Thames Cruise: Westminster to Greenwich
Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich and see the best of central London
- One-way or a round trip ticket for the Thames Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich
- Audio commentary
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£15.80
River Cruise
Thames River Cruises London - Tickets, Prices, Routes and Visitor Information
What is a Thames River Cruise?
- A Thames River Cruise is one of the most popular ways to explore London from the water.
- Sailing along the River Thames, the sightseeing cruises pass many of the city's most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Tower of London, London Eye, Big Ben and The Shard.
- Visitors can choose from sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off services, afternoon tea cruises, dinner cruises and high-speed boat experiences.
- Whether you're visiting London for the first time or returning to see the city from a different perspective, a Thames cruise offers some of the best views in the capital.
Quick Information
- Location: River Thames, London
- Main Departure Piers: Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier
- Durations: 35 minutes to full-day hop-on hop-off cruises
- Best Time to Cruise: Spring, summer and evening cruises
- Suitable For: Families, couples, solo travellers and first-time visitors
Are Thames River Cruises Worth Taking?
Definitely. For many visitors, a Thames River Cruise is one of the easiest ways to see multiple London landmarks in a short period of time. Unlike walking tours, cruises provide uninterrupted views of attractions along both riverbanks while offering commentary about London's history and architecture.
Thames River Cruises are popular with:
- First-time visitors
- Families with children
- Visitors with limited mobility
- Couples looking for a relaxing experience
- Travellers wanting unique photo opportunities
Many cruises also allow you to travel between popular areas such as Westminster, Tower Bridge and Greenwich while sightseeing at the same time.
What You Can See on a Thames River Cruise
The landmarks you see will depend on the route you choose, but many cruises travel between Westminster and Greenwich, offering views of historic buildings, modern skyscrapers and some of London's most famous attractions along the riverbanks, such as:
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- London Eye
- Palace of Westminster
- Big Ben
- St Paul's Cathedral
- The Shard
- Cutty Sark
Some of the cruises also travel beneath Tower Bridge which is one of the highlights for visitors.
Which Thames River Cruise is Best?
Best for First-Time Visitors
Westminster to Greenwich Cruise
- Covers most famous landmarks
- Excellent photo opportunities
- Great introduction to London
Best for Families
- Shorter duration
- Easy access from central London
- Audio commentary
Best for Couples
- City lights after dark
- Romantic atmosphere
- Food and drinks available
Best for Flexibility
- Explore multiple attractions
- Board and disembark throughout the day
- Useful for sightseeing and transport
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About Thames River Cruises Through London
A Thames River Cruise offers a relaxing and scenic way to explore London from the water.
Whether you choose a sightseeing cruise, hop-on hop-off service, afternoon tea cruise, dinner cruise or speedboat experience, you'll enjoy unique views of many of the capital's most famous landmarks while travelling along the historic River Thames.
Cruises operate throughout the year and are suitable for visitors of all ages, making them one of the most accessible and popular sightseeing experiences in London.
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Thames River Cruise London FAQs
- What types of Thames River cruises are available?
- Although most Thames River Cruises include a sightseeing element of London's landmarks, there are different options such as hop-on hop-of cruises, daytime sightseeing cruises, evening time cruises, dinner cruises, speed boat cruises and even hot tub cruises.
- How long does a Thames River cruise last?
- The duration varies depending on the type of cruise but they are from 35-minutes and up.
- What are the landmarks you can see on a Thames River cruise?
- Cruises typically pass iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and The Shard.
- Do Thames River cruises operate year-round?
- Yes, most Thames River cruises operate throughout the year. Some cruises offer heated indoor seating, making it more comfortable in colder weather.
- Are Thames River Cruises suitable for children?
- Yes, Thames River cruises are generally very family-friendly. Most sightseeing cruises offer interesting commentary that children can also enjoy. Some operators even have kid-friendly features such as activity packs.
- What is the best time to take a Thames River Cruise?
- Daytime cruises are ideal for sightseeing to enjoy views of London’s landmarks. However, evening cruises offer a different experience, with the city’s lights on show along the river. Sunset cruises are also popular for their beautiful views. Speed boat rides are for those seeking adrenaline as well.
- Do Thames River Cruises go under Tower Bridge?
- Yes, many rountes pass under Tower Bridge.
London Fun Facts
- Big Ben isn’t the tower’s name: The famous clock tower is actually called ‘Elizabeth Tower’, and Big Ben is the nickname for the ‘Great Bell’ inside it!
- London buses weren’t always red: Before 1907, different bus routes had different colours. The red colour was introduced to make the buses more recognizable.
- It’s illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament: This old myth is based on the idea that if you die there, you’re technically entitled to a state funeral!
- There’s a hidden city under London: The ‘Mail Rail’ is an underground railway system that used to transport post between sorting offices. Now, part of it is open for tourists!
- London has 170+ museums: From the famous ‘British Museum’ to quirky ones like the ‘Fan Museum’ and the ‘Museum of Brands’, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
- It hosted the first-ever underground railway: The London Underground (Tube) opened in 1863 and that makes it the world’s first underground system!
- More than 300 languages are spoken: London is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world, with people speaking everything from Bengali to Yoruba.
- There’s a secret pet cemetery in Hyde Park: Tucked away in a hidden corner, the Victorian-era cemetery has tiny gravestones for beloved pets from the 1800s.
- There’s a time capsule in the Tower of London: Inside the Tower’s walls, there’s a secret capsule hidden away with artifacts and documents for future generations! The question is who will get to open it!
Useful Information for Thames River Cruises
Best Time to Take Cruise
- Morning cruises generally offer a quieter experience and views
- Sunset cruises are great for photography
- Summer cruises are great for the open-deck experience
Cruise Tips
- Arrive at the departure pier at least 15–20 minutes before departure.
- Outdoor decks provide the best photo opportunities.
- Evening cruises can be cooler, even during summer, so take a jumper.
- Book cruises in advance during weekends and school holidays.
- Enjoy some of London's best riverfront views.
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