The Thames has shaped London for centuries, with many of the city's most iconic landmarks lining its banks. Cruise past the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge while discovering how the river influenced Britain's monarchy, trade, and maritime history.
Must-see historical landmarks
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Palace of Westminster & Big Ben
The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the UK Parliament, while the adjoining Elizabeth Tower houses the famous Big Ben bell.
- Why visit: An iconic symbol of British democracy and Gothic Revival architecture.
- Look out for: The riverside façade is best appreciated as your cruise departs or approaches Westminster Pier.
Tower of London
A forbidding 11th-century fortress and former royal palace, prison, and treasury.
- Why visit: The river provides the best overall view of its massive stone walls and the notorious Traitor's Gate, used for bringing in prisoners.
- Pro-tip: Look out for the famous ravens in the inner ward; legend holds that the kingdom will fall if they ever leave the Tower.
Tower Bridge
Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is London's famous bascule bridge, designed to lift for passing ships. Its twin towers have become one of the city's defining landmarks.
- Why visit: One of the world's most recognizable bridges and an icon of Victorian engineering.
- Look out for: The bridge is at its most impressive as your boat sails directly beneath it.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, topped by one of the world's most recognisable domes.
- Why visit: Its dome dominated the city skyline for centuries, symbolising London's resilience after the Great Fire of 1666.
- Pro-tip: The river offers the ideal distance to capture a photo of the dome perfectly framed against the backdrop of the modern City skyscrapers.
Cutty Sark (Greenwich)
The fastest sailing clipper ship of its time, now a centrepiece of London's maritime history.
- Why visit: This beautifully preserved vessel represents the pinnacle of 19th-century naval architecture and the age of tea trading.
- Pro-tip: Hop off at Greenwich Pier; the ship is designed so you can walk directly underneath the copper hull, a must-do while sightseeing on the River Thames.
HMS Belfast
A World War II light cruiser permanently moored as a floating museum on the South Bank.
- Why visit: It is the largest surviving Royal Navy cruiser and offers a tangible link to British military history.
- Pro-tip: It is docked directly across from the Tower of London, offering a unique "past meets modern warfare" pairing for your sightseeing on the River Thames.
Old Royal Naval College Colonnades
The spectacular Baroque architecture of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece in Maritime Greenwich.
- Why visit: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Painted Hall inside and a symmetrical view of the Queen's House.
- Pro-tip: Hop off at Greenwich Pier to walk through the famous twin buildings and up to the Royal Observatory for the Prime Meridian.
Westminster Abbey
A soaring Gothic masterpiece and the coronation church of the British monarchy, seen from London's historical artery.
- Why visit: Get a panoramic perspective of its scale and architectural details, showcasing its prominent position within the Houses of Parliament complex.
- Pro-tip: Capture the Abbey in context with the Palace of Westminster and the surrounding cityscape. Late afternoon light can illuminate the stone beautifully.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
The historic seat of time, dramatically perched above the bends of the Thames.
- Why visit: It is home to the Prime Meridian (0∘ Longitude), defining global time (GMT) and navigation.
- Pro-tip: Viewing it from the river, particularly as you approach Greenwich, offers a spectacular perspective of its elevated position within Greenwich Park and its classical architecture. Try to catch it at sunset for the most dramatic lighting.
Shakespeare's Globe
This reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse celebrates the legacy of William Shakespeare on London's South Bank.
- Why visit: One of London's most famous cultural landmarks and a faithful recreation of a 16th-century theatre.
- Look out for: Its distinctive circular shape and white timber exterior.
Tate Modern
Occupying the former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is one of the world's leading museums of modern and contemporary art.
- Why visit: An architectural landmark as well as one of London's most visited museums.
- Look out for: The building's tall brick chimney overlooking the Thames.
