The Official Tower of London River Tour- Sightseeing River Cruise

London , United Kingdom

The Official Tower of London River Tour- Sightseeing River Cruise

Active

(32 reviews)

40m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Official Tower of London River Tour offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on London's rich history and iconic landmarks. Departing from Tower Bridge Quay, this premium experience will take visitors on a 40-minute circular trip along the River Thames. The tour is expertly curated by Historic Royal Palaces, written by co-creator of BBC’s TV series Ghosts, and delivered by live guides to bring passengers fascinating stories and secrets of London's landmarks. A truly enchanting and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

Historical - Expertly curated by Historic Royal Palaces

Premium - Luxurious custom-built boat built in the UK by superyacht specialists

Unparalled - Panoramic views of London's iconic landmarks

Entertaining - Written by Martha Howe-Douglas (co-creator of BBC's Ghosts)

Sustainable - The UKs first electric tour boat

Available options

Tower of London Sightseeing River Cruise

What's included

Live commentary on board

Indoor and outdoor observation decks

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Behold the Tower of London, a 1,000-year-old riverside fortress that has served as a palace, prison, and home to the Crown Jewels.

Stop 2 Pass by

Glide under the iconic bascules of London's most famous and impressive Victorian bridge.

Stop 3 Pass by

Spot the gilded orb atop Sir Christopher Wren's towering column, a memorial to the Great Fire of 1666.

Stop 4 Pass by

Gaze over at the striking, glass-clad skyscraper that dominates the modern London skyline.

Stop 5 Pass by

Get a waterside view of the last remaining Second World War Royal Navy cruiser, now a floating museum.

Stop 6 Pass by

View the imposing former power station, now a world-renowned gallery of international modern and contemporary art.

Stop 7 Pass by

See the faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse where many of Shakespeare's greatest plays were first performed.

Stop 8 Pass by

Admire the magnificent dome of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, a symbol of London's resilience and faith.

Stop 9 Pass by

Look for the famous art deco tower with its distinctive windows that once advertised the well-known brand.

Cruise under the "Ladies' Bridge," so-named for the women who built it during WWII, offering acclaimed city views.

Stop 11 Pass by

Witness the majestic heart of UK democracy, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture on the riverbank.

Stop 12 Pass by

The Elizabeth Tower also known as Big Ben: Hear the chimes and see the world's most famous clock, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, standing proudly beside the Houses of Parliament.

Stop 13 Pass by

See the London Eye, a modern marvel of engineering that acts as the city's giant revolving viewpoint for an unparalleled bird's-eye perspective of London.

What's not included

Food and Drinks

Entry to the Tower of London

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Where we have stated at the time of booking that a particular vessel will be used for your tour, we will try to make sure your tour is on that vessel. However, this cannot be guaranteed as we may need to change the vessel because of operational, safety or security reasons.

Meeting point

Depart from Tower Bridge Quay, our private pier directly next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. A short walk from the Tower of London.

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle

34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge

130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton

80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets