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Top experiences in London

Free cancellation
Golden Tours hop-on hop-off bus near Westminster Abbey, London.
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
from
£42
Golden Tours: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1989 ratings.From £42
Free cancellation
Red double-decker bus near the London Eye on the Thames River cruise tour.
Hop-on Hop-off Tours London
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
from
£32
City Sightseeing: London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise. Rated 4 out of 5 from 385 ratings.From £32
Toasting with sparkling wine on Thames River cruise at sunset.
Sightseeing Cruises
Thames River Evening Cruise with Sunset Views, Sparking Wine & Canapés
from
£28
Thames River Evening Cruise with Sunset Views, Sparking Wine & Canapés. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1352 ratings.From £28
Free cancellation
IFS Cloud Cable Car over London skyline and boat on Thames River at night.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car
£24.90
£23.65
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1369 ratings.From £23.65
Free cancellation
IFS Cloud Cable Car over River Thames in London with cityscape in background.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets + Thames Flexible Sightseeing Cruise
£28.50
£27.07
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): London IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets + Thames Flexible Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1258 ratings.From £27.07
Free cancellation
Emirates Stadium exterior with Arsenal banners and logo in London.
Combo
Combo (Save 11%): Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
£51.50
£46.07
11% off
Combo (Save 11%): Arsenal FC Stadium Tour + Flexible Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3493 ratings.From £46.07
Speed boat on the Thames River with passengers enjoying the ride, London.
Sightseeing Cruises
Thames River Speedboat Tour
from
£69.95
Thames River Speedboat Tour. Rated 5 out of 5 from 5 ratings.From £69.95
Free cancellation
Uber Boat on Thames River near Millennium Bridge, London.
Dinner Cruises
London Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise
from
£24.95
London Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 247 ratings.From £24.95
Penguins on rocks at a zoo and a city cruise boat on the Thames in London.
Combo
Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £47
£39.60
16% off
Combo (Save 16%): London Zoo Tickets + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1236 ratings.From £39.60
Free cancellation
London double-decker bus near St. Paul's Cathedral and Madame Tussauds wax figures.
Combo
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets
from £71.99
£64.79
10% off
Combo (Save 10%): London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4930 ratings.From £64.79
Selling out fast
Train traveling through countryside en route to Paris for Eiffel Tower lunch.
London To Paris Tours
From London: Luxury Escorted Paris Day Trip with Lunch on the Eiffel Tower
from £318.75
£270.94
15% off
From London: Luxury Escorted Paris Day Trip with Lunch on the Eiffel Tower. Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 ratings.From £270.94
Free cancellation
Walking through narrow London alley on Harry Potter film locations tour.
Harry Potter Walking Tours
Harry Potter™ Film Locations Walking Tour with Thames River Cruise
£29
Harry Potter™ Film Locations Walking Tour with Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 695 ratings.From £29
Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and afternoon tea on a London cruise.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Changing the Guards Ceremony + Afternoon Tea Cruise
from £61
£57.95
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Changing the Guards Ceremony + Afternoon Tea Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1828 ratings.From £57.95
London Eye on the Thames River with nearby buildings.
London Tours
Full-Day Sightseeing Tour in London
£129
Full-Day Sightseeing Tour in London. Rated 0 out of 5 from 0 ratings.From £129
Free cancellation
Family enjoying a magical mirror experience and a City Cruises boat near Tower Bridge, London.
Combo
Combo (Save 17%): Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets
from £37.50
£31.05
17% off
Combo (Save 17%): Shrek’s Adventure! London + City Cruise Tickets. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1510 ratings.From £31.05
Free cancellation
Big Bus London tour and couple taking selfie at Sea Life Aquarium.
Combo
Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
from £57
£51.30
10% off
Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1616 ratings.From £51.30
Free cancellation
Guest with Captain Marvel figure at Marvel Hall of Heroes, Madame Tussauds London.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Madame Tussauds Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £42
£39.90
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Madame Tussauds Tickets + Thames River Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 5878 ratings.From £39.90
Cruise boat on the Thames by Westminster and Houses of Parliament, London.
Combo
Combo (Save 11%): Westminster Abbey Tickets with Audio Guide + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
£47.50
£42.27
11% off
Combo (Save 11%): Westminster Abbey Tickets with Audio Guide + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 4193 ratings.From £42.27
Westminster Abbey facade with towers and clock, London.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
from £48.20
£45.79
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise . Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 16753 ratings.From £45.79
Free cancellation
Cruise boat on the Thames passing Tower Bridge in London.
Tower of London
Official Tower of London River Tour
from £18.50
£14.56
21% off
Official Tower of London River Tour. Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.From £14.56
Frameless London exhibit with visitors and Thames River cruise near The Shard.
Combo
Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London Tickets + Thames Sightseeing Cruise
from £50.02
£47.52
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Frameless London Tickets + Thames Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3234 ratings.From £47.52
Free cancellation
Christmas lights illuminate The Shard in London at night.
Christmas in London
Christmas at The View from The Shard
from
£19
Christmas at The View from The Shard. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2108 ratings.From £19
Free cancellation
National Gallery facade and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat in London.
Combo
Combo (Save 17%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
£36.50
£30.15
17% off
Combo (Save 17%): The National Gallery Guided Tour + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 883 ratings.From £30.15
Free cancellation
Moco Museum London light installation and River Thames sightseeing cruise boat.
Combo
Combo (Save 14%): Moco Museum London Tickets + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
£45.75
£39.51
14% off
Combo (Save 14%): Moco Museum London Tickets + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 456 ratings.From £39.51

The Thames River Cruise experience

Thames River Cruises offer an effortless way to immerse yourself in the heart of London. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, glide along the river to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious meals, and unwind in a uniquely refreshing urban setting.

Glide past landmarks

Board a Thames sightseeing cruise and glide past iconic London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The onboard commentary and open deck view fill your journey with engaging discovery.

Savor a river lunch

Savor a river lunch by indulging in a freshly prepared two-course meal with tea and coffee. As you dine onboard, panoramic views and informative commentary transform lunch into a relaxing journey.

Enjoy flexible boarding

Choose a flexible cruise for ultimate convenience. Board at any of the four central piers and hop on or off as you wish, enjoying live English commentary and multi-language audio for tailored, stress-free sightseeing.

Experience evening sparkle

Set sail into the evening and marvel at London’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and canapés while live music provides a mellow backdrop, turning sunset into pure magic.

Discover river history

Discover London’s history on a sightseeing cruise that echoes centuries of stories. Navigate past landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral while live local commentary enriches your understanding of the city’s vibrant heritage.

Things to know before booking a London cruise

Understand London’s river route: The Thames flows through the heart of London, slicing the city into historic north and modern south banks. Cruises pass iconic landmarks like Westminster, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, making it an intuitive way to map out your day.

Choose your cruise type: London river cruises offer a variety of experiences, including short sightseeing loops with live commentary, flexible hop-on-hop-off tickets, upscale dinner and tea cruises, and even adrenaline-fueled speedboat tours. Your choice influences ambiance, duration, and onboard comfort.

Plan your timing and duration: Cruise durations in London vary from quick 30–60 minute loops to extended evening dining cruises lasting up to three hours. Daytime sailings highlight architectural details, while sunset cruises capture the city’s illuminated skyline for a unique perspective.

Consider boarding logistics: Cruise departures are concentrated at key central piers such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich. Check your boarding point to ensure a smooth transition between land-based attractions and your cruise, helping you avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Monitor seasonal effects and booking urgency: London cruises see peak demand in summer and during holidays—especially for evening and dining experiences. Book in advance to secure preferred timings, as off-peak periods often offer more flexibility and shorter waiting times at the piers.

Which London cruise is right for you?

Experience London’s dynamic spirit on a classic sightseeing cruise that offers flexible hop-on, hop-off boarding at multiple piers. Enjoy panoramic views, live commentary, and a seamless city tour from Westminster to Greenwich.

  • Key sights: Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge
  • Inclusions: Live commentary, open deck access
  • Ideal for: Families and first-time visitors
  • Feature: Frequent departures every 20–40 minutes

Top rated cruise operators in London

City Cruises Cruises

The vibe: Classic, flexible, informative
Why choose them: City Cruises offers a flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing experience with live and multilingual commentary, allowing you to explore iconic London landmarks at your pace. Their spacious boats provide both indoor and open deck comfort for families and first-time visitors alike.
Departure: Westminster Pier

Thames Rockets Cruises

The vibe: Thrilling, fast, exhilarating
Why choose them: Thames Rockets delivers an adrenaline-packed, high-speed ride along the Thames with live comedic commentary, ideal for thrill-seekers and adventurous families. Their compact RIBs offer a unique blend of sightseeing and excitement, providing panoramic views of London’s skyline at remarkable speeds.
Departure: London Eye Pier

Bateaux London Cruises

The vibe: Upscale, romantic, refined
Why choose them: Bateaux London offers a premium dining cruise experience with a glass-roof boat that frames London’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a curated multi-course meal while live music sets a sophisticated ambiance, making it perfect for romantic evenings or special celebrations.
Departure: Embankment Pier

Central Thames Sightseeing Loop

Route: Circular loop from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge and back.
Duration: 90–120 mins
Key sights: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral

Westminster to Greenwich Extended Cruise

Route: One-way route from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier along the Thames.
Duration: 60–75 mins
Key sights: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory

What you will see

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

From the water, admire the historic neo-Gothic spires of the Houses of Parliament alongside Big Ben, whose chimes resonate along the Thames.

London Eye

Gaze at the giant Ferris wheel with its rotating capsules, a modern icon framing London’s skyline from the river.

Tower Bridge

Experience the sight of Tower Bridge with its twin Gothic towers and glass walkways as the boat glides beneath its iconic span.

Tower of London

Observe the storied Tower of London, a centuries-old fortress whose ancient stone walls tell tales of Britain’s royal history.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

See the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece rising proudly above the bustling river scene.

The Shard

Marvel at The Shard’s sleek glass façade and soaring height, a symbol of modern London amid its historic riverside landmarks.

Cutty Sark

Spot the preserved tea clipper, Cutty Sark, moored along the riverbank in Greenwich—a vivid reminder of London’s rich maritime past.

Planning your London cruise

  • Best season: Spring through early autumn offers the most comfortable temperatures for open decks; winter sailings rely more on heated indoor cabins.
  • Day vs night: Daytime cruises highlight architectural details and clearer photos; sunset and evening sailings emphasize skyline lights and a more atmospheric river.
  • Pro tip: Morning departures are typically quieter, with better top-deck space and softer, more flattering light.

Tips for your London cruise

Arrive early: Head to your pier 15–20 minutes before departure to relax and secure your preferred seating.
Dress in layers: The river breeze can feel brisk, so a light jacket or layered outfit keeps you comfortable.
Choose your spot: Opt for open-deck or window seating based on whether you prioritize panoramic views or sheltered comfort.
Time your photos: Midday or just before sunset gives you the best light to capture London’s iconic landmarks.
Book ahead: Popular cruises, especially dinner or sunset sailings, can fill up fast, so reserve your spot in advance.
Enjoy the commentary: Listen to live insights and historical tidbits that add an extra layer to your cruising experience.

Frequently asked questions about London cruises

  • Sightseeing cruises last about 40 minutes to 1 hour one-way, while dinner cruises run between 2 and 3 hours. Return trips usually take 1.5–2 hours.

  • Most cruises board at Westminster, London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich Pier, all located in central London and easily accessible by public transport.

  • Most cruises offer live English commentary along with multi-language audio options via mobile apps, providing historical context and local insights during your journey.

  • Sightseeing cruises typically include a small bar or snack service, while dining cruises offer multi-course meals with beverages. Always check ticket details for specific inclusions.

  • Cruises operate in light rain with covered seating available. In severe weather, departures may be delayed or canceled, with rebooking or refund options per ticket policies.

  • Many operators allow same-day mobile ticket purchases, but advance online booking is recommended during peak seasons or popular departure times to guarantee your spot.

  • Most large cruise boats offer wheelchair access, onboard toilets, and family-friendly seating. Confirm accessibility details with the operator when booking for personalized requirements.

  • Most cruise tickets allow cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before departure. Review the specific ticket terms, as policies may vary slightly between operators.

  • Early morning and sunset cruises are ideal, offering pleasant lighting for photography and a quieter atmosphere. Consider seasonal variations for optimal river conditions.

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

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Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

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What our guests say

Vera D

United Kingdom
Couple
3 days ago

+1 more

A lovely experience. We had booked our tickets in advance and our entrance was smooth and on time. I enjoyed the Royal as well as the iconic british rock stars sections.

Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Emanuele B

Couple
4 days ago
It was all great. The superhero and Star Wars sections, however, seemed a bit out of place to me. Even though they were nice. Definitely a must-see for any tourist visiting London.

Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + Madame Tussauds Tickets

Allea S

United Kingdom
Family
4 days ago

+5 more

Great, stress free hop on hop off river cruise experience. Got to see the beautiful sites of London. Staff were efficient and great comentary throughout.

London Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise

Castro E

Group
5 days ago

+2 more

A wonderful experience with Headout! The booking process was quick and intuitive, and we received our tickets instantly—which is very reassuring when planning a trip. Once we arrived, everything was well-organized and the staff was friendly, making our visit to the London Eye smooth and stress-free. We went at the end of the day, and the view at sunset was absolutely stunning, with all of London gradually lighting up. The ascent is gentle, which really gives you time to admire every viewpoint and take incredible photos. It’s a must-do activity that’s well worth the price, especially for a first-time visit. I highly recommend this experience!

Christmas at the London Eye

Tan J

Singapore
Solo
6 days ago
I got my London eye express tickets 2hrs before my trip and I finished my whole experience in a quick and fuss free way, glad to have bought the express tickets to skip the queue.

Christmas at the London Eye

Mihailescu A

Family
5 days ago

+4 more

We were glad that the tickets were available even if we got half an hour late. The abbey has a lot of history stories inside the audio guide is enough to enjoy in your own pace the road inside. The combo with Tower of London worked nice for we did the tours in different days.

Combo: Westminster Abbey Tickets with Audio Guide + River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

Ozak D

Turkey
Couple
6 days ago
Tower of London and Sky Garden visit was a nice combine to visit expecially for fisrt timers but I thought dinner course would be at the sky garden but it was a restaurant to sky garden. This was a little disappointing

Combo: London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets

Jerome B

United Kingdom
Family
5 days ago

+3 more

Had a great time out with my family.. the staff helped as we had a buggy and very friendly. Definitely would recommend to my friends. Lots to do around the area. Also very well priced.

Combo: Uber Boat Single Trip and London Cable Car

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