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River Thames

The true heart of London. Meander along the river to see everything from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament.

River Thames: Our most recommended tours and activities

London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

1. London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Admire the views of London's most iconic sights with a cruise on the River Thames. Cruise to Greenwich to see London's historical sights from the River Thames. Journey past iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the Tate Modern. Choose between either a one-way or round-trip journey, with skip-the-line entry, and avoid the queues at the ticket office as you go straight to board the boat. Listen to the live audio commentary as you enjoy the comfort of a modern but traditional vessel. Admire the pyramid structure of The Shard and see other monuments from London's historic waterway. Head to the open deck for panoramic views of London's landmarks. Stop at Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, and Tower Bridge Quay before arriving at Greenwich Pier. Feel free to explore the charms of Greenwich on your own terms, and see sights such as Greenwich Market, the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory which are all within easy walking distance from the pier.

Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

2. Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

Walk in the footsteps of your favorite wizards (and witches) around Muggle London. Your Harry Potter enthusiast guide will be armed with weird and wonderful trivia all along the way.  Meet your guide and start your adventure by finding out which Hogwarts House you belong in. Compete against other Houses in an interactive quiz as you see the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling, from Shakespeare's Globe to the London alleys that inspired Knockturn Alley. Highlights include passing The Leaky Cauldron, the secret wizarding inn. Explore the real Diagon Alley, where Harry buys his first wand. Even see the bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince".  For part of your guided tour, choose to either take the London Underground or a short boat trip down the Thames. Both options follow this itinerary:  1. Southwark Cathedral 2. Borough Market 3. The Golden Hinde 4. Winchester Palace 5. The Clink Prison Museum 6. Shakespeare's Globe 7. Millennium Bridge 8. Daniel Radcliffe's School 9. The London Eye 10. River Thames 11. Sherlock Holmes' Pub 12. Great Scotland Yard 13. Gringotts Wizarding Bank 14. The world's smallest police station 15. Trafalgar Square 16. Knockturn Alley 17. Diagon Alley 18. Palace Theatre

London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

3. London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

Climb aboard a sightseeing boat at Westminster Pier and cruise through the heart of London, admiring the many sights along the River Thames along the way. Stop at Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, and Bankside Pier before arriving at Tower Bridge Quay. Catch sights of St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, and much more en route. Choose a 1-way trip to Tower Bridge Quay or opt for a round-trip cruise and return to Westminster. Listen to the live audio commentary from your captain and make use of the state-of-the-art facilities onboard the boat.   Benefit from regular departures from Westminster Pier every hour along with ideal viewing opportunities from the open top deck of the modern "Sapele" and "Mercuria" vessels or the open deck of the traditional "Sarah Kathleen." Each vessel features a bar serving light refreshments to purchase.

London: Madame Tussauds, London Eye & SEA LIFE Combo Ticket

4. London: Madame Tussauds, London Eye & SEA LIFE Combo Ticket

Begin at the iconic Madame Tussaud’s and make your way up the red carpet to see all your favorite stars. Get personal with A-list celebrities, sporting legends, political heavyweights and historical icons, as well as the Royal Family on the Royal Balcony. Join the ultimate party, mingling with the likes of Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Tom Hardy. Then, visit The London Eye and get up close to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace; you can even see as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day. Experience London from a different angle on the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, 135 meters above the city. Step into your capsule, enjoy the gradual rotation and just stand and stare at the hustle and bustle beneath you, the beautiful sunset over the city or the thousands of twinkling lights after dark. Finish at one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life, SEA LIFE London. Journey through 14 themed zones laid out over 3 floors, discovering thousands of underwater creatures, from green turtles to sharks. Meet the creatures of the rainforest and immerse yourself in the world of creepy crawlies, crocs, and critters.

London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

5. London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

Take a leisurely evening cruise through the heart of London to see its famous sights illuminated at night. In the summer, there is the added delight of watching the sun set from the water before the lights come alive! The 3-hour cruise from Westminster to the Thames Barrier and back starts with a welcome drink when you board. Follow your cocktail with a delicious 4-course dinner, plus entertainment from a live singer. This dinner cruise from the heart of London combines a great meal with cabaret and dancing. Sail past the modern landmarks of the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf, and City Hall, and continue as far as the monumental Thames Barrier flood defense before turning back to the Houses of Parliament. By the time darkness falls, dinner gives way to a cabaret singer performing tunes from West End Shows both past and present, along with other popular music. Although dancing is encouraged during and after the cabaret performance, if you prefer you can sit back and simply enjoy the music and floodlit sights. The cruise ends at the original starting point. Menu • Scottish Smoked Salmon Mousse with Mustard and Dill Center, King Prawns with Lemon and Mesclun Salad • Tomato, Roast Pepper, and Basil Soup • Roasted Supreme of Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham, served with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Mushrooms with Thyme and Red Wine Sauce, along with Seasonal Vegetables • White, Dark, and Milk Chocolate Truffle Cake with Raspberry Sauce • Tea or Coffee, Mints Vegetarian Menu • Salad with Feta, Walnuts, Green Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Roast Peppers, Pumpkin, and Olives with Honey Dressing • Tomato, Roast Pepper, and Basil Soup • Lasagne with Artichokes, Spinach, Sauté of Mixed Mushrooms, and Goat's Cheese, along with Seasonal Vegetables • White, Dark, and Milk Chocolate Truffle Cake with Raspberry Sauce • Tea or Coffee, Mints

London: The London Pass with access to 80+ Attractions

6. London: The London Pass with access to 80+ Attractions

See all that London has to offer with the London Pass. With its wealth of history and culture, London always has plenty to offer visitors. The London Pass is a complete sightseer credits package allowing you access to more than 80 top attractions, tours, and museums. Access a huge range of the top landmarks and attractions including the Tower of London, London Zoo, Windsor Castle, and many more.  Enjoy a 1-Day Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus tour with over 60 stops across London including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. The pass is valid for a full working day across 3 routes. You'll also get access to special London Pass holder perks, including discounts at gift shops at select attractions. The London Pass allows access to over 80 attractions, including: POPULAR ATTRACTIONS • The View from the Shard • Tower of London • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour • Thames River Boat (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - 1-day Hop-on Hop-off) • Windsor Castle (afternoon entry only) • Westminster Abbey • London Bridge Experience • Tower Bridge Exhibition • ZSL London Zoo • St Paul's Cathedral • Kensington Palace PLACES OF INTEREST • Shakespeare's Globe Theatre • Royal Albert Hall • Royal Observatory Greenwich • Old Royal Naval College • The Painted Hall • Cutty Sark • Kew Gardens • Hampton Court Palace • Apsley House • Benjamin Franklin House • Eltham Palace • Golden Hinde • Wellington Arch • Chelsea Physic Garden MUSEUMS & GALLERIES • London Transport Museum • Foundling Museum • Household Cavalry Museum • Charles Dickens Museum • Guards Museum • Cartoon Museum • Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art • Wernher Collection at Ranger's House • Fan Museum • London Canal Museum • London Museum of Water and Steam • Garden Museum • Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising • Queen's Gallery (temporarily closed) • Pollock's Toy Museum • The Postal Museum TOURS & EXPERIENCES • ArcelorMittal Orbit • Arsenal FC Stadium (Emirates Stadium) • Chelsea FC Stadium Tour • Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour • Twickenham Stadium Tour & Rugby Museum • Wembley Stadium Tours & more! Please note: attractions and tours are subject to change. Please check the digital guide included on your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions, when applicable before you go.

London River Thames Lunch Cruise

7. London River Thames Lunch Cruise

Enjoy a London lunch venue with a difference on this 105-minute cruise down the River Thames from Tower Pier. Delight in a delicious 2 course lunch, including tea or coffee, set against a backdrop of the most famous sights of London. Depart from Tower Pier, next to the historic Tower of London fortress and fairytale Tower Bridge. Sail past sights, such as the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, and the towering Shard pyramid at London Bridge. Feast on thyme, rosemary, and lemon roasted Chicken Supreme with creamy leek, tarragon, and mushroom sauce, served with Potato au Gratin, and seasonal vegetables; with cherry tomato and red onion confit; and a dessert of warm, dark chocolate fondant with berry compote and vanilla sauce.  Enjoy the bar services throughout, offering a wide choice of soft and alcoholic drinks, while an audio commentary will allow you to learn fascinating new facts about London as you cruise. The cruise ends at the original departure point.

London: Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

8. London: Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Discover what London has to offer on a hop-on hop-off tour of the English capital. Pass iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, London Eye, and Big Ben with audio commentary available on board. Choose from a 24-hour (Classic), 48-hour (Premium), or 72-hour (Deluxe) ticket where you will have the flexibility to explore at your leisure. You can also explore London on foot with a live guide with a choice of 3 daily walking tours (included in Premium & Deluxe tickets). Walking Tours last about 1.5-2 hours. Discover London via 3 specially-designed routes covering over 45 stops: Red Route The Red route takes in the best of historic London including Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Blue Route The Blue Route is a comprehensive route covering all of central London from Kensington Palace in the West to the Tower of London in the East. Stops include Harrods, the South Kensington Museums, and Madame Tussauds. Green Route The Green Route links the beautiful, regenerated area of St Pancras and King’s Cross with the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden making its way through Bloomsbury en route. River Cruise Classic, Premium & Deluxe tickets includes a river cruise from Tower of London to Westminster in either direction. The river cruise includes live commentary in 8 languages. See top London attractions lining the Thames, including Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Tate Modern. Departure times for the river cruise are approximately every 45 minutes. Panoramic Evening Tour The panoramic evening tour is included in the Premium & Deluxe ticket. Discover the magic of London as the city becomes illuminated in the evening. Hop on for a one-round panoramic tour past London's top landmarks as the sun begins to set.

London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

9. London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

Explore London on a convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour. Learn about the city's history, culture, and architecture from onboard audio commentary and enjoy the panoramic views offered by the open-topped bus. Your ticket also includes a shuttle service route. Visit all of London's most important sights on a bus route with 36 stops, starting at Grosvenor Gardens and ending at Buckingham Palace. See Queen Elizabeth Gate in Hyde Park and the Thames Embankment. Travel across Westminster Bridge and catch a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye. See St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. Experience the glitz and glamour of London's West End as your tour bus heads to Leicester Square and finally, head to Buckingham Palace, the principal royal residence. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring the sights at your own pace. You can hop off at any of the 36 stops along 3 routes and explore the nearby sights. Purchase a 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket and enjoy a free cruise along the River Thames between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier. Pass under some of the city's most famous bridges and see London from the water. Red Route Bus Stops: Belvedere Road Aldwych (One Aldwych Hotel) Ludgate Hill (St Paul's Cathedral) Queen Victoria Street (The City) London Bridge Tooley Street (Tower Bridge) Tower Hill (Tower of London) Victoria Embankment Westminster Bridge (Big Ben) Horseferry Road Buckingham Gate (Buckingham Palace) - closed until further notice Buckingham Palace Road (Victoria Station) Buckingham Palace Road, Stop Z12 Grosvenor Gardens Queen Elizabeth Gate, Hyde Park Marble Arch (Speakers Corner) Marble Arch (Park Lane) Haymarket Pall Mall East (Trafalgar Square) Westminster Bridge (South) Green Route - Shuttle Service Belvedere Road, Stand 3788, behind the London Eye Aldwych, outside One Aldwych Hotel Southampton Row, Stop Y, for the British Museum Woburn Place, Stop H outside the Royal National Hotel Bedford Way, Stop BP 4580, behind the Royal National Hotel Southampton Row, Stop B, for the City Sightseeing shop and information center Lancaster Place, Somerset House, Stop B Blue Route Bus Stops: Marble Arch (Park Lane) Knightsbridge Royal Albert Hall Kensington Road Gloucester Road Victoria and Albert Museum Harrods Queen Elizabeth Gate, Hyde Park Marble Arch (Speakers' Corner)

London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

10. London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

Enjoy a cruise on the River Thames with live commentary that brings the city to life, presented by expert guides. Admire the views along the shorelines, passing some of London's most famous landmarks. The circular cruise offers both covered and sun deck seating and departs from the London Eye pier directly underneath the London Eye. It goes as far as Tower Bridge and returns 40 minutes later having cruised past the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe as well as Westminster, Millennium and Tower Bridges.

Available activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in River Thames

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What people are saying about River Thames

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 37,626 reviews

Incredible! It was completely worth it, a very good and quite impressive experience. The cruise staff were quite friendly and they give you a guided tour. It was good to know from previous reviews that the cruise only covers one leg so we took the cruise to the London Eye and waited for our reservation time right there. Once the London Eye loop was over (amazing btw) we got on the bus around 3pm and used the bus until 5pm when the routes ran out, and still got up early and continued to use the bus the next day. (The bus lasts 24 hours, so we visited several places using the time we had left.) I highly recommend downloading the Big bus app to be able to see the routes and buses in real time. Incredible experience, we were 4 people

It’s my first time being in London and as a true Potterhead I wanted to haves our sort of starting point what to do or see in the city. Walking tours are by far my favourite and the tour guide exceeded my expectations. We decided to book the walking tour with the boat option and it connected the two parts of the tour nicely. Our guide Tom was really charming and his personality made the tour a unique experience, he had lots of Potter Trivia with him and created a special atmosphere. My friend who accompanied me is not a huge potterhead but enjoyed the tour as well, since you get an insight to nice spots in the city. A huge recommendation from our side!

The tour guide was so informative and funny - making it fascinating to be told all the facts as we passed the many landmarks. I honestly think his cockney commentary made the trip!! In one tour - we got to see and learn so much about London. Thankfully we had lovely weather and we all thoroughly enjoyed our excursion to Greenwich.

Exceptional tour guide in John (Hagrid) really felt he went the extra mile to provide us with the best experience possible. Highly recommend for any Harry Potter fan.

John was an amazing tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable and interesting. This is a wonderful tour for everyone!