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Whet your Appetite for London on a Thames River Cruise
Published by Angela Jill, Writer
Country: United Kingdom 
The Experience
London is a city of overwhelming options. There is so much to see and do that you could spend a year here and not even scratch the surface of its possibilities. From the busy, colourful markets, to the crazy, nighttime party scene and everything in between, it can be difficult to make up your mind about how to allocate your time when you're visiting London, England. A Thames river cruise is a great way to catch a glimpse of many of the main attractions and perhaps whet your appetite for a more in depth look at some of the other things you can see and do in the city.
The tour guides are one of the selling features of a cruise on the River Thames. Quintessentially English with a great sense of humour seem to be the qualification necessary to get the job of a River Thames tour guide. They deliver in-context information so obscure that most Londoners don't even know it, and they will have you laughing out-loud as they impart their lifetime of knowledge about London and its famous river.
Many of these Thames river boat cruises depart from Westminster Pier, from where you can see the most iconic London monuments, like the parliament buildings and Big Ben on the north side, and the London Eye or Millennium Wheel on the South. Just west of the London Eye is a Dali elephant to mark the entrance to the Dali Universe, but this won't be here for long as it is relocating. Westminster Bridge is fun to watch as well, as it is always crowded with city dwellers trying to speed past meandering tourists, with open-air tourist buses crossing over the bridge, and foreign ladies trying to sell little flowers to passers-by.
As you cruise east on the River Thames you can see a lot of city life on either side. Lots of great restaurants, including some of the best English chains, are full of people on terraces, and those avoiding the showers by huddling under entranceways. Street performers also line the Southbank, a sort of English version of Las Ramblas. On the north side you can catch a glimpse of the tiny but shiny flame at the top of the monument, a tribute to the great fire. The best views of the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral are also from the River Thames or from the ultra-modern Millennium Bridge that you'll pass under. This is just the beginning of what you'll see as you take your river cruise, which are available rain or shine, necessary in London, and give you glimpses at London that you could have from no other vantage point.
The tour guides are one of the selling features of a cruise on the River Thames. Quintessentially English with a great sense of humour seem to be the qualification necessary to get the job of a River Thames tour guide. They deliver in-context information so obscure that most Londoners don't even know it, and they will have you laughing out-loud as they impart their lifetime of knowledge about London and its famous river.
Many of these Thames river boat cruises depart from Westminster Pier, from where you can see the most iconic London monuments, like the parliament buildings and Big Ben on the north side, and the London Eye or Millennium Wheel on the South. Just west of the London Eye is a Dali elephant to mark the entrance to the Dali Universe, but this won't be here for long as it is relocating. Westminster Bridge is fun to watch as well, as it is always crowded with city dwellers trying to speed past meandering tourists, with open-air tourist buses crossing over the bridge, and foreign ladies trying to sell little flowers to passers-by.
As you cruise east on the River Thames you can see a lot of city life on either side. Lots of great restaurants, including some of the best English chains, are full of people on terraces, and those avoiding the showers by huddling under entranceways. Street performers also line the Southbank, a sort of English version of Las Ramblas. On the north side you can catch a glimpse of the tiny but shiny flame at the top of the monument, a tribute to the great fire. The best views of the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral are also from the River Thames or from the ultra-modern Millennium Bridge that you'll pass under. This is just the beginning of what you'll see as you take your river cruise, which are available rain or shine, necessary in London, and give you glimpses at London that you could have from no other vantage point.
When to Go to Thames River
The best time to cruise down London's Thames River is when the sun is shining! In the past few years, the late spring and summer has been beautiful, and May through September would be the best months in which to see London.
The temperature is pleasant, rain occurs less frequently, and the nights are perfect for wandering and cruising as well. Wear a jacket or sweater with a hood, as being in the open air is the best way to experience a Thames River cruise.
The temperature is pleasant, rain occurs less frequently, and the nights are perfect for wandering and cruising as well. Wear a jacket or sweater with a hood, as being in the open air is the best way to experience a Thames River cruise.
Odds n' Ends
Thames river boat tours can be purchased in a package deal with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city, which often runs at about £20. The Big Bus Company is an example of this, and there are also many tour operators that offer a hop-on hop-off boat service or a dine and cruise experience.
After your Thames river boat tour you might decide to visit the Tower of London, visit the Tate Modern, or get a bottle of champagne in the Oxo Tower restaurant to enjoy the river from a different angle. Whatever you decide, and whatever your experience, it is a great way to become better acquainted with London.
After your Thames river boat tour you might decide to visit the Tower of London, visit the Tate Modern, or get a bottle of champagne in the Oxo Tower restaurant to enjoy the river from a different angle. Whatever you decide, and whatever your experience, it is a great way to become better acquainted with London.
Want a Guide?
- Big Bus Tours
- One of the many hop-on hop-off sight seeing bus tours that has a river cruise included in the price.
Places to Eat
- Oxo Tower Restaurant
- A very trendy, beautiful restaurant. Amazing views. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on food, share a bottle of wine.
- Wagamama
- A chain that has locations all over London, including the southbank of the river. Japanese inspired, great food and great value.
- Giraffe
- An English chain, this restaurant has food inspired from all around the world. This restaurant is good for those on a budget, has a great, relaxed environment, great service and good food.
Places to Stay Nearby
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The Premier Inn London Southwark is located in London making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town.The Premier Inn London ... 0 miles away
$86 GBP+
The Kings Wardrobe is a prestigious new residential developement featuring contemporary and stylish apartments. Located within easy walking distance of the city's financial center in ... 0 miles away
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More Experiences Nearby
- Enjoy Radical Ingenuity at London's Tate Modern Museum
- London is a long-standing magnet for talented artists from around Europe and further afield; and the city's Tate Modern is consistently voted among the continent's top modern art galleries. Innovatively housed in the former Bankside Power Station, located along the River Thames' South Bank district, the Tate Modern provides a cavernous, dynamic space for international modern and contemporary exhibitions. The Tate Modern is ideally placed for anyone staying in the old town district (known as the City of London area) where you'll find St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and London Bridge. Just take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge ...0 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Windsor Castle Your tour starts at the home of the Royal Family for 900 years, and the world's largest and oldest occupied castle. Windsor Castle's ...1.26 miles away via London.
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Stonehenge - Private Viewing Most visitors to Stonehenge are not allowed direct access to the stones. On this special tour, you'll be invited to enter ...1.26 miles away via London.
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
London Eye The British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel, with views over London from more than 442 feet (135 meters) in ...
Starting from $31.56 per person.
Starting from $31.56 per person.
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Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Top picks: London’s must-dos - NST.com (blog)
- London Calling - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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