England · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in England

57 tours  ·  from $14 a head

The 15 best boat trips you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise - The Thames cruise and the 48-hour extras
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in London

London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

1.London Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 10,803 reviews · 3 hours 35 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Use a 24 or 48-hour Big Bus pass to see London by double-decker bus across three routes. Ride past Buckingham Palace, Westminster, St. Paul’s, the Tower, Notting Hill, and the British Museum. The 48-hour option adds three walking tours and an evening panorama. A one-way Thames cruise is included with 24 and 48-hour tickets.

“Worth every penny saw so much of London drivers so friendly and helpful. The busses were frequent with no waiting”

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London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise - The north-central route: museums, stations, and Covent Garden
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in London

London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

2.London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,834 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $53

See London from an open-top double-decker bus on three routes linking Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Tower, museums, Notting Hill, and King’s Cross. Use the app to track buses, plug in the audio guide, and add a Thames sightseeing cruise valid for the same period as your pass. A guide named Leon has also led especially engaging departures.

“This is a really good way to get to see landmarks and areas of the city. It's convenient to get off to walk around and get back on later to continue the tour. An audio track is available to plug into, and headphones are provided. We opted for the river tour as well, and the commentary provided by the boat operator was entertaining. He also made an effort to speak slowly and clearly for people who were unfamiliar with the language/accent or who had trouble hearing. Much appreciated!”

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Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Tour : Guided Tour with Boat Ride - Royal Parks After Dark
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Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Tour : Guided Tour with Boat Ride

3.Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Tour : Guided Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,212 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Meet near Green Park Station for a 2.5-hour evening walk through Berkeley Square, royal parks, and St. James’s Palace stories, then take a 25-minute Thames cruise toward Tower Hill. Guides such as Marvin, Arne, Murray, Eddie, and Martin bring different levels of energy, so expect a mix of ghost lore, London history, and nighttime sightseeing rather than a theatrical scare show.

“There’s a lot of walking in the dark, but our guide Murray was very captivating in recounting the many stories he shared. You will see many iconic buildings throughout the tour, a great appetizer for future in depth visits.”

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Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London - From Big Ben to the London Eye
City Tours, City Tours in London, Cruises & Boat Tours, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in London, Westminster Abbey & Parliament Tours

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

4.Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,969 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $22

Sail east from Westminster Pier to Greenwich in about an hour, passing Big Ben, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Live commentary adds history and humor, while a return ticket lets you explore the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory, and Greenwich Market before sailing back.

“Excellent guide He gave over the sights in an enjoyable way with good knowledge of sights we passed by”

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Gray Line London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise - Start with the central sights at the London Eye
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Gray Line London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

5.Gray Line London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,064 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $32

See London by open-top bus on Red, Blue, and Orange routes, with audio commentary in 12 languages, Wi-Fi, and a Thames boat ride included with the 24-hour ticket. You can pass Buckingham Palace, the Tower, St. Paul’s, Westminster, Notting Hill, and more. Live guides such as Mark, Tim, and Mike may appear on selected Blue routes.

“Very crowded and we had to sit down in the bus. Harder to see the attractions BUT it was rainy so less chance of getting wet.”

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London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River - Westminster Pier and the first look at London
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London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

6.London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,772 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Spend about three hours cruising from Westminster Pier toward the Thames Flood Barrier and back. You’ll receive a welcome drink, a set three-course dinner, live music, and time to dance. The route passes the London Eye, St. Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Tower of London.

“We had the most amazing time! The staff, the food, the views, the music! All terrific! We range in age from teen to oldish lady and all enjoyed it!”

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London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option - St. Paul’s Cathedral rewards the interior visit
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London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option

7.London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,678 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $177

Spend about nine hours seeing London’s major sights by coach and on foot with a Blue Badge guide. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, watch the Changing of the Guard when scheduled, then cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster. An optional London Eye ticket is set for around 6:30pm.

“Tour was good. But much was not explained and you were left on your own. Should have asked more questions before I booked.”

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London: Uber Boat - Single Journey River Thames Cruise - Choosing your pier and direction
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London: Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

8.Uber Boat – Single Journey River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,597 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $13Best value

Use one Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket for a single journey between Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. You can board or leave at any pier in the Central and East zones, passing the London Eye, Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and more. This is transport with fine views, not a guided sightseeing cruise.

“It was an amazing time spent there with my family and friends and hoping to go back again anytime soon”

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London Eye River Cruise - Big Ben and Parliament set the tone
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London Eye River Cruise

9.London Eye River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,503 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $21

Board at London Eye Pier for a 40-minute circular cruise with live commentary. Guides such as Paul, Hannah, Ian, and Mitch point out Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Arrive early for a better upper-deck seat.

“Very enjoyable tour, our guide Josh was very entertaining and gave us so many interesting facts during the tour. Only downside is you can’t stand on the upper deck so you have to sit inside if you don’t get there early enough but it’s still a great view as you can open the windows. Would definitely recommend.”

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London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option - Continue east to St. Paul’s and the City
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London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option

10.London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,431 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Start at London Eye Pier for a 40-minute Thames cruise with live commentary from guides such as George, Mitch, or Amelia. See Big Ben, St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and more, then ride the London Eye within 90 days of your cruise for wide city views. The Eye ticket is flexible, but the cruise time is fixed.

“It’s a must do in London. But disappointing we were with a very rowdy inconsiderate family. The views we could see were amazing.”

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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames - Westminster Pier: the classic starting point
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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,256 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Use a 24-hour City Cruises pass to explore London from the Thames, boarding at Westminster, Waterloo near the London Eye, Tower Pier, or Greenwich. Sit in the glass saloon or open air, hear onboard commentary, and hop off for sights such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Greenwich. Boats run from 10am until the last sailing.

“Was only brief trip at 4pm from Tower Hill to Westminster. Nice weather and great commentary. But ticket said was for 24hrs but disappeared on Viator site next day so could not use. Not good if sold as 24hr ticket.”

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Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York - Beyond the landmarks, the scenery becomes quieter
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Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

12.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,256 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $20

Cruise the River Ouse from King’s Staith for about 45 minutes, with views of York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, city walls, bridges, pubs, and riverside parks. A live captain’s commentary adds local history and humor. Choose an open-air or indoor seat, and buy hot or cold drinks on board.

“The app sent us to the wrong meeting spot on the wrong side of the river! We missed our boat but they were very accommodating and let us take a later boat. The tour was very nice and a relaxing way to see some of the city!”

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Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise - The outward run: Liverpool’s waterfront from the river
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Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise

13.50-Minute Mersey River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,232 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $17

Board at Pier Head for a 50-minute sightseeing loop along the Mersey. You’ll see Liverpool’s waterfront, Wirral, Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool, and both cathedrals from the water. Digital commentary is available by QR code, so bring headphones and a charged phone. Ferries leave hourly.

“Lots of information given , we were lucky enough to have beautiful September weather that day which made it even more enjoyable”

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Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal - The westbound route: London’s biggest sights in one sweep
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Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

14.Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 994 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Cruise west from Tower Pier toward Westminster while enjoying a two-course lunch in a cozy indoor saloon. You’ll pass the Tower of London, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, HMS Belfast, and Big Ben, with commentary and time on the upper deck. The boat returns to Tower Pier after about 90 minutes.

“Fantastic service fantastic views from the river For the short period of time spent on the boat so much information was passed on to us”

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Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames - Tea service with sandwiches, scones, and cakes
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Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

15.Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 884 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Board at Tower Millennium Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea cruise west along the Thames. You’ll have a guaranteed table, unlimited tea or coffee, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and live or recorded commentary. Panoramic windows provide city views from every seat, with time on the open-air deck after tea.

“The afternoon tea exceeded expectations. Every table had a window seat. Table were set with linen tableclothes - elevating the entire experience. The finger sandwiches and mini patries were devine. Highly recommend!”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.5Transfer London to Southampton Cruise Terminal (extra luggage)From $9781 reviews
★ 4.5Private London Departure Transfer – Hotel / Accommodation to Cruise PortFrom $12177 reviews
★ 4.5Heathrow To Southampton Cruise Port Transfers110 reviews
★ 4.5Central London to Southampton Cruise Port Private transfers128 reviews
★ 4.5Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds CastleFrom $21062 reviews
★ 4.0Transfer to the Cruise ports from your London accommodationFrom $109174 reviews
★ 5.0River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant DiningFrom $131201 reviews
★ 5.0Cruise Wells Next The Sea on Historic RNLI and Dunkirk Veteran LifeboatFrom $243199 reviews
★ 4.0London Roundtrip Thames Cruise Uber Boat by Thames ClippersFrom $29182 reviews
★ 4.0Crown Jewels of London Tour with River CruiseFrom $157176 reviews
★ 4.0IFS Cable Car + Uber Boat Hop-On Hop-Off 1 Day River PassFrom $50186 reviews
★ 4.0Evening ‘Happy Hour’ Boat Cruise For All Ages In YorkFrom $20243 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Sailing Experience Day with Champagne and Lunch or DinnerFrom $220220 reviews
★ 5.0Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including CruiseFrom $104235 reviews
★ 4.0Fully Flexible Thames River CruiseFrom $19239 reviews

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