames River Tours cruise.

Before embarking on your riverboat look around and discover the Temperate House (the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world), the Treetop walkway or the historical Queen Charlotte’s Cottage!

From the Kew Pier, travel along the river to see the major sights of Westminster such as the London Eye and Houses of Parliament. Or instead opt for a trip towards Hampton Court in Richmond, a superb example of 16th-century Tudor architecture with the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world!

We selected the cruise from Kew to Hampton Court. It was great to stop off and explore the Henry VIII apartments and Tudor style Great Hall at the Palace. Passing through Richmond was very pleasant with lots of riverside pubs and restaurants and elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings.

7 – Hop-on hop-off Uber boat cruise by Thames Clippers

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1081 reviews )

“I am new to the city but honestly, I got to see all the key monuments while beating the excessive crowds by boarding the Thames Clippers.” Brantley, Headout

Roam around plenty of London river sights thanks to the efficient Thames Clippers boats! The boats run across a wide circuit divided into three zones (the West Zone, the Central Zone and the East Zone). Choose your itinerary stops and explore areas such as Vauxhall where you can check out the Battersea Power Station, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens or glimpse the MI6 headquarters!

Alternatively, why not get off at London Bridge city, where you can gaze up at the famous Shard (the tallest building in the United Kingdom), delve into the gourmet treats of Borough Market or discover contemporary artists at Tate Modern?

Good news is that the boats run from early morning until late at night!

• see price & reviews

The coffee from the onboard bar was very tasty. The boats are frequent and the speed powerful. A scenic and fast way of traveling around the city especially with the River Roamer Hop On Hop Off Pass. Amazing views and helpful staff on board.

8 – Thames River sightseeing cruise by Viscount Cruises

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (62 reviews)

“a great way to see some of the iconic buildings and bridges of London – highly recommend” Everly, Tripadvisor

On a river trip with Viscount Cruises travelers can pass by more than 44 London landmarks starting off at Westminster and continuing along to Greenwich.

During cold weather, there is interior seating available in the heated saloons with panoramic windows for optimal river views. Pass by Embankment Pier and look out for Westminster Bridge, the South Bank cultural center and Shakespeare’s Globe. Capture some extraordinary photos as you go under Tower Bridge with its intricate Gothic and Victorian-style design!

Finish off your cruise in Greenwich, an area dotted with historical buildings such as the Old Royal Navy College and the Royal Observatory founded in 1675!

We could download an interesting audio guide on our phones to listen to during the cruise to help us learn more about the key landmarks on route. The option of a 2 day river pass was useful since we were visiting London for multiple days allowing unlimited access to the boats!

9 – Thames River sightseeing cruise by Terrible Thames

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

“Fabulous experience…so much fun and energy from the guys…. loads to laugh at and learn about London, tremendous for kids and bigger kids (aka adults) thank you!!” Lain, Tripadvisor

The  Terrible Thames boat rides are the best London Thames River cruises for those in search of some engrossing storytelling regarding the darker and more gruesome historic tales of the Thames! Learn more about important historical figures who have left their mark on London’s history from Henry VIII and Queen Boudicca, to the notorious Jack the Ripper!

Expect plenty of entertainment and wit along with lots of unusual facts and gory anecdotes that you wouldn’t experience on a typical London tourist sightseeing trip!

This river cruise certainly makes a memorable day out for all the family!

The actors were brilliant and really brought the stories and facts to life! A fantastic way to get the kids engaged in sightseeing and curious about the past of London. The dialogue is fast paced and also includes a bit of audience participation which was hilarious! Classic family fun!

List of Thames River brunch and lunch cruises

1 – thames river lunch cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1019 reviews )

“Great value for money, food was very good, staff were friendly and the commentary was great. Very relaxing and enjoyable experience.” Stephen, Headout

Soak up the breathtaking views of London from the river as you tuck into a delicious two course lunch! The City Experiences lunchtime cruise is the perfect romantic experience for couples or a memorable way to celebrate with friends and family during your trip to London.

All diners have access to the views as you meander along the river but book in advance to reserve a window seat.

When you have finished dining, head up onto the panoramic deck for 360-degree views of the river and take some excellent snapshots of top sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Tower of London! Get a a close up shot of Big Ben and some interesting angles as you go under London Bridge.

A relaxing dining experience with an informative commentary detailing the sights as we passed along the riverbanks. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The crew was professional and attentive, assuring an enjoyable day out!

2 – London lunch cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Enjoy the sights of the Thames during the daylight with the lunchtime  Thames Dinner Cruise experience.

Guests will be served a scrumptious 2-course meal while watching the activity on the riverbanks and the historic mix of river architecture pass by!

The cruise can cater to several special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal alternatives which must be pre-booked in advance!

Starting at the Tower of London, head along until London Bridge and pass the famous Millennium Bridge, taking in the sights of the Southbank and Westminster!

A unique dining experience that is a lot more special than any static restaurant. The roasted supreme of chicken was very moist with delicious dauphinois potatoes and vegetables. We also enjoyed the lemon meringue tart. The commentary was interesting and we learned some new facts!

3 – London bottomless brunch cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

This fun-loving brunch cruise organized by  Thames Dinner Cruise promises an unforgettable experience with plenty of glasses of Prosecco and tasty snacks!

Relax as your glass is refilled and tucked into your individual brunch box (both vegetarian and vegan options are available upon pre-booking)! During the cruise guests can boogie along to the DJ party playlist, watching out for major landmarks along the Thames such as Big Ben, the London Eye and London Bridge!

This lively brunch cruise is perfect for birthday celebrations or sophisticated bachelor/ette groups for both Londoners or visitors alike!

What a treat to sail down the Thames with a glass of fizz! The atmosphere was super enjoyable with friendly vibes and great tunes playing! We spotted lots of London sights that we recognized up on the top deck. We particularly liked the salmon and cream cheese bagel and Italian pasta salad.

4 – Halal Lunch Cruise by Halal Tourism Britain

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a 2 course lunch menu on the Halal Tourism Britain river cruise for some tasty food accompanied by great central London panoramas!

Enjoy waiter’s service to your table as you gaze out of the large panoramic boat windows!

After you have your finished tea or coffee, guests can stroll around on the open air deck and spot some classic British landmarks such as the glorious dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the 21 meter tall Cleopatra’s Needle obelisk, The Golden Hinde (a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon ship) or the gigantic Shard!

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An excellent way to spend midday in London! We savored the delicious leek and mushroom creamy chicken dish and it was fun to cruise past Southbank and the City of London. We got some excellent photo opportunities of the Houses of Parliament and the tour duration was the perfect length for dining and appreciating the views.

List of Thames River afternoon tea cruises

1 – afternoon tea cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 1722 reviews )

“Great activity for people who want to explore London by boat. Got amazing glimpses of the city from the Thames whilst enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and petit four” Dana, Getyourguide

The  City Experiences Afternoon tea river trip is one of the best London Thames River cruises for those who love a good selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, scones laden with sweet fruit jam and clotted cream and a refreshing cup of classic British tea!

Listen along to the onboard commentary whilst sipping on your tea and learn more facts about the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard and much more!

Put your feet up after a long morning of sightseeing and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the calm waters of the Thames and the interesting array of different architecture along the banks!

A delicious selection of egg and cucumber sandwiches and plenty of sweet treats. The panoramas were amazing and we appreciated the unlimited refills of tea and coffee during the trip. Couldn’t feel more British than savoring a scone whilst cruising past Big Ben!

2 – Afternoon tea cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1303 reviews )

“First off, this cruise is very enjoyable, but add in finger foods and unlimited tea and we have ourselves a mighty winner.” Omar, Headout

Packed with tea time treats that will delight those with both a savory and a sweet tooth, the Thames Dinner Cruise afternoon tea experience is a wonderful way to enjoy the Thames highlights.

From Tower Pier, journey along through the Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars arriving at the heart of Westminster. Highlights include spotting the London Eye, Big Ben, St Paul’s and the HMS Belfast!

Feast on mini sandwiches, pastries and scones whilst listening along to the educational and entertaining commentary provided on board.

There are also options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal requirements!

The tables were well presented with generously laid out portions. Booking was very quick and hassle free. During the cruise, the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The commentary helped give us a broad overview of the different London neighborhoods as we passed by!

3 – Afternoon tea cruise by River Thames Cruises

Spend a relaxing afternoon in the spacious and comfortable boat of River Thames Cruises and treat yourself to a traditionally British afternoon tea served onboard. Expect all the classic afternoon tea trimmings such as finger sandwiches, sultana scones and lots of pastries!

When you have had your fill of cups of tea, head up on deck to experience the fresh breeze running straight off the river and observe the bustling riverbanks of central London.

Make sure to keep an eye out for impressive London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Golden Hinde, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, St Paul’s, Big Ben and more!

A very satisfying afternoon tea occasion. For those who already have a feel for central London, it was nice having a river cruise without an overhead commentary so we could have a good chat over the scones and soak up the breathtaking cityscape views.

4 – Afternoon tea cruise by Halal Tourism Britain

Gather a group of friends or family and join  Halal Tourism Britain  for an afternoon tea experience along the river. Snack on traditional scones with clotted cream, cakes and expertly prepared Halal sandwiches during your ride.

As the boat cruises from Tower Pier up to the Houses of Parliament, keep a look out for the London Eye, The Globe Theatre, St Paul’s, Big Ben, Cleopatra’s Needle and the Tate Modern Gallery.

Guests can enjoy unlimited cups of tea and coffee to wash down the tasty afternoon tea treats. Sit back and enjoy the iconic sights of London flying past before your very eyes!

The boat crew was very helpful and made us feel right at home from the start of the cruise. Lovely warm scones and a good selection of freshly prepared sandwiches. Even though we weren’t at a direct window seat, the views were great and we enjoyed sitting up on deck after our tea.

List of Thames River evening cruises

1 – thames river evening cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.0/5 ( 388 reviews )

“Really was impressed with this little cruise. A nice way to end our trip to London. Nice drinks, nibbles and atmosphere. The music by Patrick Phelps was brilliant. Would highly recommend.” Mandy, Viator

Fancy seeing the twinkling lights along the riverbanks of the Thames and illuminated major landmarks? Embark upon the Evening river cruise with  City Experiences for a unique journey combining live jazz music and the magical London sunset!

Sip on sparkling wine to celebrate the occasion and dig into some delicious canapé snacks. Get some fresh air out on the upper floor deck as the boat passes by Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

Watch the lights dance off Tower Bridge and watch that dreamy sunset glow encapsulate the city!

The bubbly upon arrival was fantastic and then there was an open bar to purchase further drinks. We loved the live singer on board who created a really warm and special atmosphere. A highlight of any trip to London!

List of Thames River dinner cruises

1 – dinner dance cruise by city experiences.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1187 reviews )

“It was a wonderful way to spend an evening in London. The service was excellent. The music was great along with the female singer. The dancing was so much fun.” Linda, Getyourguide

Spice up your evening in London with an abundant 4 course meal and a live cabaret performance with popular musical songs from the West End.

This City Experiences evening dinner cruise is one of the best London Thames River cruises for those looking to get into the swing and have a bit of a boogie on deck. Kick the evening off with a welcome glass of sparkling wine upon arrival and watch the sun go down over the capital.

During the trip, guests can take some excellent photos of London’s illuminated modern landmarks such as the massive O2 arena, the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City Hall, as well as post card classics such as the Houses of Parliament and St Pauls!

The music and singer were fantastic! The food was delicious and it was lovely to sit and watch the lights of the city go by whilst sipping on our after dinner tea and coffee. The tables were well presented and the ambiance felt cosy and intimate. A lovely way to spend a special evening!

2 – Dinner cruise with live jazz by City Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 ( 153 reviews )

“It was a fantastic experience! The food was good, the service was good, the sprits were good, the jazz band was good, the weather was good, the selection was fantastic and one you will never forget!” Tiziana, Getyourguide

Combine the stunning sights of London’s riverbanks with an appetizing 3 course meal whilst relaxing to the chilled-out melodies of the ChiJazz quintet with a repertoire ranging from classic jazz to more contemporary pop songs.

The cruise takes place on the newest addition of the City Experiences  fleet, the Millennium Diamond. This boat is a state-of-the-art vessel with a huge open deck and a modern dining salon.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz upon arrival and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the illuminated glow of London at night!

A great cruise for jazz and food enthusiasts! The open deck area was very spacious and provided an excellent vantage point for observing the city. The staff were friendly and we managed to take some excellent photos before the dinner.

3 – London dinner cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (391 reviews)

“This dinner boat cruise was amazing! My husband and I have a lovely time aboard this beautifully decorated boat. The food was very tasty and the staff were incredible. The sites to see were breathtaking.” Melinda, Google

For those looking for a fun filled evening combining live entertainment and the sightseeing panoramas of London by night, the Thames Dinner Cruise offers a four course set meal with a live professional performer and after-dinner dancing opportunities!

Enjoy popular songs from West End musicals and feel good party tunes as you sail along the Thames! Thames Dinner Cruises caters to vegetarians, vegans, gluten or dairy-free or Halal alternatives.

The boat has floor-to-ceiling windows around the dining area ensuring you can glimpse the sights passing by as you savor your dinner!

This dinner cruise is a very special way to spend a birthday or anniversary occasion. The sparkling wine upon arrival was lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed the burrata salad and warming tomato soup. We would definitely repeat the experience.

4 – Murder mystery dinner cruise by Thames Dinner Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 11 reviews )

“I had a blast! Good food and fun experience!” Thomas, Getyourguide

Get involved in an interactive murder mystery on the Thames Dinner Cruise involving plenty of clue solving and detective work! Put your brains to the test and prepare for the unexpected during this fun ‘who done it’ game experience!

Enjoy a 3 course meal on board and then head up to the upper deck to take in the views of London at night! From the banks of Westminster, the soaring Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the modern skyscrapers and docklands of Canary Wharf, this dinner cruise offers plenty of spectacular views and entertainment.

A hilarious theatrical evening spent in good company. The murder mystery entertainment was fun and kept us on our feet and we loved taking some fresh air on deck for photo opportunities when going under London and Tower Bridge.

5 – Dinner cruise by River Thames Cruises

During the River Thames Cruises evening experience, guests can enjoy a delicious four course dinner full of British inspired dishes. Sip on a complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon boarding the boat and unwind from a busy day!

A live band on board provides fun dinner entertainment and there is a dance floor for those ready to party! Travel all the way to the Thames Barrier passing by the legendary sights of Greenwich, the City Hall and the modern O2 Arena.

What a sophisticated evening full of freshly prepared fine food and great wine. The live band were full of energy and they really lit up the experience. The boat crew were very helpful and ensured everything about the trip ran smoothly!

6 – Dinner cruise with Elvis Tribute by City Experiences

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 23 reviews )

“Awesome. Elvis was good, food was good, cruise the best we have done (and there are quite a few), service pleasant, good atmosphere.” Corina, Getyourguide

Transport yourself back to the golden age of rock and roll with the  City Experiences Thames river cruise including a spectacular three course dinner and a live Elvis impersonator tribute band!

Kick your evening off to a celebratory start with a complimentary drink of sparkling wine on the upper deck before tucking into a freshly prepared dinner menu in the salon below. Get grooving and get your hips swaying to the timeless hits full of nostalgia and electrifying charisma!

In addition to the Elvis entertainment, feast your eyes on the views of London at night as the boat passes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the South Bank.

The Elvis tribute had a fantastic stage presence and really managed to captivate the whole audience during the meal! It certainly felt quite immersive and the diners felt truly part of the action. An evening of pure enjoyment for all!

7 – Dinner cruise by Golden Tours

For fabulous views of London by night and an outstanding four course meal, hop on board the  Golden Tours dinner cruise!

Guests will be serenaded by a two-set live singer performance with the option to hit the dance floor after the meal or head upstairs on the open deck to breathe in the fresh nighttime breeze coming straight off the river.

As the boat sails down the river towards the Thames Barrier, keep your camera ready to capture the twinkling lights of the riverbanks and impressive landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben!

The atmosphere on board was fantastic with everyone joining in on the dance floor during the return journey back to Westminster. The cruise was extensive and we got to see a lot of main sights such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s, Canary Wharf and Greenwich.

List of Thames River speedboat tours

1 – speedboat tour by thames rockets.

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 527 reviews )

“Fantastic experience! Something to do absolutely if you visit London! The staff on board was really nice and good at their job! Recommended to everyone!!!” Valentina, Getyourguide

Zoom from the London Eye to Canary Wharf with the ultra dynamic  Thames Rockets  experience.

Speed under the bridges of London such as the magnificent Tower Bridge and look up at the city monuments as you propel across the waters to the docklands.

Enjoy the commentary provided by a comedian guide who will have you smiling with endless jokes and storytelling about the history of London. Traveling at 30 knots per hour, this speedy vessel will make you feel invincible! Soak up the refreshing and exhilarating breeze of the Thames first hand.

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Make sure you wrap up warm with weather appropriate clothing! It was extremely fun when the boat started going super fast. The captain and guide made the journey very enjoyable and we loved the feel-good music playing on the onboard sound system.

2 – Speedboat tour by Thames Tigers

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 663 reviews )

“We had such a fun trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. Would highly recommend it!” Julie, Viator

Travel all the way from the Tower of London to Greenwich on the speedy  Thames Tigers rib boat experience! Stop off at Greenwich to take a peak and learn a few facts about the famous Cutty Sark tea clipper ship and the impressive Royal Observatory before swerving past the magnificent O2 arena and heading back into central London!

With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, this tour is an intimate and exhilarating way to discover the heart of the Thames River! Listen along to your enthusiastic guide who will share snip bits of history and anecdotes through the journey.

What a blast of a ride! We had a real adventure along the Thames and it was great to pass through some of the different London neighborhoods. The boat was clean and comfortable and all the kids on board were absolutely loving it. A fabulous way to see London from another perspective.

3 – Speedboat tour by Thames Rib Experience

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 340 reviews )

For fans of high speed rollercoasters and sensational adrenaline kicks, there’s no better option than the dynamic Thames Rib Experience which allows you to blast through the river Thames on an exciting speedboat rib!

Get into the mood for adventure with some James Bond theme tunes playing on the loudspeakers as you zoom past iconic London sights and listen along to the entertaining commentary that will help orientate you along the way!

With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, this rib experience can guarantee some fast-paced exhilarating river action! See London as you have never seen it before and soak up the unparalleled city views!

We would definitely recommend wearing warm and comfortable clothing! The rib experience was a great team bonding experience, everybody on board was having a ball! We enjoyed every minute from start to finish, from the interesting facts and explanations of the cheerful guide to the super speedy accelerations!

4 – ThamesJet speedboat ride by City Experiences

Get ready for a thrilling rush of excitement with the  City Experiences speedboat ride through central London. Feel like you are on a top secret MI5 secret mission as you wizz past major city monuments such as the Shard, St Pauls and the London Eye.

This fast paced river cruise operates during the summer months and don’t worry if you get slightly splashed because passengers are provided with protective waterproof jackets!

Feel your heart pumping with some epic river turns and twists as you propel across the Thames!

The crew made us feel really safe and there was a good safety briefing before we set off. We loved the bumpy parts of the boat ride and the guests were shrieking in excitement. A great way to see a lot of London landmarks in just 50 minutes. What a ride!

List of Thames River private small boat tours & boat rental companies

Escape the crowds with our curated selection of private cruises in London. Indulge in luxurious yacht experiences for tranquility or rev up the excitement with high-speed power boats among friends.

For an exclusive touch, charter a houseboat or yacht for a day on the Thames, offering a unique and sophisticated way to enjoy London’s iconic waters. The perfect way to relax and create some long lasting memories!

• boat rentals in London

1 – Tate Boat

For those who want to explore both the modern art collections in the Tate Modern (located inside the former Bankside Power Station on the South Bank) and the huge collection of British masterpieces at Tate Britain (situated at Millbank on the North Bank), opt for the  Tate Boat that connects the two galleries!

On average a typical journey between the two galleries takes around 25 minutes!

2 – Cruise London

For large birthday events, weddings and celebrations,  Cruise London offers a private party boat charter with two spacious indoor decks and an outer garden deck. The boat can cater for up to 245 guests should you be looking for a large venue capacity!

Cruise London can personalize and tailor your river cruise to suit your preferences with special drinks, food menu and in-house entertainment options.

3 – Thames Luxury Charters

Thames Luxury Charters offers a large and elegant fleet of private charter vessels with a capacity of up to 620 guests if you are planning a huge celebration!

Their famous boats include the Dixie Queen, a replica 19th-century paddle steamer that frequently docks at Tower Pier or the smaller Edwardian built in 1985 by Sir Richard Branson.

4 – Thames Limo

For an intimate romantic dinner, private sightseeing tours or small and select birthday parties, Thames Limo offers private sunset Thames cruises or daytime private river cruises to Hampton Court Palace in a luxurious Venetian water limousine!

The Venetian water limousine adorned with a Union Jack on its hull mixes British character with Italian style finesse!

5 – Out on the Thames

With Out on the Thames guests can customize their river itinerary when hiring a choice of three large party boat vessels. The MV Hurlingham has a capacity for 150 guests with a DJ booth and dance floor!

For sightseeing tours, groups can hire out the 200-guest capacity M.V. Chay Blyth, a traditional British passenger boat! Alternatively, experience the historic MV Viscount Boat built in 1907 with a large open front deck.

6 – Diplomat Cruises

If planning a romantic proposal whilst in London, consider the luxury VIP yachts available at Diplomat Cruises ! They also offer sightseeing cruises with personal guides or dinner cruises with private chefs or buffet catering.

For those who like a bit of fast paced action, their high speed cruises on a private Sunseeker Superhawk promise excellent London panoramas and Bollinger.

7 – Capital Pleasure Boats

Capital Pleasure Boats tick all the boxes for large scale private club nights, birthday discos to graduation parties. With the choice of 4 party boats based at Temple Pier in Central London, the Capital Pleasure Boats can hold from 40 to up to 240 passengers.

Relax on the sundeck, show off your moves on the dance floor, or dine in the central heated saloon areas!

8 – Westminster Party Boats

Westminster Party Boats provide private chartered events boats that can travel between Gravesend and Kew. They accommodate a wide range of group sizes from just 2 guests up to 220.

With over 30 years of experience organizing and hosting events on the River Thames, the Westminster Party Boats can find the right boat for your occasion.

How to book Thames River cruises in London?

Many companies are offering Thames River cruises and there are also many travel websites selling the same tours online. Certain websites may offer discounts, so prices may vary from one website to another.

To ensure that you find the best deal for your river cruise, use the Tourscanner search engine to thoroughly compare offers, reviews, and prices!

• compare Thames River cruises in London

Soul Boat Cruises London

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● Great Music

● Great views of London

● Brilliant atmosphere

●   Great Food

Come and celebrate on the SoulBoat, with us!

On the SoulBoat on Sunday 9th June 2024 - and we're doing it for SIX hours!

We have Caribbean food available to buy on the day!

And it's on the Golden Jubilee! A real SoulBoat favourite

Buy your tickets NOW.  It could not be easier!

Simply click here on the panel on the left of the home page highlighted “ Click here to buy tickets ” . And then on the tickets page select how many tickets you want.

Is there ANY better time than spending a Sunday Afternoon with your friends on the SoulBoat?

It seems that you all agree with us - NO there isn't!!

DJ's on the day are:

Tony Rodriguez

SoulBoat's have sold out in LESS than a week in previous years!

So please get yours as soon as you can, for obvious reasons we cannot go above the capacity of the boat.

The SoulBoat boards at 1.45 pm and cruises until 7.45pm - SIX hours

And there will be delicious Caribbean food that you can buy on the day!

Upstairs - Soul, Anthems, Jazz Funk, Disco, RnB, Soulful House singing and dancing! Two Bars, and large Sun Deck

As well as the great Music, People and Atmosphere, you ’ ll see great views of the River Thames, and great landmarks of London, such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Canary Wharf, and the Buildings of the City of London.

The address is Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN

The Nearest Tube is Temple on the District or Circle lines, with easy connections from all mainline stations in London.

If you ’ re driving, parking is easy and parking bays are free on Sunday afternoons. You can also park on adjoining single yellow lines, so parking really is easy!

There are also a huge number of buses along Fleet St, The Strand, Kingsway and surrounding well known road ’ s all very close to Temple Pier.

Any Question's to [email protected] or via Facebook

Don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook - button here on our website and "follow" us on Twitter.

Henley Festival

Henley festival - the arts come to the banks of the river thames.

The river Thames has been celebrated in art & literature for hundreds of years. Sprites, spirits & old father Thames himself have inspired some of the most famous artists, poets and musicians alike. The Henley Festival is a celebration of art, culture & music which takes place on the banks of this 215 mile long Royal River overlooked by beautiful Chiltern landscape. A large floating concert stage adorns the river, with past performers including Jools Holland, Tom Jones, Jessie J & Elton John. Mingle with street performers, whilst enjoying a glass of something special & soak up the atmosphere. Travel to the Henley Festival in style on a genuine coal fired steamboat. This black tie event calls for a truly unique & special kind of transport. Wine & dine on board your exclusive chartered vessel before taking in all the festival has to offer.

Watch the fireworks from your own private viewing platform… Streatley or Nuneham

Interactive Street art at Henley Festival

Perhaps rub shoulders with the Stars of the show…

suggested itinerary - 2024 festival dates:

Wednesday 10th july to sunday 14th july.

16:00: Pick up Hurley -boat departs for a cruise to Henley Champagne & canapés reception Dinner is served en route 18:30: Arrival at Henley Festival site Guests to disembark vessel. Opportunity to explore the festival before taking seats for the main performance on the floating stage. Approx 21.30: Guests to reboard the boat for coffee, desserts & liqueurs, whilst enjoying the fireworks from the deck. Approx 22.30: Disembarkation of the boat for coach travel home.

A romantic end to the Festival as you watch the fireworks from the upper deck

Boat hire, mooring fees, coach hire - £POA

Guests to secure their own Henley Festival tickets.

suggested menu

Canapés - £24.95 per person.

(5 bites per person)

Fennel, Salami, Fig and Queen olive (gf) Chicken Caesar on baby gem, smoked anchovy, caper and quail egg (gf) Rolled smoked salmon, lemon, dill and pink pepper (gf) Crayfish cocktail on baby gem with smoked paprika (gf) Herb rolled goats cheese, fennel, pickled cucumber and black olive (gf) (v) Soya bean and pea frittata, lemon cream, pickled radish and dill (gf)(v)

Hot buffet - £51.50 per person

Choose any 3 of the following Thai red chicken curry Tuscan garlic chicken, spinach & sun dried tomatoes Slow cooked beef bourguigon Moroccan spiced lamb with minted cous cous Baked salmon fillet in a cream & sorrel sauce Luxury fish pie with salmon, monkfish, king prawns and lobster Spinach, pine nut & ricotta lasagne (V) Butternut chilli (V) Also included: Seasonal vegetables and potatoes chosen by our Head Chef Roll and butter Selection of desserts Additional main course - £16.00 per person

... on its way

On your way to the Festival

No1 THAMES SPEEDBOAT EXPERIENCES

London's best RIB speedboat tour operator. Book your tickets online or call our booking hotline on 020 7928 8933.

#1 Thames Speedboat Experiences

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Ultimate London Adventure (50 mins)

The ultimate last ride (50 mins), licence to thrill (50 mins), thames barrier explorers voyage (80 mins), break the barrier (45 mins), rocket up (at the o2 - for groups) (40 mins), thames lates (50 mins), rocket revolution (50 mins + london eye), rocket on board, rocket up (at the o2) (45 mins + up at the o2), tipsy thames tea tour (50 mins + afternoon tea), the ultimate kid's pirate party (50 mins), thames speedboat experiences.

London’s fastest speedboat river rides; from the London Eye and Tower Bridge

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Recommended things to do in London; with Thames Rockets sightseeing boat tours

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For special sailing occasions; private and exclusive speedboat RIB charters

The Exclusive London Adventure (50 mins)

The Fastest River Thames Speedboat Experience!

Ever noticed that everyone is looking for that one special, unique, stand-out activity in London? The proud owners of an experience they can take home and tell anyone and everyone about? Of all the places to visit in London, the one that went above and beyond all expectation… 

Going above and beyond underpins everything we do here at Thames Rockets. Whether we are part of your birthday celebrations, your family London day out, your work do or even your stag party – our passengers return time after time to enjoy everything speed boat London sightseeing has to offer, all with that little extra sprinkling of Rocket magic as we blast off into the high speed zone. 

The best London tour guides, the most experienced skippers and the most cutting edge Thames speedboats are just a part of why we’re #1, but don’t take our word for it - just check out our  TripAdvisor reviews  to see what our valued customers say about their experience with us!

Thames Rockets – London sightseeing with a twist!

See over  20 iconic London landmarks  and sights on our  Ultimate London Adventure  on-board the newest fleet in the UK, take in the mighty Thames Barrier on our  Thames Barrier Explorer’s Voyage , or go all out with our all speed  Break the Barrier  – we put something special on for everybody passenger and for every occasion, and the personal touch is guaranteed each and every time we sail.

With quick witted London tour guides and super skilled skippers guiding you every step of the way through the capital, you can find that special London highlight with a Thames river cruise on Thames Rockets. Just check out our  TripAdvisor page  with over 10,000 fantastic reviews – a direct result of our valued passengers raving about their time with us online!

Quite simply we love what we do, because we do what we love. That’s why we have received numerous ‘Best Tourist Attraction’ awards, 5* from TimeOut, cruised our way through 10 consecutive ‘Certificates of Excellence’ from TripAdvisor earning a place in their esteemed Hall of Fame. Thames Rockets were awarded “Family Friendly Attraction of the Year, 2017” by VisitEngland and most recently winner of the 2020 ‘Traveler’s Choice Award’ by TripAdvisor - and we’re still raring for more!

So it’s time to see what all the fuss is about. Isn’t it time you came aboard and tried the best?

£49.95

£595.00.

"Highly recommended!"

Excellent! So good. Virus, what virus! Social distance all in place and more. Really helpful staff, had such a blast, pardon the pun. Stacey, so funny. Adam, made it very enjoyable and (really sorry) the person who checked us in so helpful and funny.

"Amazing Experience!"

A birthday experience and today 12 of us have enjoyed their new Bubble Experience. We will be back to enjoy the Break the Barrier experience soon. Well done all for making this a memorable day! So much fun!

"Fantastic family fun"

Amazing family fun from start to finish, great team who all clearly loved their jobs. Our tour guide - Stacey was full of fun facts and enthusiasm for her job . Felt really safe throughout. Social distancing and measures were all fantastic and didn't have an impact on the experience at all. Totally recommend - Just take a hair brush!!!

"First Trip Out Post Lockdown!"

Fantastic day out, crew were marvellous and friendly. Everything was COVID secure and taken care of. Just what you need to enjoy a day out

"Christmas Boat Ride!"

Excellent experience. What a thrill. Staff were friendly and informative. We wanted to do it again as soon as we got off. Will definitely book again!

Harriet Smith

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Thames River Lunch Cruises

Select Your Experience

Evening Cruise on River Thames

• Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Thames during the sunset which offers the best views of the city at the best times of the day.
• Check out the prominent landmarks of the city from the water including the London Eye, Big Ben, London Bridge and more.
• Relish a selection of delicious canapes and sparkling wine as you relax on the Thames evening cruise.
• Head indoors and witness the breathtaking cityscape while enjoying a live pop, rock, swing, or funk performance.
• Please note: Children aged 13 and under are not allowed on the cruise.
• 2-hour evening cruise on the Thames
• Sparkling wine or soft drink on arrival
• A selection of cold canapés served throughout the evening
• Live music performances on board
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Thames River Lunch Cruise Ticket

• Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the River Thames and take in breathtaking views of London from the waters.
• The friendly staff on board the cruise will serve up a delicious two-course lunch for your culinary pleasure.
• Gasp in awe as you enjoy the 360-degree view of the river from the deck.
• Cruise past various well-known sights including the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and gain a different perspective on them from the waters.
• Admission to the cruise
• 2-course meal
• Live or recorded commentary
• Transportation to the pier

Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise

• Embark on an enchanting 1.5-hour-long afternoon cruise along the River Thames and take in unmatched views of the city.
• Listen to informative commentary on board as you sail along the Thames and recognize London landmarks, such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, the Tower Bridge, and more.
• Enjoy a cherished afternoon tea session on this cruise and feel like royalty as you sip on unlimited cups of tea.
• Try the perfect tea-time treats laid out to compliment your tea, such as scones and pastries.
• The recommended dress code for this experience is smart casual wear.
• Admission tickets
• A selection of pastries, scones with clotted cream and jam, and more
• As much tea and coffee as you want
• Live or pre-recorded commentary

Barbers cheddar ploughman on granary

Free-range egg and cress on soft grain

Oak-smoked salmon and cream cheese on granary

British ham & cheddar cheese with Branston pickles

Sultana scone with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve

Selection of small pastries

###Beverages Tea, coffee, and a selection of herbal and fruit teas

Top 5 Reasons to Go on a Thames Lunch Cruise

• Spectacular Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of London's iconic landmarks along the River Thames while indulging in a delicious meal. It's a unique and memorable way to experience the city's beauty.
• Culinary Delights: Savor a delicious lunch prepared by talented chefs, featuring a range of cuisines. Whether it's a gourmet feast or a themed menu, the experience adds an extra touch of luxury to your cruise.
• Relaxing Ambiance: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in a serene and elegant setting. The ambient atmosphere creates a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Special Occasions and Celebrations: A Thames lunch cruise provides an ideal setting for special occasions and celebrations. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, engagement, or corporate event, the combination of scenic views, delicious food, and a festive atmosphere creates a memorable and celebratory experience.
• Unique Perspective: Seeing the city from the water offers a fresh perspective, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and landmarks from a different angle. It provides a new way to discover and learn about the history and significance of the Thames and its surroundings.

What does a Thames Lunch Cruise Include?

Delectable Starters

Embark on a Thames River cruise and treat your taste buds to a delightful array of appetizing starters, crafted with culinary expertise and designed to tantalize your senses.

A Hearty Main Course

Indulge in a satisfying main course on a Thames lunch cruise, where you can relish dishes crafted with care, featuring delicious flavors and quality ingredients that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.

Delightful Desserts

End your Thames lunch cruise on a sweet note with delightful desserts that will tantalize your taste buds, providing the perfect finishing touch to your culinary journey along the scenic river.

A Rich Bottle of Wine

Enhance your Thames lunch cruise experience with a rich bottle of wine, carefully selected to complement your meal and elevate your enjoyment as you sail along the picturesque river.

Things to See on a Thames Lunch Cruise

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM approximately

Duration: 1.5 -2.5 hours

• Consider the Weather: London weather can be changeable, so it's wise to check the forecast and dress accordingly. 
• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive early to allow for check-in procedures and to ensure a smooth boarding process.
• Dietary Restrictions: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, inform the cruise operator or booking platform in advance.
• Be Mindful of Motion Sickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking preventive measures such as taking motion sickness medication.
• Respect the Environment: Help keep the Thames clean by not littering and by disposing of any waste properly. Be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing the wildlife or vegetation along the riverbanks.

• Spacious Seating: The riverboat is equipped with comfortable seating arrangements, ensuring that all passengers, including families with kids, have ample space to relax and enjoy the cruise.
• Indoor and Outdoor Areas: The cruise typically offers both indoor and outdoor deck areas. Families can choose to sit indoors, protected from the weather, or venture out to the open deck for panoramic views and fresh air.
• Restrooms: Onboard restrooms are available for passengers' convenience, making it easier for passengers and families with kids to take care of their needs during the cruise.
• Entertainment: To keep the passengers engaged and entertained, some cruises provide onboard entertainment.
• Informative Commentary: The cruise often includes informative commentary from a knowledgeable guide or the captain, sharing interesting facts and historical tidbits about the landmarks and sights along the Thames.

• Kid-friendly menu: The Thames lunch cruise offers a kid-friendly menu with a variety of tasty and nutritious options suitable for young appetites.
• Interactive entertainment: Keep the kids entertained with onboard entertainment, which may include face painting, or even a mini dance floor where they can groove to their favorite tunes.
• Captain's commentary : Listen to the captain's informative commentary about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass by, engaging the kids with interesting facts about London.
• Safe and comfortable environment: Rest assured that the riverboat provides a safe and comfortable environment for kids, with childproof railings and spacious seating arrangements.
• Onboard activities: Some lunch cruises may offer interactive activities for kids, like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, or storytelling sessions, making the experience more engaging for young minds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thames Lunch Cruises

A Thames lunch cruise offers a scenic boat ride, delicious onboard dining, and stunning views of London's landmarks.

Absolutely! Most Thames lunch cruises offer vegetarian options to cater to various dietary preferences. You can expect a range of delicious vegetarian dishes.

Typically, these cruises last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, providing ample time to enjoy a leisurely meal, soak in the scenic views, and experience the atmosphere of the river

Yes, most Thames lunch cruises offer a selection of alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and more.

Yes, you can absolutely go on a Thames lunch cruise alone. These cruises provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for solo travelers.

The lunch menu on Thames cruises is typically pre-set and offers a fixed selection of dishes for each course.

Yes, absolutely, these cruises often offer special menus for kids and provide a family-friendly dining experience.

Thames lunch cruises usually have a smart casual dress code. While formal attire is not required, it's recommended to dress neatly and comfortably.

On a Thames lunch cruise, you can see iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the picturesque riverbanks of London.

UK traditional race to go ahead despite E Coli risk: Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race explainer

This Saturday, the UK's oldest universities will face each other for their annual boat race, despite concerns over sewage in the Thames.

The annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race will go ahead this weekend despite concerns about high levels of E Coli in the water.

Earlier this week, the organisers of the Boat Race issued safety guidance for Saturday’s race, warning rowers against entering the water and to cover open wounds. The guidance follows high levels of the E Coli bacteria being found in the part of the River Thames that the race takes place on.

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E Coli is a bacteria found in the guts and faeces of animals and can cause bloody diarrhoea for up to two weeks after infection. In some cases, an E Coli infection can even cause death.

The level of E Coli in the water was deemed to be 10 times higher than what the Environmental Agency standards would deem “poor”, their lowest possible rating.

Sewage in the Thames?

The section of the Thames being this unsanitary is just the latest development in a nationwide controversy around the UK’s privatised water companies dumping sewage into the country’s rivers and sea.

Thames Water, the company that has dumped the most sewage, made headlines this week when its CEO Chris Weston said customers would see bills rise by 40% to pay for needed infrastructure improvements.

Between 2020 and 2023, Thames Water dumped 72 billion litres of sewage into the Thames. In 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher privatised the UK’s water infrastructure. She wiped the debts for the private companies such as Thames Water. Since then, the private water companies have racked up £60 billion in debt – all while paying out £57 billion in dividends to investors.

“It is not just from sewage, it is also from land run-off, it is from highway run-off, it is from animal faeces. All of those things contribute to the problem and I am absolutely determined that, at Thames, we will play our part in cleaning up the problem and so the Thames is a river that people can use as they would like to everyday,” Weston told the BBC.

“It’s a national disgrace, isn’t it?” Oxford coast Sean Bowden said. “It would be terrific if the Boat Race drew attention to it. We are very keen to play a part and we recognize we have a role and a responsibility to it.”

What is the Boat Race?

Despite concerns over infected water, the Boat Race will go ahead. 

For those uninformed, what is this latest chapter in the catalogue of quaint traditions that the British presume the rest of the world cares about more than it should? It’s a list that includes Royal Ascot, the “scone” vs “scone” pronunciation debate, and anything to do with the royal family.

The Boat Race is an annual set of rowing races between the boat clubs of the country’s two oldest universities, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

Due to Britain’s obsession with these two universities – historically attended by only the wealthiest, most privileged youth – what is essentially a student sports team rivalry has been elevated to be considered part of the nation’s sports calendar.

In part, the Boat Race is notable for its sheer duration as a tradition. The first men’s race was held in 1829 when two Harrow boarding school alumni called Charles challenged each other’s respective universities. Oxford won the first ever race.

It wasn’t until 1836 that another boat race took place. It became an annual tradition after 1856 with each year’s loser challenging the winner to a rematch.

Since 1856, the race has only not been held during the war years 1915-1919 and 1940-1945 and in 2020 due to Covid-19.

In 1927, the first women’s boat event was held. Until 1935, the event was not just a race but a competition over speed, steadiness, and style with the two boats in the river at separate times. After 1935, it became an annual tradition with a similar setup as the men’s. The women’s race continued during the war years.

The women’s race officially joined with the men’s race in 2015 when, for the 70th edition, it took place on the same course. Since then, the two races have been rebranded as just “The Boat Races”.

Winners and losers

Although Oxford won the first race, Cambridge has been the historically superior team. In the men’s race, Cambridge has won 86 races to Oxford’s 81 with the 1877 race result a dead heat. The Cambridge women’s team has also notched up 46 wins to Oxford’s 30.

Both of last year’s races were won by Cambridge with the women’s team on a six-race winning streak.

Confusingly, both teams are known as the “blues” and each boat a “blue boat” with Cambridge in light blue and Oxford in dark blue. Each boat contains nine people, including eight rowers facing backwards and a cox who sits forward facing and steers the boat by coordinating the rowers.

The two universities also field reserve teams and hold a veterans race every year alongside the main competition. In total, around 250,000 people will attend at the riverside to watch the races.

One of the big questions this year though revolves around the traditional celebration for the teams. Most years, the cox will either jump or be thrown into the water.

“That is a discussion we will have. The coxes have the right to choose whether they want to be thrown in or not. We will deal with that one in good time,” Bowden said. “People do swim and do a lot of water sports in the river. But throwing the cox in the water for about 10 seconds carries some very small risk, I guess.”

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The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race 2024: What time does it start today and on what TV channel?

Today’s Boat Race will be the 169th time that Oxford and Cambridge’s men have raced against each other and the 78th time the women’s crews have done so.

The course is the usual 4.2-mile affair from Putney to Mortlake, commonly referred to as the Championship Course. There is a coin toss before the race, to determine which team gets to pick their station: either Middlesex or Surrey.

Approximately 250,000 people will line the banks of the Thames to watch today’s race, with many more following on television.

In the build-up to this year’s event Oxford claim they are at a disadvantage because their training plans have been disrupted by flooding , and the water in the Thames has been declared too dangerous to risk throwing winning coxes into .

What date is the 2024 Boat Race?

Today, Saturday March 30.

The date of the boat race changes every year dependent on tides, university calendars and major London events. The March 30 date is inauspicious: on that day in 1912 both boats sank and the race had to be re-run the following week. On another March 30 race, in 2002, Oxford achieved a clean sweep.

What time does today’s race start?

The main events are as follows:

12.40pm - Women’s Boat Race coin toss

1.15pm - Men’s Boat Race coin toss

2.46pm - Women’s Boat Race

3.01pm - Osiris v Blondie Boat Race (women’s reserve crews)

3.16pm - Isis v Goldie Boat Race (men’s reserve crews)

3.46pm - Men’s Boat Race

What TV channel is the Boat Race on?

BBC One will carry live coverage, starting at 2pm, which is also available to stream online on the BBC website. Coverage is broadcast in about 200 countries worldwide.

What are the crews for the 2024 Boat Race?

Oxford women.

Sarah Marshall (bow) Ella Stadler (President) Tessa Haining Claire Aitken Julia Lindsay Annie Sharp Lucy Edmunds Annie Anezakis (stroke) Joe Gellett (cox) Coach: Allan French

Cambridge Women

Gemma King (bow) Jo Matthews Clare Hole Jenna Armstrong (President) Carina Graf Carys Earl Iris Powell Megan Lee (stroke) Hannah Murphy (cox) Coach: Paddy Ryan

Saxon Stacey (bow) Harry Glenister Jelmer Bennema James Doran Elias Kun Frederick Roper Leonard Jenkins Elliot Kemp (stroke) William Denegri (cox) Coach: Sean Bowden

Cambridge Men

Sebastien Benzecry (bow, President) Noam Mouelle Thomas Marsh Augustus John Kenneth Coplan Thomas Lynch Luca Ferraro Matt Edge (stroke) Ed Bracey (cox Coach: Rob Baker

Who won the Boat Race in 2023?

Cambridge took a clean sweep last year , winning each of the four races (men’s, women’s, men’s reserves and women’s reserves). It was only the fourth time that one university has won all four races in the half-century that the four races have been staged.

In the history of the men’s Boat Race, Cambridge lead Oxford by 86 wins to 81. There was a dead heat in 1877. Cambridge are even more dominant in the history of the women’s race, with 47 victories to Oxford’s 30.

What is the latest Boat Race news?

In the build-up to today’s race, the water in the Thames has been declared too dangerous to swim in, owing to high levels of E. coli. As a result, crews have been warned against throwing the winning coxes into the river .

This year’s race will put twin sisters against each other, although not in the same race. Catherine and Gemma King raced alongside each other for Cambridge until Catherine moved to Oxford University in order to study for her PhD. Gemma will be in the No 1 Cambridge boat while Catherine, who is returning from injury, will be in the No 2 boat for Oxford. Read more on this story in Jim White’s joint interview with the sisters .

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Pulling together: how Cambridge came to dominate the Boat Race – a photo essay

The race along the River Thames between England’s two greatest universities spans 195 years of rivalry and is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. Our photographer has been spending time with the Cambridge University Boat Club over the past few months as they prepare for 2024’s races

T he idea of a Boat Race between the two universities dates back to 1829, sparked into life by a conversation between Old Harrovian schoolfriends Charles Merivale, a student at the time at St John’s College Cambridge, and Charles Wordsworth who was at Christ Church Oxford. On 12 March that year, following a meeting of the newly formed Cambridge University Boat Club, a letter was sent to Oxford.

The University of Cambridge hereby challenge the University of Oxford to row a match at or near London each in an eight-oar boat during the Easter vacation.

From then, the Cambridge University Boat Club has existed to win just one race against just one opponent, something Cambridge has got very good at recently. Last year the Light Blues won every race: the open-weight men’s and women’s races, both reserve races, plus both lightweight races – six victories, no losses, an unprecedented clean sweep. Cambridge women’s open-weight boat, or blue boat, has won the last six Boat Races while the men’s equivalent have won five out of the last seven. In such an unpredictable race, where external factors can play a large part, this dominance is startling.

Thames trials

Rough water as the two women’s boats make their way along the River Thames near Putney Embankment during the Cambridge University Boat Race trials.

It’s a mid-December day by the River Thames. The sky and water merge together in a uniform battleship grey and the bitter north wind whips the tops off the waves. Outside a Putney boathouse two groups of tense-looking women dressed in duck-egg blue tops and black leggings with festive antlers in their hair are huddling together, perhaps for warmth, maybe for solidarity. The odd nervous bout of laughter breaks out. For some of them this is about to be their first experience of rowing on the Tideway, a baptism of fire on the famous stretch of London water where the Boat Race takes place. “Perfect conditions,” remarks Paddy Ryan, the head coach for Cambridge University women, for this is trial eights day, when friends in different boats duel for coveted spots in the top boat.

A couple of hours later these women along with their male equivalents will have pushed themselves to the absolute limit, so much so that several of the men are seen trying to throw up over the side of their boats at the finish under Chiswick Bridge. This may be brutal but it’s just the start. For these students the next few months are going to be incredibly tough, balancing academic work with training like a professional athlete. Through the harshest months of the year they will be focused on preparing for the end of March and a very simple goal: beating Oxford in the Boat Race.

Agony for one of the men’s boats after the finish of the race near Chiswick Bridge during the Cambridge University Boat Race trials.

Ely early mornings

Two of the women’s boats head out in the early morning for a training session on the Great Ouse.

Early winter mornings on the banks of the Great Ouse, well before the sun has risen, can be pretty bleak. In the pitch black a batch of light blue minivans drop off the men and women rowers together at the sleek Ely boathouse that was opened in 2016 at the cost of £4.9m – it’s here that all Cambridge’s on-water training takes place. Very soon a fleet of boats carrying all the teams takes to the water for a training session that may last a couple of hours. Then it’s a quick change, a lift to the train station and back to Cambridge for morning lectures.

The women’s squad head into the Ely boathouse after a 6am drop-off.

As a rower descends the stairs to the bays where the boats are stored, there is a clear indication of why it was built and why they are there. “This is where we prepare to win Boat Races,” a sign says. Since this boathouse was built, Cambridge have won 30 of the 37 races across all categories.

Top: The men’s squad stretch in the boathouse before an early morning training session and a member of the men’s blue boat descends the stairs into where the boats are kept. Below: One of the men’s teams set off for early morning training and the women’s blue boat rows past the women’s lightweight crew during a training session.

It’s a far cry from the old tin sheds with barely any heating and no showers. These current facilities are impressive, enabling the entire men’s and women’s squads to be there at the same time and get boats out.

Top: The men’s blue boat prepare to derig their boat at their Ely training site. Above: The women’s blue boat put their vessel back in the boathouse after a training session on the Great Ouse.

But it’s not just the boathouse that has contributed so much, it’s also the stretch of water they train on. In a year when floods have affected so many parts of the country it has really come into its own. Paddy Ryan, the chief women’s coach, explains: “Along this stretch the river is actually higher than the surrounding land. The water levels are carefully managed by dikes and pumps. As a result we haven’t lost a single session to flooding. That’s not the case for Oxford. I believe their boathouse has been flooded multiple times this year, unable to get to their boats. We’ve had multiple storms but we’ve been able to row through them all.”

The men’s third boat practises on the Great Ouse.

It’s a flat, unforgiving landscape, especially in midwinter, definitely not the prettiest stretch of water, but Cambridge don’t care. Ryan says: “It might be a little dull on the viewing perspective but we could row on for 27km before needing to turn round. We have a 5km stretch that is marked out every 250m. We are lucky to have it.”

The men’s blue boat practise their starts on the long straight on the Great Ouse.

The sweat box

Members of the men’s squad check on their technique with the use of a mirror at the Goldie boathouse.

The old-fashioned Goldie boathouse is right in the centre of Cambridge perched on the banks of the River Cam. Built in 1873, its delicate exterior belies what goes on inside. This is the boat club’s pain cave, where the rowers sweat buckets, pushing themselves over and over again; it’s a good job the floor is rubberised and easy to wipe clean.

A wreath to Charles Merivale, the founder of the Boat Race, and wood panelling in the upstairs room at the Goldie boathouse which commemorates Cambridge crews that have competed in the Boat Race from 1829.

(Top) Seb Benzecry, men’s president of the Cambridge University Boat Club, and (above) Martin Amethier, a member of the reserve Goldie crew, sweat during sessions on ergo machines.

Iris Powell of the women’s blue boat (above) performs pull-ups during a training session.

Above left: Hannah Murphy, the cox of the women’s blue boat, urges on four of her crew (left to right) Gemma King, Megan Lee, Jenna Armstrong and Clare Hole, as they undertake a long session on the ergo machines. Above right: Kenny Coplan, a member of the men’s blue boat crew, looks exhausted then writes in his times after his session on an ergo machine (below).

Brutal sessions on the various ergo machines, where thousands of metres are clocked and recorded, are a staple of the training regime set in place. If there is any slacking off the students just need to look up at one of the walls where a map of the Boat Race course hangs. The “S” shape of the Thames has been carefully coloured in the correct shade of blue and record timings for various key points on the course have been written in for both men and women. All but one record, and that one is shared, is held by Cambridge.

Paddy Ryan, the women’s chief coach, talks to the women’s blue boat during a training session on the River Great Ouse in February.

A key ingredient in any successful team is the coaching. Cambridge’s setup is stable and well established. Paddy Ryan is the chief women’s coach, a genial, tall Australian, he has been part of the women’s coaching team since 2013. The care and devotion to his squad is perfectly clear. “I have my notebook next to my bed so I can jot things down. I wake up in the middle of the night going: am I making the right decisions? I care about them as people and I need to manage them … We joke as coaches that we are teaching some of the smartest people on the planet how to pull on a stick.”

Rob Baker, the chief men’s coach, has Cambridge rowing in the blood. Born and bred in the city, his father was a university boatman for 25 years. He even married into the sport – his wife, Hayley, rowed for Cambridge as a lightweight – so it was no surprise that he became part of the coaching setup way back in 2001. He was the first full-time women’s coach in 2015 then moved to take over the men in 2018.

Rob Baker, the men’s chief coach, talks to his blue boat at their Ely training site.

Apart from an obvious role in the development of rowing skills, a key part of their job is making sure there is a balance for their student athletes. They understand they have to juggle training needs. “Every week we have a general plan,” says Baker, “but then someone might have an extra class or supervision they’ve got to do so we have to move around it. They are studying at one of the most competitive universities in the world with the highest standards so you’ve got to give them space to do that properly.” He goes on: “But when they get on the start line for their race, they’ll be just as competitive as if they were professionals.”

The presidents

Jenna Armstrong and Seb Benzecry discuss their plans in the Great Hall at Jesus College.

Every year one man and one woman are elected presidents to represent Cambridge University Boat Club. They are the captains and leaders, not only responsible for helping design the training programme in conjunction with the coaches but also making budgetary and tactical decisions along the way. This year both of them, Jenna Armstrong and Seb Benzecry, are from the same college, Jesus, which helps the communication between the two of them. They share ideas and knowledge, thoughts and worries. Their lives, for these intense few months, are a juggling act.

Armstrong is a 30-year-old from New Jersey, and doing a PhD in physiology. Once a very keen competitive junior skier she was forced to abandon her hopes of a career on the slopes after a number of serious knee injuries. She only started rowing in 2011 and only became aware of the Boat Race when she saw it on TV a couple of years later.

Jenna Armstrong, cycling down the Chimney, the grand entrance to Jesus College, to go to the other side of the city to carry out more of her PhD research at the department of physiology, development and neuroscience.

The research she carries out at the university labs could be turn out to be life-saving. “I study mitochondrial function in placentas from women from all over the world to learn how genetic and environmental factors during pregnancy can influence placental metabolism and impact the health of both mother and baby. I’m particularly interested in growth restriction which affects about 10% of babies worldwide. That can have lifelong implications for these babies and currently we don’t have any treatment for this.”

Benzecry, 27, is studying for a PhD in film and screen studies, and comes from a completely different rowing background. He grew up just a stone’s throw from the Boat Race course and went to a school on the banks of the Thames. This will be his 14th year of competitive rowing but his fourth and last Boat Race.

“ I remember one year my birthday fell on race day and we watched after my birthday party. Because we live fairly close to the course, I’ve always felt connected to the race.”

Seb Benzecry stands next to an Antony Gormley statue in the Quincentenary Library at Jesus College as he conducts research for his dissertation which forms part of his PhD in film and screen studies.

Talking about how hard it is to get the right balance between academic student life and rowing, Benzecry says: “I guess you have to accept there are many, many things you can’t do, you just don’t have time for during the season. You have to put the blinkers on.”

Armstrong says: “I have to be very prepared, very strategic and organised. I pack everything the night before, and then once I leave my room in the morning, I don’t go back. That allows me to go to training, go to the lab, go to training again. It’s surreal actually, to come to a place like Cambridge, have one of the best educations in the world on top of the most incredible rowing experiences in the world. We have a thing now in the boat, when we are doing something incredibly hard, I say this is my ideal Saturday, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I would rather be here than in bed or on a date. And I make everyone else say it with me too. I’d rather be nowhere else.”

Benzecry states: “When it’s really bad, when training is so hard, we say Oxford aren’t doing this, they could never do this. It’s an incredibly powerful thing to be thinking we work harder than them, our culture is better than them. They don’t want to go hard as we do – they might think they do but they don’t, they just don’t have it.”

Integration

The men’s and women’s blue boats during a training session on the River Great Ouse in February.

Until 1 August 2020, there were three separate university boat clubs in Cambridge: one for open-weight men, one for lightweight men, and one for open-weight and lightweight women. Since they merged to become one club, it has undoubtedly helped with everyone sharing the same resources and motivating and inspiring one another. No one is more important and everyone has a key part to play in the result. This year, Oxford have followed suit.

Baker says: “I definitely feel, for the athletes themselves, it makes a big difference. They all feel like they’re contributing to one common goal. Every cog in the wheel has to do its job but for sure it feels like one big team on a mission.”

Benzecry explains: “We’re seeing each other train, we’re all out on the water at the same time, we’re supporting each other throughout the season, building a sense of momentum for the whole club towards the races. Everyone’s just inspiring each other all the time and I think that’s been such a sort of cultural shift for Cambridge.”

The men’s blue boat pack their craft on to a trailer at their Ely training site ready for the trip down to London for the Boat Race.

Siobhan Cassidy, the chair of the Boat Race, knows from first-hand how the integration has helped. She rowed for the Light Blues in 1995 and had a key role in the transition. “We could see the advantages of working together, collaborating as a bigger team, the positive impact we felt that could have on performance. But not just the output, actually the whole experience for the young people taking part.”

Siobhan Cassidy, the chair of the Boat Race, pictured at the Thames Rowing Club at Putney Embankment.

This Saturday, if the weather holds, an estimated 250,000 people, the vast majority of whom have no allegiance to one shade of blue or the other, will pack the banks of the Thames to see these races. It’s one of the largest free events in Britain. Broadcast live on BBC One, the race is also beamed to 200 countries across the world.

The starting stone for the University Boat Race and pavement inscription: “The best leveller is the river we have in common” at Putney Embankment.

A map of the Boat Race course at the Goldie boathouse, with the Thames coloured in Cambridge blue and record timings written in for men and women showing almost total Cambridge dominance.

A sporting pinnacle being contested on a fast-flowing, unpredictable river by two teams of university students – it’s pretty bizarre. But maybe it’s that quirkiness that keeps the race, after almost two hundred years, still going strong. And even more bizarre to think that Cambridge, the current dominant force in the Boat Race, a sporting event that can’t shrug off its elitist stereotype, owes so much of that success to such egalitarian principles.

• The Guardian picture essay
• The Boat Race
• University of Cambridge
• Photography

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