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Thames River Evening Cruises

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Last minute availability.
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Best deals & discounts
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TL;DR

  • Cruise option: 2-hour cruise focused on sunset views and illuminated skyline. A sophisticated, non-dinner social alternative.
  • Routes: Central Thames loop, passing illuminated landmarks.
  • Boats & seating: Modern vessels featuring both open-air decks for views and climate-controlled interiors. Seating is reserved at communal tables.
  • Boarding hubs: Tower Pier 
  • When to book: Weekend sailings sell out quickly, especially during summer. Arrive at the pier 15–20 mins before the scheduled time.
  • Good to know: Includes canapés and a welcome glass of sparkling wine; additional drinks are available for purchase. Cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.

What to expect on an evening cruise in London

Tower Bridge and The Shard at sunset on the Thames River, London.
Canapes and champagne on a table during Sydney New Year's Eve dinner cruise.
Aerial view of the Shard and Tower Bridge at night, London, for Thames Cruise and Shard tour.
Vocalist performing for guests on a Christmas cruise.
Guests enjoying evening drinks on the Thames River Cruise with London skyline in the background.
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Elegant boarding & welcome

Step aboard at central piers like Tower Pier. Settle into your comfortable, reserved seating as the crew greets you with a glass of chilled sparkling wine, setting a sophisticated tone for your Thames River evening cruise.

Gourmet canapés & ambience

Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared canapés and appetisers served directly to your table. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city streets outside.

Glide past illuminated landmarks

Witness the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower of London bathed in golden light. Seeing the landmarks from the unique river perspective at twilight is an unparalleled visual treat.

Live entertainment & music

Many Thames River evening cruise options include live music, often featuring a jazz band or singer. This adds a vibrant backdrop to your dining and sightseeing experience, elevating the evening's ambience.

Sparkling return under the stars

The return journey showcases the bright lights reflecting on the dark water. Enjoy a final drink from the bar (at your expense) as you cruise back, concluding your relaxing and memorable night out on the river.

Things to know before booking a Thames River evening cruise

  • Booking in advance is essential: The sunset and evening cruises are extremely popular, especially on weekends and in the summer. They often have fixed boarding times (6:15pm for a 6:30pm departure). To secure your spot, particularly if you want a seat near a window or access to the upper deck, book online in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Inclusions: Your ticket includes a welcome drink (usually one glass of sparkling wine or a soft drink) and a selection of cold canapés/nibbles served throughout the two-hour sailing. Note that this is a tasting of canapés, not a meal, so don't board the Thames River evening cruise hungry! A cash bar is available for additional drink purchases.
  • Evening cruise vs. dinner cruise: The focus of the Thames River evening cruise is the ambience and views, including a welcome drink (sparkling wine or soft drink) and light snacks/canapés, and live music. In contrast, a dinner cruise is typically a longer, more expensive, plated three-course meal with formal table service, including dancing. Choose the evening cruise for a pre-dinner cocktail or a relaxing celebratory experience, and the dinner cruise for a full night out.
  • Boarding point and route: Most of the evening cruises depart from and return to Tower Millennium Pier, offering views of central landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament as the city lights up. Arrive at least 15-20 mins before the scheduled departure time, as the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.
  • Accessibility and age restrictions: Many specialised Thames River evening cruise boats, particularly those that offer a two-hour party-style atmosphere, are unable to accommodate wheelchair users due to boat design or pier access limitations at certain tides. Additionally, these cruises often have a minimum age restriction, typically 13 years old and above, making them less suitable for families with very young children. 

What you’ll see on a Thames River evening cruise

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London under a clear blue sky.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

The Neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster is dramatically floodlit against the twilight, while the clock faces of Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) glow brightly. The river provides the widest, most commanding view of this political heart of London.

London Eye with nearby buildings, viewed during afternoon tea experience.
HMS Belfast moored on the River Thames with Tower Bridge in the background, London.
Tower of London with Union Jack flag, view of historic architecture in London.
Tower Bridge illuminated at dusk in London, with city skyline in the background.

Plan your evening sightseeing cruise in London

Westminster Bridge and Big Ben illuminated at night on the Thames River, London, UK.

Boarding usually begins at 6:15pm, with the cruise departing promptly at 6:30pm and returning around 8:30pm.

Duration: The Thames River evening cruise is typically a 2-hour experience.

Best season/month: The shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer pleasant weather.

Best time to go

Tower Millennium Pier

Address: Lower Thames St, London EC3N 4DT, UK | Find on Maps

Getting there:

  • By Tube/DLR: The nearest stations are Tower Hill (District and Circle Lines) and Tower Gateway (DLR); both are a 5-min walk.
  • By rail: London Fenchurch Street Station is approximately a 10-min walk.
  • By car: Located near the Tower of London, drop-off is convenient, but parking is extremely limited and expensive; public transport is strongly recommended.
Get directions
Passengers view Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast from inside the Thames River Uber Boat.
  • Climate-controlled saloon: Comfortable, enclosed, and heated interiors in the main saloon, offering panoramic views.
  • Open-air deck: An outside upper deck is available for guests to capture sunset and illuminated skyline photos.
  • Live entertainment: Enjoy ambient live music (often jazz or acoustic) to enhance the sophisticated atmosphere.
  • Licensed bar: A fully stocked cash bar is available for purchasing additional drinks.
  • Restrooms: Fully equipped onboard restroom facilities are available for guest convenience.
  • Safety: The vessels are fully compliant with safety regulations, including life jackets and a professional crew.
Elderly man in wheelchair at a marina, pointing towards boats.
  • Many Thames River evening cruise vessels are modern and feature good access via ramps from the pier. However, some cruises often run on historic or smaller boats and are not wheelchair-accessible, due to narrow doorways and steps to the saloon and upper deck. 
  • Elderly travellers are advised to check directly with the operator regarding pier boarding conditions, as tide levels can create steep ramp inclines. 
  • Crew are generally trained to offer assistance for reduced mobility. 
Cruise boat on the Thames River with Westminster Bridge and London skyline in the background.
  • Dress code: Smart casual is highly encouraged (no flip-flops, leisurewear, or ripped jeans).
  • Minimum age: Guests must be 13 years or older; this is an adult-focused experience.
  • Baggage & food: Outside food, beverages, and large luggage or scooters are not permitted.

Tips and guidelines

  • Best seats & views: For the best photos of illuminated Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, position yourself near the front or rear of the top open deck. For an intimate conversation, choose a window seat inside. Cruising downstream (east) often gives you the best views of the South Bank and City skyscrapers on the left-hand (port) side.
  • Timing tips: Sunset cruises offer the most dramatic lighting. You catch the 'Blue Hour' when the sky is deep blue and the city lights are bright. Book your Thames River evening cruise 30 mins before the official sunset time to experience this magical transition.
  • Dress code: While formal black tie is rare, most evening cruises have a smart-casual dress code. Avoid flip-flops and athletic wear; think smart jeans, dresses, or collared shirts to match the sophistication of the sparkling wine and canapés service.
  • Tech tips: Onboard Wi-Fi may be patchy due to metal structures and speed. If you want to identify landmarks along your route, download a simple London river guide app to your phone before boarding your Thames River evening cruise.

Other types of Thames River cruises

Steak dish served on Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Cruise.

Lunch cruises

Enjoy London's famous skyline paired with a delicious two-course plated lunch. This cruise is perfect for a relaxed midday break, offering a great balance of sightseeing and dining without the evening commitment.

Book lunch cruises
Guests dining on Odyssey Lake Michigan Dinner Cruise at sunset.

Dinner cruises

Experience the ultimate romantic evening as London’s landmarks light up. Indulge in a four-course gourmet meal with live entertainment, transforming your sightseeing into a sophisticated night out.

Book dinner cruises
Afternoon tea setup with pastries and champagne on a cruise table.

Afternoon Tea cruises

Combine sightseeing with a classic British experience. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, pastries) while gently gliding past Parliament and Tower Bridge in the afternoon light.

Book Afternoon Tea cruises
Uber Boat on Thames River passing Westminster Palace, London.

Uber Boat

Travel the river like a Londoner. These high-speed commuter boats offer a practical, efficient, and cost-effective way to hop between key piers while enjoying scenic views.

Book Uber Boat tickets

Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River evening cruises

How long does a standard London evening cruise last?

Most standard sightseeing cruises last between 40 mins (one way, central zone), whereas the Thames River evening cruise typically runs for a fixed duration of 2 hours.

What’s the difference between a daytime sightseeing cruise and an evening or sunset cruise in London?

Daytime cruises focus on historical commentary and transport efficiency, while a Thames River evening cruise offers romantic, illuminated views of the city, often including premium features like sparkling wine and live music.

Is live commentary or an audio guide included on all evening cruises?

While live or recorded commentary is standard on most daytime tours, the Thames River evening cruise often substitutes it with live entertainment (like jazz) to enhance the sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.

Is seating assigned or first-come, first-served on the Thames evening cruises?

Seating is generally first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving slightly early to secure a prime spot near the windows or on the open deck for the best views on your Thames River evening cruise.

Are drinks other than sparkling wine available on the evening cruise?

Yes, the onboard bar on the Thames River evening cruise is typically fully licensed, offering a selection of beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks available for purchase throughout the journey.

Is there a dress code for the Thames River evening cruise?

While formal wear isn't required, guests usually opt for smart-casual attire. Dressing up a little enhances the elegant atmosphere of the premium Thames River evening cruise experience.

Can children join the Thames River evening cruise?

Many evening cruises welcome children, but due to the focus on sparkling wine and a late schedule, policies vary. Always check the specific cruise operator's age restrictions before booking.

Do I need to book my Thames River evening cruise in advance?

Yes, spaces for this premium experience are limited and highly popular, especially on weekends. Booking your Thames River evening cruise well in advance is strongly recommended to guarantee your spot.

Thames River Cruise
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