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Thames River visitor essentials: What to know before you go

Organising your visit 

  1. Top attractions  
  2. How to get there
  3. More things to do  
  4. Where to eat  
  5. Where to shop  
  6. Local tips

Plan your visit to the River Thames

The Thames River is the lifeblood of London, defining the city’s geography, history, and modern life. Your experience can be a fast-paced sightseeing tour or a leisurely exploration of riverside paths and towns. The river itself serves as an efficient transport route, making it easy to cover many highlights in one day.

thames river cruise

Travel logistics

The primary way to visit the Thames River sights is via the water. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (River Bus) offers frequent services from Putney to Barking Riverside. These ferries accept Oyster/contactless payments and are faster than road transport during peak hours. Sightseeing cruises offer guided commentary and hop-on, hop-off tickets. For the best sequencing, take the River Bus from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier, then work your way back, seeing sights at your own pace.

Plan your day

Quick visit (2–3 hrs):

  • Thames River Cruise (40-60 mins) for photos of the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London.
  • Walk the South Bank from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge.

Half day (4–5 hrs):

  • Hop-on, Hop-off Thames River cruise from Westminster to Greenwich.
  • Explore Greenwich attractions (Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum).
  • Take the Emirates Air Line cable car for a view over the River Thames and the Thames Barrier.

Full day (6+ hrs):

  • Start the day with a trip to the historic Windsor Castle near the upper Thames River.
  • Return to London for an afternoon sightseeing cruise through the city centre.
  • Finish with a dinner cruise on the Thames River to see the city skyline and bridges illuminated at night.

Handy tips

  • Tickets: Purchase a London Pass to cover both the River Bus and sightseeing cruises. Book dinner cruise and themed event tickets well in advance.
  • Best times: Arrive at major piers (like Westminster) before 10:30am to beat mid-day queues. The late evening is the best time to see the Illuminated River project light up the bridges over the River Thames.
  • Pro tip: Use the River Bus as a primary form of transport. It is often faster and always more scenic than the London Underground for east-west journeys, allowing you to visit Thames River landmarks seamlessly.
  • Respect: The Thames River is an active waterway with strong tides, especially in the city. Never attempt to swim in the tidal river, and always follow the directions of the pier and boat staff for your safety.

Top sights and attractions to visit on the Thames River

Big Ben under construction, Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Bridge viewed from the London Eye, London, UK.

Tidal Thames River

Experience the vibrant heart of the city, flowing past the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

River Thames view from Waterside Gardens, London, featuring Tower Bridge and the Shard in the distance.

Thames River Path National Trail

Walk or cycle along Europe's longest riverside trail, offering miles of tranquil countryside upstream from London.

Windsor bridge over the Thames with Windsor Castle in the background.

Windsor and the Upper Thames

Explore the towns and picturesque landscapes of the non-tidal Thames River, highlighted by Windsor Castle.

Thames Barrier on the River Thames with London skyline in the background.

Thames River Flood Barrier

Admire this immense modern engineering feat designed to protect London from dangerous tidal surges from the North Sea.

Know before you book your Thames River experience

  • Guided cruise vs. DIY river bus: Are you prioritising detailed history or fast transport? Guided sightseeing cruises provide live or audio commentary at landmarks, ensuring you don't miss a thing. DIY River Buses (like Uber Boat by Thames Clippers) are faster transport with minimal commentary, ideal for getting between attractions efficiently.
  • Time commitment: Non-stop sightseeing cruises typically last 40 mins to 2 hours, offering great photo opportunities without stopping. A Hop-on, Hop-off (HOHO) ticket allows you to spend as much time as you like at major piers, turning your visit to the Thames River into a full day of exploration.
  • Accessibility & comfort: Most modern cruise boats on the Thames River are wheelchair and pram accessible. However, check pier accessibility, as a few (like Cadogan Pier) can be challenging at low tide. For a comfortable and sheltered experience, dining cruises or slower sightseeing boats are better suited for elderly travellers or those with young children than high-speed River Boat tours.
  • Experience type: Choose a Thames River cruise based on the desired atmosphere: a scenic Afternoon Tea cruise, a high-speed adventure, or a luxurious 3-hour dinner cruise with live entertainment.

Getting to the Thames River

Thames River with view of the Shard and cityscape in London.

The best way to visit the Thames River landmarks is with a curated cruise.

River cruises offer expert commentary, panoramic views, and convenient hop-on, hop-off options, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the main attractions hassle-free. Dinner and themed cruises offer a unique evening experience.

Time: 40–120 mins
Cost: $$-$$$ (depends on dining/duration)
Pros: Best views, expert insights, no planning needed
Cons: Less flexible than hop-on tours

Uber Boat on the River Thames with the Houses of Parliament in London.

The quickest way to travel along the central Thames River is by high-speed River Bus.

Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, these services are a commuter and tourist favourite, providing fast, frequent, and traffic-free travel. It’s an efficient way to visit the Thames River areas like Greenwich and North Greenwich.

Time: 20–60 mins
Cost: $ (Oyster/Contactless accepted)
Pros: Fast, frequent, avoids road traffic, scenic
Cons: No live commentary on regular service

Book Uber Boat
London Underground train at a busy station platform.

The London Underground (Tube) and National Rail easily connect you to piers along the River Thames.

Most major tourist attractions on the Thames River are steps from a Tube or train station. Use Transport for London's network to reach Westminster, Tower Hill, or Embankment piers quickly and reliably.

Time: Varies (Tube/Rail from all London zones)
Cost: $ (Standard TfL fares apply)
Pros: Reliable, high frequency, connects everywhere
Cons: Can be crowded during rush hour

Get directions
River Thames view from Waterside Gardens, London, featuring Tower Bridge and the Shard in the distance.

Experience the tranquil side of the Thames River by walking the dedicated Thames Path.

The Thames Path is a National Trail following the entire river, offering a peaceful, flat, and free way to enjoy the river's scenery. It's perfect for a relaxing day trip or an extended walking holiday away from city crowds.

Time: Unlimited; easy to pick up/drop off
Cost: Free
Pros: Free, flexible, peaceful, excellent exercise
Cons: Slower than transport, requires good weather

More things to do along the Thames River (if you have the time)

Thames Barrier structures on the River Thames in London during sunset.
National Maritime Museum entrance in London with neoclassical architecture.
Tower Bridge in London at night
Hampton Court Palace with fountain in foreground on private tour.
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Thames Barrier

A flood defence structure protecting London. Visit the exhibition centre for engineering insights and views where the River Thames meets the sea.

Greenwich

Take a boat ride down the River Thames to Greenwich. Explore the historic clipper ship, the Cutty Sark, and delve into Britain's naval past at the National Maritime Museum.

Illuminated River Project

Book an evening cruise to witness the world's longest public art commission. Nine central London bridges are spectacularly lit in synchronised, environmentally-friendly LED light displays as you visit the River Thames.

Hampton Court Palace

Travel further up the non-tidal Thames River to explore King Henry VIII’s grand palace. A perfect full-day excursion showcasing the river's royal connections outside central London.

Where to eat near the Thames River

Good food is part of the London experience. Here are a few spots near the Thames River where you can enjoy great views, authentic British cuisine, and excellent value.

Grilled chicken with potatoes and salad at Medieval Dinner Show.

The Anchor & Hope

High-quality gastropub famous for its creative, seasonal British menu.

Where it is: Near Waterloo and the South Bank [View on map →]
Cuisine: Modern British/Gastropub
Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 (Google)
Price point: £££ (mid-range/upscale)
Must-try: Anything from the daily specials chalkboard

Borough Market entrance with visitors exploring food stalls in London.

Borough Market stalls

The Thames River’s best food market, offering global cuisine and fresh produce.

Where it is: Adjacent to London Bridge and Southwark Cathedral [View on map →]
Cuisine: Global street food, produce, cheese, baked goods
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5 (Google)
Price point: £ (budget/mid-range)
Must-try: Gourmet cheese toastie or a fresh oyster shuck

Fish and chips served on a wooden board during a London food tour.

Mayflower Pub

A historic riverside pub with a cosy atmosphere and a deck overlooking the water.

Where it is: Rotherhithe, close to Canada Water Tube station [View on map →]
Cuisine: Classic Pub Grub (Fish & Chips, Pies)
Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5 (Google)
Price point: ££ (mid-range)
Must-try: Sunday Roast

Where to shop near the Thames River

Stack of books in Uffizi book shop, Florence, Italy.

Southbank Centre Book Market

A quirky book market nestled beneath Waterloo Bridge, offering second-hand gems, rare books, and prints near the River Thames.

Gabriel's Wharf view of Thames River and London skyline from Queen's Walk, Great Britain.

Gabriel's Wharf

A small, colourful collection of independent shops and designer studios near the South Bank, perfect for unique crafts and art souvenirs.

Greenwich Pier on the Thames River with historic buildings and Cutty Sark ship.

Greenwich Market

The most historic covered market near the Thames River, known for its arts, crafts, antique vendors, and diverse street food options.

Tips from locals for your Thames River visit

  • Mind the tide: The Thames River is tidal! The water level can drop significantly at low tide, making some smaller piers temporarily inaccessible. Check the tides if you plan to explore the foreshore (mudlarking).
  • Best views are at sunset: Book a late afternoon River Bus or cruise. As you visit the Thames River, you’ll see the city’s major buildings transition from golden hour light to the dramatic floodlights of the evening.
  • Avoid the Tube, take the boat: During rush hour (7:30am–9:30am and 5pm–7pm), the River Bus is often faster and always less stressful than the packed London Underground for cross-city trips.
  • Don't try to swim: Despite significant cleanup efforts, swimming in the Thames River is highly discouraged due to strong currents, commercial traffic, and potential health risks.
  • Thames Path extends: If you want a peaceful escape from the city, use the Thames River Path to walk west towards Richmond or Kew Gardens; it becomes quieter and greener quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the River Thames

Can I walk along the entire length of the river?

While you can't walk the entire 215 miles, the Thames Path is a designated National Trail running 184 miles from the river's source in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in East London. It's well-marked and open to the public for continuous walking in many sections, especially within London.

Is it safe to walk along the Thames Path at night?

In central London, the path is generally well-lit and busy, making it quite safe. However, in less central or more remote areas, lighting may be minimal, so it's always best to walk with a companion or stick to well-known areas, especially after dark.

Can I swim in the Thames River?

Swimming is strongly discouraged, and generally illegal, in the tidal sections of the river, especially in Central London. The water is polluted, and there are severe dangers from strong currents, heavy boat traffic, cold temperatures, and floating debris. Organized swimming events occur only in highly controlled, non-tidal, upstream sections.

How do I check river conditions (tides and flow)?

The Thames is tidal (meaning the water level changes dramatically) up to Teddington Lock. This is critical for waterside visitors. You should check the tide times (available via Port of London Authority or various apps) before visiting a foreshore area. Low tide exposes the mud and artifacts; high tide can completely submerge steps and paths.

Can I search for historical items (mudlarking)?

No, not without a license. Searching for or removing anything from the foreshore (the mud exposed at low tide) is known as mudlarking. It requires a specific permit from the Port of London Authority (PLA) due to the archaeological importance and safety concerns of the area. Casual searching for finds is illegal.

What should I wear if I go near the foreshore?

If you plan to walk on any of the steps leading to the river or just enjoy the views at low tide, wear sturdy shoes or boots—never flip-flops or open-toed shoes. The foreshore mud is slippery, and broken glass or metal can be exposed.

Where are the best places to view the Thames in London?

The South Bank offfers continuous, iconic views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral. Greenwich Park provides a magnificent elevated view of the Thames snaking through East London, with Canary Wharf as a backdrop. Walking across the Tower Bridge offers fantastic, close-up views of the Tower of London and the City skyline.

Can I cycle the Thames Path?

No. The Thames Path is primarily for walkers. Cycling is generally not permitted on the official route in urban areas, though dedicated cycle paths often run parallel to the river. Check local signage.

Do I need to book my cruise tickets in advance?

For sightseeing/hop-on hop-off cruises, advance booking is recommended to save time and often money, but tickets can generally be purchased on the day at the pier ticket office. For special cruises (e.g., Dinner, Afternoon Tea, or high-speed boats like Thames Lates), booking well in advance is essential as capacity is limited.

How long does a Thames cruise take?

Short sightseeing (one-way) between major piers (e.g., Westminster to Tower Pier) takes about 30-40 mins. Long sightseeing, from Westminster to Greenwich takes about 60 mins. Dining/Speciality cruises typically last between 2 and 3 hours.