England · BOAT TRIPS

Boat Trips in England: The 15 Best Days Afloat

94 tours  ·  from $14

From a pole and a punt on the Cam to a speedboat under Tower Bridge and the ferry across the Mersey. These 15 are priced by the hour, with a note on which run all year and which stop for the winter.

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise - Westminster, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

1.London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 10,803 reviews · 3 hours 35 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Ride Big Bus London across three routes linking Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St. Paul’s, Notting Hill, and the British Museum. Use a one-day, 24-hour, or 48-hour pass, with a Thames cruise included on the longer options. The 48-hour ticket can also include walking tours and an evening panoramic ride.

“great way to see london. i do this tour everywhere I go. I will say it takes a very long time for bus to complete loop.”

Check availability →Read our full review

High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London - Boarding at London Eye Pier
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

2.High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,971 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Join a 12-seat Thames Rockets speedboat at London Eye Pier for a 50-minute ride past Parliament, the Globe, St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and Canary Wharf. Expect lively guides such as Sofia, Sophie, or James, British music, London stories, and speeds up to 30 knots. You return to the same pier.

“So much fun - boat guide was hysterical and driver great! Perfect amount of time and info. Best was the high speed and music!”

Check availability →Read our full review

London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise - Coventry Street, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

3.London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,834 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $53

See London from an open-top double-decker, using three routes that reach Buckingham Palace, the Tower, St Paul’s, museums, Covent Garden, and more. Your pass also covers a Thames sightseeing cruise and audio commentary for adults and children. Use the app to track buses, but allow extra time for traffic and changing service.

“The bus drivers are great. My only criticism is that the bus stop names do not match the actual stops. Super confusing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Tour : Guided Tour with Boat Ride - Berkeley Square and London’s most haunted house
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in London, Guided, London Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Tour : Guided Tour with Boat Ride

4.Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Tour : Guided Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,212 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Meet near Green Park for a 2.5-hour evening walk through Berkeley Square, royal parks, and St. James’s Palace stories, then take a 25-minute Thames boat ride to Tower Hill. Guides such as Marvin, Arne, Murray, Martin, and Eddie are praised for lively storytelling, though the boat is a regular Uber Boat rather than a dedicated ghost vessel.

“We got to the the spot we going to meet and no one was there and then they text and we had to run around London it was a scam in my opinion I want refund please so disappointed”

Check availability →Read our full review

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London - Tate Modern, St Paul’s, and Shakespeare’s Globe
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

5.Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,969 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $22

Sail east from Westminster Pier to Greenwich in about an hour, passing Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Live commentary adds stories along the way, while a return option lets you explore the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, market, museums, and Royal Observatory before sailing back.

“Loved the boat ride. Particularly loved the commentary along the way. Made the ride a lot of fun, but also revealed interesting facts.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gray Line London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise - Start near the London Eye and Westminster
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in London, London Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Gray Line London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

6.Gray Line London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,064 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $32

Use Golden Tours Gray Line buses to see the London Eye, Tower of London, St. Paul’s, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and more. Choose a 4-hour, one-day, or 24-hour ticket. The 24-hour option includes a one-way Thames boat ride between Westminster and Tower Millennium Pier. Audio commentary comes in 12 languages, with live guides on selected blue routes.

“Our guide, Mark, was wonderful! Extremely knowledgeable, excitingly entertaining story teller and historian. We were even fortunate enough to see King Charles on his way to Buckingham Palace. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River - Westminster Pier sets the scene
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Dinner Experiences, Dinner Experiences in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

7.London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,772 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Cruise from Westminster Pier for about three hours with a welcome sparkling wine or soft drink, a set 3-course dinner, live music, and dancing. You’ll pass the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Flood Barrier before returning to Westminster. VIP adds champagne, canapés, and upgraded seating.

“The cruise and staff were good. Main course was good. Would have preferred a choice in food. I looked on the reservation and didn’t see a place to put dietary restrictions. It was difficult to find which pier boat left from.”

Check availability →Read our full review

London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option - The morning coach ride through central London
1-Day Tours, Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Day Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option

8.London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,678 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $177

Start at Victoria Coach Station for a nine-hour guided London tour by air-conditioned coach. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London, then cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster. The optional London Eye ticket is for an independent visit around 6:30pm.

“Sara did not keep group together. Very fristrating. My wife has a new knee and lagged behind. She didn’t care even though she knew that”

Check availability →Read our full review

London: Uber Boat - Single Journey River Thames Cruise - Starting at Battersea Power Station
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

London: Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

9.Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,597 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $13Best value

Use your mobile ticket for a single Thames Clippers journey between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. Board or leave at any central or east-zone pier, enjoy indoor or covered outdoor seating, and see landmarks including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and Canary Wharf. This is public transport with sightseeing value, not a narrated river cruise.

“Great boat ride passing all the major from Greenwich Pier to Battersea Power Station. Keen staff, who were extremely helpful and knew all about the Viator voucher (they just scanned in the QR code on the quayside. Smooth trip on the rive. Good views from the huge windows and comfortable seats. Didn’t used the onboard cafe/bar but the staff were welcoming anyway.”

Check availability →Read our full review

London Eye River Cruise - Big Ben and Parliament from the water
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

London Eye River Cruise

10.London Eye River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,503 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $21

Board at London Eye Pier for a 40-minute circular Thames cruise with live commentary. You’ll pass Big Ben, Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Guides such as Paul, Hannah, Ian, and Mitch add humor and useful London stories. Sit upstairs early for the best views.

“It's a great way to get some of the history plus insights into checking out things you might otherwise not have considered. We would have missed Shakespeare's Globe and not gotten to see Midsummer Night's Dream had we not taken the tour. Paul was a great tour guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option - What you see from Westminster to the Tower
Attraction Tickets in London, Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tickets, Tour Reviews

London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option

11.London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,431 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Cruise from the London Eye Pier past Big Ben, St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London with live commentary, then ride the 135-meter London Eye. The cruise time is fixed, but you can use the Eye ticket within 90 days, a useful cushion if rain or closing times disrupts your plans.

“Great experience. Access to both the River Cruise and the London Eye was super fast. The staff was very attentive and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames - Waterloo and the London Eye: handy, but check the pier
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

12.Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,256 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Use a 24-hour City Cruises pass to ride the Thames between Westminster, Waterloo near the London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich piers. Sit in the heated saloon or open air, listen to recorded or app-based commentary, and hop off for sights along the way. Check the final sailing before you go, as the service can be limited later in the day.

“Smooth and easy; informative overview; easy access, polite staff and comfortable trip. Live commentary was excellent”

Check availability →Read our full review

Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York - York’s landmarks from the River Ouse
Boat Trips, Tour Reviews, York Tours

Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

13.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,256 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $20

Cruise the River Ouse from King’s Staith for about 45 minutes, passing views toward York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, the city walls, old mill buildings, bridges, pubs, and riverside parks. A captain provides live commentary, with Andy often praised for humor and clear storytelling. Sit on the open deck or inside, and buy drinks or snacks onboard.

“Stress free, for all ages, easy to find, clear commentary and value for money. Clean and well organized.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise - The waterfront views reward a seat by the window
Boat Trips, Liverpool Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise

14.50-Minute Mersey River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,232 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $17

Cruise from Pier Head around the Mersey for about 50 minutes, with views of Liverpool’s waterfront, Wirral, Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool, and both cathedrals. Scan a QR code for digital commentary, bring headphones, and arrive 20 minutes early for the hourly departure.

“Lots of information given , we were lucky enough to have beautiful September weather that day which made it even more enjoyable”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal - Turning at Westminster for Parliament and Big Ben
Boat Trips, Boat Trips in London, London Tours, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

15.Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 994 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Cruise west from Tower Pier toward Westminster while enjoying a two-course lunch, panoramic indoor seating, commentary, and views of the Tower of London, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. The boat returns to Tower Pier after about 90 minutes. Vegetarian meals require advance notice.

“Well worth the experience enjoyed the trip and the meal was delicious. Would be nice if fellow passengers respected the commentary”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Boat Trips

★ 5.0PRIVATE HIRE SPEEDBOAT ‘TOWER RIB BLAST’ – 20 minutes from Tower Millennium Pier33 reviews
★ 4.0Naval College + Painted Hall + Uber Boat: One Way TripFrom $3015 reviews
★ 5.0PRIVATE HIRE SPEEDBOAT ‘THAMES BARRIER EXPERIENCE – 70 minutes from Embankment87 reviews
★ 5.0PRIVATE HIRE 45 min Speedboat Tour – Embankment/Westminster Pier55 reviews
★ 4.5Overnight Lake District with Cream Tea and Cruise from LondonFrom $7707 reviews
★ 3.5London Murder Mystery Dinner CruiseFrom $1539 reviews
★ 5.0Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard & Thames Boat RideFrom $2724 reviews
★ 4.5Luxury Paris Day Trip from London with Seine River Lunch CruiseFrom $47420 reviews
★ 4.0London to Dublin by Ferry and RailFrom $1,14115 reviews
★ 3.5London Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Optional Thames River cruiseFrom $5739 reviews
★ 5.0Changing of Guards, Big Ben, Tower of London, Beefeaters & CruiseFrom $13043 reviews
★ 4.5Highlights of Royal London Bike Tour with River Cruise PackageFrom $7625 reviews
★ 5.0Your Own Boat!15 reviews
★ 4.0Lake District – Rail Tour from London with Cream Tea and CruiseFrom $46075 reviews
★ 3.5Paris Tour via Eurostar, with Seine Cruise and TravelcardFrom $33315 reviews

Keep browsing

River Cruises50Punting Tours11Shore Excursions30Afternoon Tea19Dinner Experiences12
Scroll to Top

Where next in England

Start from a city, a castle or a pair of boots.

Stone and crown

CastlesRoyal PalacesStonehengeCathedralsMuseums

On foot

Walking ToursJack the RipperGhost WalksHistorical ToursTreasure Hunts

On the water

River CruisesBoat TripsPuntingCruise-Port DaysHop-On Hop-Off

Eat and drink

Food ToursAfternoon TeaHistoric PubsMarketsGin Distilleries