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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

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

Westminster to Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf Pier)

See the best of beautiful London from the waters on this  Thames River Sightseeing cruise, from Westminster to  Tower Bridge.

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.

Tower Bridge (Butler's Wharf) to Westminster

Climb aboard our sightseeing cruise at Tower Bridge (Butler’s Wharf Pier) and head to Westminster.

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: Bankside Pier

TOWER OF LONDON

• Closest Pier: Greenwich Pier

ROYAL OBSERVATORY

Shakespeare's globe, st. paul's cathedral.

• BEAUTIFUL VIEWS
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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.

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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]

Whatever the weather, it's better by boat!

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Travel across London

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

Sail home after a show at The O2

New dates available! On select event nights, sail back into town with us right after the show ends!

River and cable car

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

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

Is it summer in London yet?

The sun is coming out and that can only mean one thing: festival season in the capital and other fun events. Check out our list of things to do this June.

Visit our online merch shop!

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

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.

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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.

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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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The best boat trips in London

See the city from the Thames or one of London’s canals with these great London boat trips

London boat tours are a truly fabulous way to see the city’s top spots. The River Thames is a destination in itself, of course, and most London boat tours will take in famous landmarks such as the Tate Modern , St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, The O2 and Canary Wharf . You’ll be spoiled for choice with footage for your Instagram story.

If you fancy something a little bit different, there are some charming London boat tours along Regent’s Canal, many leading to the incredibly picturesque  Little Venice . Whether you’re a seasoned sea dog or a naval novice, there are definitely one or two London boat tours for you.

RECOMMENDED: The top 50 attractions in London

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City Cruises

• Things to do
• Walks and tours
• Victoria Embankment

City Cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis and run from Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich Piers with commentary along the way. The River Red Rover ticket allows unlimited one-day cruising; there's also the Rail and River Rover ticket allowing unlimited one-day travel by river and on the DLR. Single or return tickets are available for shorter journeys, too. The London Showboat is an evening dinner and dance cruise running from Westminster Pier. Afternoon tea and lunch cruises are another popular option during peak periods. 

Thames Rockets

• Ships and boats

This slick RIB (ridged inflatable boat) operation offers a thrilling, high-speed ride on the Thames. You can book by phone or online, or just turn up and pay on the day at the London Eye Ticket Office. Arrive 20 minutes before the off to be kitted out with a waterproof jacket, a life jacket and goggle-style visors (fun in itself). The trip starts calmly enough and the guide will keep kids and adults entertained with fun facts and celebrity stories. But once the boat passes Wapping, it’s pedal to the floor all the way to Canary Wharf. 

Tate to Tate Boat

Running every 20 to 30 minutes, the boat service connecting London’s two Tate galleries, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, takes you through the heart of London, with plenty to see on both banks (head to the outdoor deck at the back of the boat for the best views). The catamaran service boasts specially commissioned exterior and interior designs by artist Damien Hirst, but there’s no commentary, so take a map.

Thames Clippers

River bus services running daily between Royal Arsenal Woolwich in the east and Battersea Power Station in the west. A daily commuter service operates every 20 minutes calling at all major central London piers. On event nights at The O2, the River Bus Express operates a fast direct shuttle service from London Eye (Waterloo) and London Bridge with optional champagne upgrades. There’s no tour guide on board, but you can download a free app for an audio commentary. 

Thames RIB Experience

• Sightseeing

Hurtling about the Thames at 30 knots (roughly 35mph) is the closest thing we’ve got to a white-knuckle ride in central London. It takes just under 40 minutes to travel from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Then the turbo engines kick in and you’re off, bumping about on the open water between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, turning in terrifyingly tight figures of eight. It’s the quickest, most thrilling way to travel the Thames.

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Two tours in one. The first, departing from Victoria Coach Station on a restored double-decker bus, will take in views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Tower of London. The second is a cruise on the River Thames passing Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before arriving at Embankment pier, where you hop back on the bus and head for Buckingham Palace. The tour will finish back at Victoria Coach Station.

Turks Launches

Turks Launches have been operating boat tours along south-west London’s pretty stretch of Thames for 300 years. Running from Richmond Pier to Hampton Court, their routes pack in more historic sites than you might realise, including the seventeenth-century pile Ham House, Eel Pie Island (where Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones used to party), and Teddington Lock’s Dunkirk Memorial. Turks tours run daily from March until September; look out for special disco and jazz cruises during peak months.

London Waterbus Company

• Camden Market

Navigate Regent’s Canal in a narrowboat with the London Waterbus Company. Trips run along the Regent’s Canal linking Little Venice, Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Camden Lock. Warwick Avenue is the closest tube if you’re catching the boat from Little Venice. There’s no advance-booking option – these tours are first come, first served – so if you arrive at peak time, just before lunch, you might have to queue. 

Canal Museum Tunnel Boat Trip

• King’s Cross

These trips are best suited to the brave. Regent’s Canal’s tunnel – built in 1820 – is long, dark, dank and three quarters of a mile long. Once upon a time, boats normally pulled by horses on the towpath had to be inched through the tunnel by a process of ‘legging’ – with the men on board having to brace their legs against the tunnel walls to power the boat along. The tunnel tours take place during the summer, and tickets also includes admission to the London Canal Museum proper. There are only 12 places on each boat tour, so booking is definitely recommended.

Jason’s Trip

• Little Venice

Jason’s Trip navigates the picturesque route along Regent’s Canal from Little Venice, through Regent’s Park, on to Camden Lock and back again. The boat is more than 100 years old and the trip, which includes a live historical commentary and lasts for 45min each way, has been a feature on the canal since 1951. Tours run from the first week of April right through to the first week of November. 

• Camden Town

Hop aboard for an hour and a half's cruise from Camden Lock, past London Zoo in Regent's Park, through the tunnel to Robert Browning’s Island at Little Venice and back to Walker’s Quay. A commentary is included on the cruise, and picnic lunches are available from the company’s waterside restaurant. If you prefer the idea of more formal onboard dining, try the My Fair Lady cruising restaurant boat, operated by the same company.

Bow Boat Company

Bow Boat Company offers a more bespoke kind of canal tour. Its cute narrowboat seats up to 12 people and can be hired (complete with skipper and tour guide) for special-occasion tours of east London’s waterways. You can decide exactly how long you want to tour for, and precisely where you’d like to stop. The comprehensive ‘east London loop’ takes in everything from the Olympic Park to Victoria Park and stretches out over a leisurely five hours; a shorter tour from Hackney’s buzzy Broadway Market to bustling King’s Cross takes just two hours. 

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20 Best London Boat Trips and Cruises

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2023

Are you considering booking a cruise down the River Thames? Not sure what is available or which one is best for you? We have you covered in our complete guide to the best London boat trips.

One of the most popular ways to experience London is to take a boat trip along the River Thames. With so many different Thames river cruises and boat trips to choose from it can be overwhelming picking the right fit for your needs. In this article, we compare the best London boat trips and provide a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right one for you.

We have divided the city cruises by theme including 8 different cruises (dinner cruises, lunch cruises and more) which offer food, drink and entertainment. There are also a number of speedboat tours available if you want the thrill of experiencing the Thames a la James Bond.

If you are planning to travel along the Thames to some of London’s popular landmarks and sights such as Greenwich, the Tower of London and the London Eye we recommend considering the hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise which includes unlimited travel on the river for 24 hours.

Overview of the best London boat trips and cruises

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Best London boat tours and cruises

• Duration – 24 hours

Wheelchair Accessible – YES

• Leaves from – Westminster, north Greenwich Pier, London Eye, and the Tower Pier.

On this boat ride on the River Thames, you’ll get a chance to see London’s most famous attractions . The 24-hour river ticket allows you to hop on and hop off at any of London’s major piers for 24 hours, including Westminster, Greenwich, London Eye, and Tower Pier.

Click here to purchase your ticket on the River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

• Duration – 30 minutes to 1 hour (choose one way or round trip)
• Includes on-board commentary
• Wheelchair accessible – Yes

Leaves from – Westminster Pier

• Not included – Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

See the sights of London along the banks of the River Thames on a sightseeing river cruise from Westminster Pier to Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, and Tower Bridge Quay.

Click here to purchase your Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

You have the option of purchasing a 1-way trip to Tower Bridge Quay or you can opt for a round-trip city cruise and return to Westminster. Listen to the live audio commentary from your captain and make use of the state-of-the-art facilities on board the boat.  

Regular departures from Westminster Pier every hour. The boats offer 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 available to purchase.

Click here to purchase your Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

Duration – 3 hours

• Includes tour guide
• Leave from – Meet your guide by the London Eye Waterloo Pier.

With a 3-hour cruise down the River Thames, enjoy seeing landmarks like the Tower of London and historic Greenwich while being guided by your private guide.

Click here to purchase

Best London Canal Waterbus Tours

Duration – 45 minutes

Guided commentary

Wheelchair Accessible – NO

Leaves from – The cruise will depart from Little Venice and end at Camden Lock

Travel the Regent’s Canal to Little Venice and enjoy a picturesque journey through London. This leisurely waterway is lined with quirky houseboats, while boats pass by on their way to Camden Town – an area bustling with culture!

Duration – 45 mins

Leaves from – West Yard, Camden Lock Place, Camden Market, NW1 8AF

Take a journey through London’s Regent’s Canal and experience the city like never before on this 1-way waterbus trip. Sit back as you cruise along with your window seat facing out into beautiful natural scenery, enjoying views that are impossible to find anywhere else!

London boat cruises with food (& entertainment)

Duration – 105 mins

Live commentary

Leaves from – Tower Pier, Lower Thames Street. London EC3N 4DT.

Discover a new way to enjoy London on this fantastic 105-minute cruise along the River Thames! You’ll be treated to 2 courses from an expert chef, including tea or coffee.

Get spectacular views of some of England’s most famous landmarks while sipping your beverage and listening out for fun facts about each site’s history during our journey down the river

Duration – 2.5 hours

Leaves from – Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6NU

Included – A three-course set menu (starter, main course, and dessert) Live band

Relax on board of a luxury pleasure boat and enjoy live music as you cruise down river. Including a 3 course dinner and live entertainment performed by a jazz band this is the perfect cruise to celebrate that special occasion.

Duration – 2 hours

Live music performance

Leaves from – Tower Pier

Start your evening with a Taste of Britain Cruise that will take you on a relaxing journey along the River Thames. As you take in the sights, enjoy traditional British-themed bowl food, and musical hits created by British artists.

Duration – 1.5 hours

Sightseeing commentary

Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, savouries and cakes as you cruise down the Thames past some of London’s most iconic sights and landmarks.

Step aboard for a wonderful 3-hour dinner cruise on the River Thames and a 4-course meal. Enjoy a live cabaret performance and dance into the night as you cruise past London’s illuminated monuments as far as the Thames Barrier and back.

Leaves from – Tower Millennium Pier

Set sail after sunset and enjoy London on a river tour down the Thames. Start your evening with a glass of bubbly and delicious canapés. Enjoy a selection of jazz and chill-out pop songs from live performers.

Duration – 2 hours 45 minutes

3 or 5-course meal

Leaves from – Embankment Pier

See the sights of London illuminated for the night on a dinner cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy a 3 or 5-course menu of delicious food, with live music and professional service, as you pass iconic views of the city.

3-course meal with tea and coffee

Leaves from – Westminster pier

If you’re looking for a sophisticated night out in London with fine food, great live music, a friendly atmosphere, and some of the most stunning sights in London, this 3-hour Thames jazz dinner cruise is the ideal solution for you!

Best London speetboat tours

Duration – 50 minutes

Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems or children under 33 lbs

Leaves from – Embankment Pier 

Get the ultimate adrenaline rush aboard a high-speed RIB boat and see the sights of London as you speed along the River Thames on a 50-minute round-trip from Embankment Pier to Tower Bridge.

Leaves from – London Eye Pier 

Experience a wild and fantastic River Thames boat cruise that is fun for all ages. Informative banter is provided by an award-winning comedian guide, whose cheery anecdotes include narration about the history of London.

Leaves from – Tower Bridge Quay

See the sights of London aboard a high-speed powerboat and ride past the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and other sights on the River Thames. Blast through Wapping and Canary Wharf to the O2 Arena at Greenwich and back.

Enjoy a fun-filled, adrenaline-packed experience as you cruise down the River Thames on the fastest boats in London. You’ll enjoy sightseeing, speed and awesome aquabatics.

Duration – 75 minutes

Board a speedboat from Embankment Pier and enjoy a round trip experience right up to the Thames Barrier, including guided commentary and high-speed action.

Duration – 40/45 minutes

Wheelchair Accessible – Contact for more information

Prepare to experience a Horrible Histories tour of the Thames. Terrible Thames is the new hit Thames river cruise for those interested in the history of the city and the river that runs through it.

I am sure this post will have helped you choose the right boat tour from the many London river cruises the city has to offer! You can find out more to help plan your trip to London in these articles:

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Visiting Greenwich? Best things to see and do in Greenwich & one day itinerary
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• Best bus tours? Read our guide to th e best sightseeing London bus tours
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s main trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
• London Eye – Top tips plus ticket options
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London
• Visiting in winter? 21 Festive things to do in London in December

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• The 12 Best Boat Tours...

The 12 Best Boat Tours in London

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Bring your sea legs and hop aboard one of London’s fun-filled boat tours. Whether you want to float past the landmarks, laze down a sleepy canal or speed your way to Canary Wharf, you’ll see the best of the UK capital from floating level.

City cruises.

Hop on and off as you please with City Cruises, which runs from Westminster , Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers. There are many ticket options on offer, so you can opt for an unlimited day cruise, stick to a shorter journey or push the boat out with an afternoon tea or dinner experience.

Thames Clippers

This river bus service runs every 20 minutes daily between Royal Arsenal Woolwich in South East London and St George Wharf Vauxhall in the west of the city, stopping at all major piers along the way. On event nights at The O2 Arena, the company even operates a fast shuttle direct from Waterloo, London Bridge and Canary Wharf where champagne upgrades are available. Although there is no tour guide aboard these journeys, there is a free app that can be downloaded for audio commentary.

Turks Launches

Turks Launches has been offering tours along the Thames for 300 years. The route, from Richmond Pier to Hampton Court, is full of historic sights to see, including Eel Pie Island (where The Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart used to party) and Teddington Lock’s Dunkirk Memorial. If you fancy something more lively, there are disco and jazz cruises on offer, too.

Vintage Red Bus and Thames Cruise

Tour both land and sea with the Vintage Red Bus and Thames Cruise. You’ll board a restored red double-decker bus at Victoria Coach Station and view London icons Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London. Then you’ll hop on a boat to check out Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and, of course, London Bridge. Lastly, jump back on the bus to swing by Buckingham Palace before returning to Victoria Coach Station.

For an arty ride, take this catamaran service connecting London’s two Tate art galleries, Tate Modern on the South Bank and Tate Britain in Pimlico. The exterior and interior of the boat itself were designed by world-renowned artist Damien Hirst, so you basically get to ride a floating artwork.

London Waterbus Company

This first come, first served tour is perfect when you want to make a plan in a pinch. You’ll float down Regent’s Canal in a narrowboat exploring Little Venice, Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Camden Lock. As you can’t book in advance, going at off-peak times is highly recommended.

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Thames RIB Experience

If racing is more your style, don’t miss speeding down the Thames in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). You’ll head to Tower Bridge from Westminster before the turbo engines blast on, but when they do you’ll be travelling at 30 knots (35 miles per hour) all the way to Canary Wharf. This is a boat ride you’ll never forget.

Thames Rockets

For an alternative RIB experience, try Thames Rockets. Advanced booking is not required, so you can just show up at London Eye’s Millennium Pier, hop aboard and get ready for the ride of your life.

Canal Museum Tunnel Boat Trip

Not for the faint-hearted, the Canal Museum Tunnel Boat Trip will take you down Regent’s Canal’s dark and musty tunnel built way back in 1820. It’s over a kilometre long and offers a true piece of canal history. Back in the day, boats had to be helped through the tunnel by ‘legging’, a system wherein the men onboard had to push the vessel along by pushing their legs against the tunnel walls. Tickets through the tunnel are best booked in advance as there are only 12 spots on board and they include entry to the London Canal Museum to boot.

Operating since 1968, Walker’s Quay is a family-run business based in Camden . Its boat, the Jenny Wren, offers daily 90-minute, round-trip cruises from Camden. Float down Camden Lock, sail through London Zoo and Regent’s Park, and then onwards to Robert Browning’s Island in Little Venice before heading back.

Jason’s Trip

Flip the Jenny Wren itinerary around with Jason’s Trip. Set sail from Little Venice, then continue down Regent’s Canal through picturesque Regent’s Park before reaching Camden Lock and coming back again. The boat is over a century old and this tour has been operating the same route since 1951.

Bow Boat Company

For a truly bespoke option, try Bow Boat Company. Its narrowboat seats up to 12 and comes equipped with a skipper and tour guide. Get a group together and hire the vessel for as long as you want. You can opt for the five-hour East London Loop, which cruises from Olympic Park to Victoria Park, a less demanding two-hour tour from Hackney to King’s Cross or you can even create your own itinerary.

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About Thames River Boats

Thames River Boats operate cruises from Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage & Hampton Court Landing Stage with a fleet of traditional River Thames passenger boats. Our services make the perfect day out whether you are visiting the City of Westminster, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the bustling town of Richmond or Hampton Court Palace. Our boats are perfect in any weather & have indoor & outdoor seating, fully licensed bars, toilet facilities & heating for colder days. Our boats are also available for private hire & are ideal for corporate events, birthdays, celebrations, wedding receptions, sightseeing cruises & river transfers.

Our Services

We are currently cruising on a regular basis from Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage & Hampton Court Landing Stage. Our sailing times can vary from day to day due to the tides. Click the link below to view our upcoming sailings. Tickets can be booked online through our booking system or at our ticket offices.

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Westminster Pier

Richmond Landing Stage

Hampton Court Landing Stage

Testimonials.

My daughter has gone twice now and it is so worth it. For the price to I would definitely recommend. Peaceful atmosphere lovely staff also beverages are served downstairs.

Special Offers

• Cockney Sparrow

The Cockney Sparrow was built in 1976 at Eel Pie Island. She is a two level boat with a deceptively large enclosed saloon and an open top deck. 

M.V Connaught was built by Salter Brothers of Oxford in 1911 & has been cruising between Westminster, Kew, Richmond & Hampton Court for over 100 years. Connaught regularly operates on our services & is also available for private charters.

• Princess Freda

Princess Freda was built in 1926 by T.C. Letcher on the Isle of Wight, and has been restored to a particularly high standard.

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Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

Choose your ticket type.

Return Ticket With a return ticket you can go one way, take in some of the sights around the pier and then take the same route back.

Westminster/London Eye ↔ Greenwich

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Canal and River Cruises

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Canal and River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

sailing dates & times

Monday to sunday.

LITTLE VENICE

CAMDEN LOCK

Arrives / Departs

Additional Sailings: June to August

Saturday & Sunday only

Boat trips from Little Venice to Camden Lock Market.

Enjoy the peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of modern day London while you are transported back to a bygone era in our origin 1906 canal boat.

This is London sightseeing as you have never experienced before.

Discover an enchanting world of beautiful Edwardian streets as you glide through Little Venice. You then make your way around the edge of Regent's Park past London Zoo and into buzzing Camden Town with its vibrant market right by the lock.

During the trip from Little Venice to Camden there is a live commentary from our trained guide who will tell you all about the canal's history from 1800 to the present day.

If you prefer the trip with no commentary, please join our canal boat tour from Camden as there is no commentary during the journey to Little Venice. (Unless specifically requested by Group Bookings).

This London attraction is Winner of TripAdvisor's coveted Traveller's Choice award for 6 years in a row.

Adult - £18.00 / Concession £14.00 / Under 4s FREE

Return Adult - £23.00 / Concession £19.00 / Under 4s FREE

Concessions apply to under-14's and over-65's.

Group Bookings Groups of ten or more must book in advance by email and need at least 48 hours advance notice.

Tickets may be purchased on the boat by Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex or by using your London Pass.

welcome to jason's trip the original regent's canal tour

Jason's 2024 season is now open.   we look forward to welcoming you onboard. our timetable & prices are detailed below. pay at the boat as you board.   we accept credit cards, cash, & london pass. no booking fees.

REGENTS CANAL WATERBUS

Enjoy london from a different perspective.

Discover a unique london WATERWAY with a REGENT’S CANAL WATERBUS boat trip between LITTLE VENICE & CAMDEN MARKET

Our classic 45 minute one-way trips operate in either direction

Live English language guided tour commentary

The Regent’s canal opened in 1820, linking the Grand Union Canal and the River Thames at Limehouse, providing a once vital industrial transport route.

Today the canal has become a leisure corridor navigated by leisure boats and lined with live-aboard houseboats.

Our route travels between Little Venice in Maida Vale and vibrant Camden Town where you’ll find the world-famous Camden Market sites.

We pass through the grounds of London Zoo and through the echoey depths of the Madia Hill tunnel

Each boat has large slide-to-open windows, so everyone gets a view.

As we pass through the grounds of London Zoo, look out for the African hunting dogs known as painted wolves, which can often be seen as we pass their canal-side enclosure, as well as their warthog neighbours. On the opposite side, you can see the imposing structure of the repurposed Snowdon Aviary which is now part of Monkey Valley, home to playful Colobus monkeys, as a walk through zoo exhibit.

You can see expansive landscaped gardens of stately mansion houses and classic modern villas contrasted with industrial buildings, a power station and historical architecture including ornamental iron bridges such Macclesfield ‘blow up’ bridge.

From modern-day urban graffiti, unique architecture and industrial heritage to landscaped gardens and wildlife, the route gives an insight into the unique mix that forms this part of London.

Our classic one-way trips operate in either direction, and take around 45 minutes.

Live commentary guided tour (English language)

CAMDEN MARKET & TOWN

1,000+ UNIQUE SHOPS, STALLS, BARS & CAFES. UNFOLLOW CONVENTION AT CAMDEN MARKET.

CAMDEN MARKET IS HOME TO A VAST ARRAY OF SHOPS, TRADERS & INTERNATIONAL CUISINES, CREATIVITY & VIBRANCY TO EXPLORE & ENJOY ACROSS SEVERAL SITES INCLUDING THE STABLES, LOCK MARKET & WEST YARD SET WITHIN COBBLED & FLAGSTONED LANES OF FORMER WAREHOUSES & CONVERTED STABLES THAT IN DAYS-GONE-BY HOUSED BOTH GOODS & THE HORSES THAT PULLED THE LOADED CARGO BOATS ALONG USING ROPES, FROM THE CANAL TOWING PATH ALONGSIDE THE CANAL

YOU MAY BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH SIGHT OF THE FAMOUS TRADITIONAL TOWN CRIER DRESSED IN HIS RED UNIFORM, WHO REGULARLY SOUNDS HIS BELL AND CAN BE HEARD CALLING OUT AROUND THE MARKET LANES

SEE THE ECLETIC SHOPS OF CAMDEN HIGH STREET & CHALK FARM ROAD WITH THEIR LARGER THAN LIFE GIANT 3D SIGNS QUIRKY STREET PERFORMERS & ALTERNATIVE CULTURES

VISIT CAMDEN MARKET BUCK STREET ECO FOCUSED & SET WITHIN UPCYCLED SHIPPING CONTAINERS

DISCOVER CAMDEN MARKET HAWLEY WHARF RETAIL & LEISURE ALONGSIDE THE CANAL

SEE THE JASON BRUGES STUDIO HELICOIDAL MIRROR LIGHT INSTALLATION SET BETWEEN THE TWO WATERSIDE HALLS BUILDINGS

OUR TRIPS DEPART & RETURN TO OUR WHARF LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF CAMDEN MARKET WEST YARD STREET FOOD TRADERS

LITTLE VENICE

THIS WEST LONDON WATERSIDE AREA WAS SAID TO BE NAMED BY THE RENOWNED POET ROBERT BROWNING WHERAS OTHERS CREDIT IT TO LORD BRYON

OUR BOATS DEPART FROM BROWNING’S POOL THE LARGE TRANQUIL WATER EXPANSE SURROUNDED BY ELEGANT 19TH CENTURY MANSION HOUSES

ON BROWNING’S ISLAND LOOKOUT FOR THE SWANS, MALLARD DUCKS, GEESE, COOTS & MOORHENS AMONGST THE FEATHERED RESIDENT BIRDS, AS WELL AS THE OCCASIONAL VISITING CORMORANT OR HERON

ASK OUR GUIDE TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE FASCINATING STORIES OF RANDOLPH AVENUE, OR HOW THEY MANAGED TO GET BOATS THROUGH THE MAIDA HILL TUNNEL BEFORE BOATS HAD ENGINES & WERE TOWED BY HORSES

FROM ‘TOERAGS’ TO ‘LEGGING IT’ THE CANAL INTRODUCED UNIQUE TERMINOLOGY THAT HAS BECOME SET INTO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. FIND OUT THE BACKSTORIES

TRAVEL PAST THE HOMES OF WELL-KNOWN MUSICIANS, ACTORS & CELEBRITIES ALONG CANALS LINED BY LIVE-ABOARD HOUSEBOATS

LOCAL WATERSIDE RESTAURANTS AT LITTLE VENICE INCLUDE THE SUMMERHOUSE ; THE WATERWAY & CAFE LAVILLE

WALK AROUND TO PADDINGTON BASIN FOR A MODERN CONTRAST: SHELDON SQUARE & PADDINGTON CENTRAL HAVE WATERSIDE CAFES, BARS & RESTAURANTS, INCLUDING SEVERAL ONBOARD MOORED BOATS: THE GRAND DUCHESS; THE CHEESE BARGE ; DARCIE & MAY GREEN . AS WELL AS A COLLECTION OF LARGE PUBLIC ARTWORKS

EXPLORE MERCHANT SQUARE WITH ITS FLOATING POCKET PARK , WATER MAZE FOUNTAINS & STRIKING ARCHITECTURAL GEMS SUCH AS THE NEW BRUNEL BUILDING & HEATHERWICK’S ROLLING BRIDGE

SEE THE MAARTEN BAAS REAL TIME CLOCK AT PADDINGTON STATION

Book with confidence Flexible bookings with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booked departure

Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, as seat availability often sells out in advance, especially at weekends.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and boarding. Check-in closes 5 minutes before each scheduled departure. The boat will depart promptly at the scheduled departure time.

Camden Market may be busy, particularly at weekends so please allow extra time to reach us.

No refunds will be given for missed departures

Trips are one-way, however, you can also book a separate trip if you wish to return back.

We do not accept oyster cards or the London Pass.

All tickets are sold subject to our Terms & Conditions

Regent’s Canal waterbus services are dog-friendly* subject to our Terms & Conditions

ONE WAY FARES

Booking fees will be added at checkout

Each passenger requires their own booked ticket - for example, both a Disabled person and 1x accompanying carer can each benefit from a lower concession rate, but each need a ticket. Infants require a free-of-charge booked ticket.

Bus style layout seating

No toilets on these services

LONDON WATERBUS COMPANY LIMITED Registered in England 01061531 Registered office: LABS Dockray, 1-7 Dockray Place, London NW1 8QH

We no longer offer trips to or from London Zoo. ZSL closed the waterside entrance in 2019

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