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City Cruises

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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

River Thames Sightseeing Cruise - One Way

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

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City Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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City Cruises

Type: boat trip.

Tel: +44 (0)20 77 400 400

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City Cruises is the No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames! Our cruises depart every 40 minutes, every day of the week, all year round from pier locations at Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich.

SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off on adult and child 24h river pass tickets with City Cruises

Excl. family ticket. Book and travel from now until 24 th  of May. Book online with code  hop50 . Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and can be withdrawn at any time. Only valid online. 

City Cruises gives you the freedom to explore the many sights of the River Thames from four fantastic piers near popular attractions: Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich. It is the most convenient, picturesque way to travel between London landmarks.ake a quick hop between piers with a single ticket or take in a round tour with our 24h River Pass and make the most of our informative and entertaining live commentary. We also operate an hourly circular cruise from Tower – perfect for groups!  In addition, you can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, evening and dinner cruises.

For families, a Thames River cruise is the most relaxing way to see the sights, avoiding traffic and busy trains. Kids can get colouring sheet and pencils to keep them entertained, while parents can relax by sipping on a hot drink and snacks from our fully stocked bar.

Our fleet of boats are designed to give you the best vantage point of river life. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views either from open air upper deck or comfortable saloon. Our fleet of boats can also be privately chartered. And don’t forget our 3 Thamesjet boats, which stop harder and turn faster!

We have a different view of rush hour. Enjoy 50 minutes of sightseeing, speed and awesome aquabatics with  Thamesjet which starts at Westminster Pier, heads down to Tower Bridge and as we pass it to go towards Canary Wharf, it's full on pedal to the metal.

Tickets can be purchased at any of our piers, online at  https://www.cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises/   or call +44 (0)20 77 400 400.

24h River Pass

See more for less with our 24 River Pass, hop-on, hop-off sightseeing ticket!  24-hour tickets give you unlimited travel between the four piers. You'll enjoy the freedom of the river on our open deck riverliners with these great value tickets. Take in the views every inch of your journey with comfortable passage between our four piers. From £22.00 per adult, £14.75 per child (5-15) single ticket is £12.25 per adult.

The Family 24 River Pass is £42.00 and it’s ideal for families on a day out in London. Pay for two adults and up to three kids go free! Possibly the best value sightseeing ticket in town.

London’s No 1 Tour on the River  - The most convenient, picturesque way to travel between London landmarks. Make a quick hop between piers with a single ticket, or take in a round tour with a return and make the most of the informative and entertaining live commentary. From £12.25 per adult.

Sightseeing cruise plus tickets to top London attractions - Combine a City Cruises sightseeing tour with one of six top London attractions. All packages include an all-day, hop-on, hop-off 24h River Pass sightseeing tickets. You can bundle the 24-hour river sightseeing pass with tickets to any of the attractions on City Cruises website: London Eye, Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, the Tower Bridge and Greenwich attractions.

GROUPS Group bookings are available for sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and private hire; groups can benefit from discounts. We offer a sightseeing group discount. The 21st passenger goes free for sightseeing (same ticket type) with a maximum of up to 5 free tickets per group booking.

Many-times winner of Best Canal & River Boat Operator (Group Travel Awards).

PRIVATE HIRE

Choose London’s no 1 private boat hire on the Thames - City Cruises for your private event. We offer tailored experiences and full event catering all tied together with proven event management skills.  Read more

City Cruises -  Thamesjet  for the Kids – Go, Go, Go

Thamesrush - 50 unforgettable minutes as you experience high speed aquabatics. Stops harder, turns tighter, and nothing's faster - that's the Thamesjet speedboat for you. On the river you’ll see big landmarks on the sightseeing stage, then go speeding to the limits. Brilliant family day out. Slow it won't be…

Adults (+17):  £42.00, Child (Under 16 - Must be 1.35 metres (4 ft. 5in.) minimum in height): £32.00, Family (2a+2c age 16 & Under): £129, Private Group 12: £462

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• River Thames Cruises

Make the most of London's breath-taking riverside landmarks with a hop on hop off river pass. With unlimited access for 24 hours, London opens up so you can explore with friends and family at your own pace.

With a hop-on hop-off Thames river cruise you can join the boat tour at any of the four piers (loacted at Greenwich, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Westminster), with open passage on all City Cruises sightseeing boats for a full day spent exploring London's fantastic riverside views. Not only is it great value, but it's also a relaxed way to take in the sights without time pressure and avoid the busy streets of London.

Take your pick of an open upper deck or comfortable indoor saloon where you can enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and of course unrivalled views of London's iconic sights. There's so much to see and do along the Thames, with a hop-on hop-off ticket, London becomes your playground.

 Where to Meet:

• Westminster Pier
• London Eye Pier
• Greenwich Pier

UPON ARRIVAL -  When you arrive for your Hop on hop off cruise, please walk straight down onto the pier where you will be greeted by pier staff. Have your ticket ready to then be directed to your boarding point.

Average cruising time from one pier to the other is 40mins except from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier which is 10mins.

Please note: With the 24h hop-on hop-off ticket you can take your first trip at any time during the day and take as many trips as you like until the boats stop operating in the evening. When the boats resume operations on the next day you will then have until the same time to continue using the ticket.

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I just wanted to say a big thank you for hosting our summer party last Thursday. It was a huge success and we all really enjoyed it. Both times we have used your company we’ve been absolutely thrilled.

Gav the Dj was great as were the bar staff, caterers  and yourself.

Thank you very much again and I will recommend you to anybody wishing to hire a boat.

Register your email address to receive up to date information and details of our latest special offers.

• Thames Cruises
• New Year's Eve Cruise 2024/25

River Thames Cruises Unit 4a, Tower Workshops 58 Riley Road London SE1 3DG 020 7237 9111

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• London Afternoon Tea Cruise

RELAX WITH OUR LONDON AFTERNOON TEA CRUISE ON THE THAMES

There is no better way to see London by day, than on the London Afternoon Tea Cruise.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on a 1hr 30min cruise along the River Thames, past some of London’s most famous sights, with  commentary.

A traditional afternoon tea will be served to your table and drinks can be purchased from the bar.

This is a great way to see London by day. As we sail from Tower Pier, sit back and relax as we take you on a journey with commentary past all the famous sights along the River Thames - Tower Bridge, Big Ben, London Eye. With large panoramic windows, you'll have a great view as you tuck into a traditional afternoon tea. On a Friday, Saturday & Sunday a Weekend supplement applies. During High Season, prices will increase accordingly.

• 1hr 30min Thames River Cruise
• Selection of Sandwiches, Mini Pastries & Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
• Tea and Coffee

• Guaranteed Window Table
• Seats 2 people Only

We can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and Halal alternatives which must be pre-booked on the dietary requirements section during your check out process. Whilst we can accommodate food allergies, we cannot accommodate other ingredient substitutions. Please note that we cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contamination and therefore cannot guarantee the absence of allergens such as traces of nuts. Please note we must be informed of any dietary requirements at the point of booking or 72 hours prior to sailing. Dishes may vary from those shown due to seasonal availability of ingredients.

Most of the tables are located in the middle of the floor space and close to each other, with each table (or pair of tables) seating four people. Aisles separate them from the window tables, which seat two people only. There is a fully licensed bar on-board. There is a large open-top deck, where you can take in the 360 degree views of London's riverside landmarks. Please note that as part of the relaxed atmosphere of this cruise experience, your table may be situated in close proximity to other guests.

The cruise runs to a very strict timetable and unfortunately we cannot wait for any late arrivals. It is your responsibility to arrive at the pier in plenty of time for your cruise to avoid any disappointment. Please be advised that once the boat departs, it cannot return to the pier to collect passengers, and refunds will not be offered in such circumstances.

Tower Pier, London, EC3N 4DT

Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, just click on the down arrow to reveal the answer. Our Thames Dinner Cruise team are on hand if you require any further information or need help with booking - please call us on 0203 551 3942, phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 09.00 - 17.30.

• Cancellation Policy Tickets are non-refundable unless Ticket Refund Protection has been added. Protect your booking from the unexpected with Ticket Refund Protection, which allows you to recover 100% of the paid ticket price. With Ticket Refund Protection, you can apply for a refund in the event of: Accident, injury, or illness including COVID-19. Severe weather preventing travel to the venue. Travel delays due to breakdown or public transport breakdowns & strikes. Plus much more! For full terms & conditions on Ticket Refund Protection please visit - https://securemybooking.com/terms/uk/ Click (+) Add Ticket Refund Protection button during checkout, as you cannot add Ticket Refund Protection to your order after you have paid. We reserve the right if necessary, for reasons beyond our reasonable control, to cancel or amend the booking in any way, but we will not in such circumstances be liable for any loss, damages or other expenses whatsoever incurred by you due to such substitution, or cancellation or amendment.
• Amendments Any changes or amendments will incur a £10 admin fee. You can amend the date within the below notice periods: 01 - 10 guests - 5 working days 11 - 20 guests - 16 working days 21 - 55 guests - 30 working days 56+ guests - 60 working days
• Dress Code Casual
• Accessibility Not all of our vessels have been designed or adapted for passengers in wheelchairs. If you intend to travel on a vessel which has not been so designed or adapted, you must satisfy yourself as to its suitability before embarking. When travelling on any vessel not adapted for wheelchair access, if you use a wheelchair you must bring enough helpers to enable you to make your journey safely including getting on board the vessel and leaving it at your destination. Even on vessels designed or adapted for wheelchair access it may not be possible for you to sit in a wheelchair at a table and, for reasons of safety, you may be asked to move from your wheelchair into a fixed seat, in which case the wheelchair will be stowed in a safe place. Under no circumstances must wheelchairs obstruct any access to safety and lifesaving equipment, gangways, stairs or passageways.
• Smoking Smoking is permitted on the top deck in the open area.
• Child Policy Up to 12 years - Child Ticket
• Inclement Weather The Cruises operate regardless of the weather unless in conditions of poor visibility. The Captain will make the decision on the day if the cruise will not operate. You will be informed of your options on the day if this affects you. Our vessels are closed in so you will not be affected by wind, snow or rain.
• How to Book To book; please click the “BUY NOW” button on your preferred package and follow the online booking process. Full payment is required at the time of booking. Once you have completed the booking process you will receive an automated booking summary via email. You will receive your Boarding Confirmation in a separate email. Your booking is not confirmed until you receive your Boarding Confirmation which will specify the boarding times and pier location and will need to be shown on arrival at the boat. Boarding Confirmation will be sent within 72 hours of making the booking Monday - Friday. Bookings made over the weekend and bank holidays will receive the Boarding Confirmation on the next working day. Your boarding confirmation will state the schedule and pier location. Please check your boarding confirmation carefully and inform us immediately if anything is incorrect. You will need to take your boarding confirmation and present it on arrival at the pier in exchange for your boarding pass.

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At Hornblower, we value our crew members as much as our guests. Whether working on deck or in the office, we share the same commitment that inspires us to create unforgettable memories every day for our guests and for each other. Committed to creating amazing experiences? You might be just who we’re looking for!

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24h Hop-On Hop-Off River Pass | City Cruises™

Book your attractions with us and save more, our piers along the thames.

Westminster Pier

With the iconic House of Parliament and Big Ben as your backdrop and some royally magnificent landmarks a short stroll away. Westminster Pier is the perfect place to start sightseeing:

• House of Parliament
• Big Ben Clock Tower
• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Horse Guards Parade
• Whitehall and Downing St
• Trafalgar Square
• The National Gallery

London Eye Pier

We sail in and dock beneath The London Eye-looking up from the water, it couldn’t be more impressive. This is where you explore the South Bank river walkway that’s buzzing with fun things to see and do:

• The London Eye
• Sea Life London
• London Dungeon
• National Theatre
• Royal Festival Hall
• IMAX Cinema
• Southbank Centre
• Shrek’s Adventure London

In the heart of the City, next to London’s most legendary and notorious tourist attraction, the Tower of London, is Tower Pier.It’s surrounded by historic and supremely modern attractions on and off the water:

• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• St Katherine’s Dock
• HMS Belfast
• St. Paul’s Cathedral

Greenwich Pier

All aboard at Royal Greenwich an incredible World Heritage Site. Arriving and departing by boat really is the only way to do it. This is where one of Britain’s most famous ships lives alongside fascinating museums, an eclectic market and more:

• National Maritime Museum
• Queen’s House
• Old Royal Naval College
• Painted Hall
• Royal Observatory
• Greenwich Market

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Other Sightseeing Cruises and Tickets

About our river thames sightseeing cruises.

Our captains provide entertaining commentary, shedding new light on both the history and modern life of this fascinating city. Sit on our spacious open upper deck or in comfortable indoor saloons, you’re guaranteed a panoramic view of London’s best sights including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, South Bank and more.

Our Hop On Hop Off Thames sightseeing cruise will take you from point A to B with comfort and in style.

We have 4 strategically located piers at Westminster, Tower, London-Eye, and Greenwich, that allow easy access to all the main riverside attractions while ensuring less of your sightseeing time is spent waiting at a pier.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please ensure you check our up-to-date timetable schedule as times may vary throughout the year.

When you arrive for your cruise please walk straight down onto the pier. Where you will be greeted by our pier staff, have your ticket ready to be then directed to your boarding point.

Where does the cruise stop?

Where can i find the timetable.

Click here to see all  Thames sightseeing cruise FAQs

Do you provide commentary on the cruise?

We provide a free live or recorded commentary in English on each Sightseeing cruise.

Do your cruises have foreign language audio-commentary available?

If you have group of more than 20 we ask you to contact our reservation department to reserve the audio guides in advance. Please phone our reservation department on +44 (0)20 77 400 400 or  [email protected] .

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