Blog (See the sights by boat: London’s best experiences on the water)
Wednesday, 31, July 2019
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- London
See the sights by boat: London’s best experiences on the water
From traditional tours to alternative ways to stay afloat – these are the best ways to see London by boat
If you think London can only be explored by tube, train or car, then think again. The capitals vast waterways provide the perfect path to marvel at some of the cities most iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben and the Shard. Don’t forget your camera!
Thames Clippers
The easiest way to get from A to B, all while taking in the very best of the architecture aligned with London’s riverbanks. Thames Clippers services stretch as far as Putney all the way to Woolwich Arsenal, giving riders the opportunity to spot some of the finest London landmarks without even having to leave their seats. Those wanting to experience the sights up close can purchase a River Roamer ticket for hop-on, hop off-travel – otherwise just purchase a ticket at the kiosk or tap your Oyster card and spend an hour snapping the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the towering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
via Visit London
Afternoon Tea on the Thames
Jump aboard an Afternoon Tea cruise to make your tour of the Thames even more memorable. Your ticket includes a 1.5 hour river cruise, a selection of sandwiches, mini pastries and scones served with clotted cream and jam plus unlimited tea and coffee, or upgrade to the champagne package for something extra-special. The cruise departs daily from Tower Pier.
via City Cruises
Floating Hot Tub
While the Skuna boats may not take you on a traditional tourist route (they depart from Angel or West India Quay), they’re certainly a unique way to experience London on the water. Perfect whatever the weather, the self-driven hot tub boats are heated to a balmy 38 degrees and can hold up to 7 people. Guests can hire the whole boat or join on a guided trip where trained tour guides will lead the journey down the canal, while you sit back, relax and enjoy the bubbles (and the view!).
via Skuna
Tate Boat
Want to experience both the Tate Britain and Tate Modern in one day? With both galleries offering a range of eclectic exhibitions and installations, avoid the tube and the traffic and travel effortlessly by the Tate’s exclusive boat. Operating daily, the boat runs every 20-30 minutes during gallery opening times for an effortless transition between two of the capitals must-visit galleries.
via Time Out
Thames Rockets
One for the adrenaline junkies, Thames Rockets offers the chance to experience London at high-speed. As part of the fifty-minute Ultimate London Adventure, riders will travel from the London Eye pier for 50 min, taking in the iconic sights from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. The boat travels up to 35mph, speeding through the water as the experienced tour guides provide historical background and comedic commentary to the tour.
via Virgin Experience Days