Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Palace of Westminster/Houses of Parliament
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Tower Bridge
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Thames River
Photos & Highlights
- Embark on a captivating journey along the Thames where you’ll step off the riverboat to discover London’s iconic landmarks on an intimate guided walk.
- Learn about London's history and development as you view landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, and City Hall from the riverboat.
Select a date
Tour Description
Picture yourself aboard a classic riverboat, the cool breeze of the Thames providing a delightful respite from the heat of the city. Here, each bend of the river reveals a chapter of the city’s epic history, and your expert guide sits beside you like an old friend ready to reveal London’s storied past and vibrant present.
This amphibious tour offers a unique vantage point of London’s iconic landmarks all while diving deep into the lesser-known stories that have shaped this global metropolis.
Begin on dry land, exploring the London Wall and the city’s oldest church, All Hallows by the Tower. Explore the area near the Tower of London and Tower Bridge before boarding the Clipper Riverboat to travel downstream to Westminster.
Disembark for a stroll by Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster, and Big Ben, gaining fascinating insights into each location’s pivotal role in global history.
Reboard the Clipper to make your way back to Tower Bridge, completing a loop of the most important locations on both riverbanks. View and discuss St. Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and City Hall from the water and uncover the role of the Thames in British Imperial history as you go.
Join us for an enlightening adventure that goes beyond traditional tourism. Immerse yourself in the city with a local by your side and discover a richer, more intimate London. Here, you don’t just pass by landmarks–you connect with them in profound, memorable ways.
Experts
- You want a different vantage point of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy an unobstructed view of London from the Thames with no jockeying amid throngs of tourists for a good look at the sites.
- You’re interested in architecture and would like to view the city’s architectural diversity from the water, enjoying everything from Edwardian elegance to modernist designs.
- You’re returning to London and want a different perspective of the city.
- All Hallows by the Tower
- Tower of London
- Palace of Westminster
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Tate Modern
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Tower Bridge
Tickets
Will you pre-purchase tickets for the Thames clipper?
Yes. We'll pre-purchase a 'River Roamer' ticket (valid for 24 hours) for each participant. Your guide will have the tickets on hand.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this tour:
- A lightweight jacket will keep you comfortable against the breeze and any surprise drizzles, especially in the winter, spring, and fall.
- A little pre-trip prep can help you make the most of your experience. Check out our Top 10 Highlights for London before you go.
- A notebook or sketchbook is a great for jotting down interesting facts or sketching the passing scenery as you float along the Thames.
Will you pre-purchase tickets for the Thames clipper?
Yes. We'll pre-purchase a 'River Roamer' ticket (valid for 24 hours) for each participant. Your guide will have the tickets on hand.
How long will we spend on the boat on this tour?
There are two boat journeys in this tour, one Westward and one returning Eastward. Each journey takes around 20 minutes.
Is the boat we are going on private and will we be with other people?
The riverboat is not a private service but open to all, so you will not be alone during the trip.
Is the boat we are going on private and will we be with other people?
The riverboat is not a private service but open to all, so you will not be alone during the trip.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, and the boat is glass-covered. It also never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly expert guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible expert.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, all boats are wheelchair-, mobility scooter- and pram-accessible by ramp. All piers are wheelchair accessible except London Bridge City, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter, and Cadogan piers. Ramps are used for boarding.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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63 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Laura is wonderful, one of the best. She is informative, fun, and engaging, the perfect guide.
Thomas
Sep. 26, 2024
The Central London Highlights Tour with Chris was fantastic, and was a great orientation for the members of our family who are visiting London for the first time. Chris was filled with knowledge and he conducted the tour at a pace that worked for everyone in our group. The ride on the Thames was a great way to see the City from a different perspective and to also move our group efficiently. An excellent tour that I highly recommend!
Cynthia
Sep. 25, 2024
Sara was wonderful. She adapted the tour to our needs and wants. She couldn’t have been better.
Mary sue
Aug. 24, 2024
