What is the best London river cruise to take with children?

Exploring London from the water offers a unique and captivating perspective on the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. For visitors and locals alike, embarking on one of the best London river cruises can be a highlight of any trip to the capital. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely sightseeing cruise or an adrenaline-pumping speedboat ride, the Thames has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll navigate through the best boat tours London has to offer, from traditional voyages past famous sights to unconventional experiences that reveal the city’s hidden stories. Join us as we set sail to discover the diverse range of river experiences that make London’s waterways a must-explore attraction with children.

Traditional sight-seeing river cruises

Good for:

• Comprehensive sightseeing and informative commentary
• Lots of different options

Bad for:

• Flexibility – they operate on fixed schedules

Traditional sightseeing river cruises remain a popular way to explore London from the water. These leisurely voyages offer a comprehensive view of the city’s riverside landmarks, combining comfort with historical insights.

Where are they and where do they go?

Most traditional river cruises operate along the central stretch of the Thames, typically between Westminster and Greenwich. Common departure points include piers near popular attractions like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Westminster. Many cruises offer round trips, while others provide one-way journeys with the option to disembark at various stops.

Traditional sightseeing cruises are ideal for first-time visitors to London, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed and informative introduction to the city’s riverside attractions. They offer a classic way to see London’s skyline and learn about its rich history. There are a variety of providers and options available. Visitors can choose a cruise that best fits their interests, schedule, and budget.

Kids will be thrilled to board a large boat and pass under the various bridges of the Thames. As the cruise progresses, children can play ‘I spy’ with London’s iconic landmarks, spotting famous sights like the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, or the London Eye. For many kids, a river cruise becomes a memorable part of their London experience, offering a unique perspective on the city and a welcome break from exploring on foot.

Operators of sightseeing tours include:

• City Cruises – City Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing tours along the Thames, departing from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich. Thames cruises vary from 10-80 minutes for a single trip or up to 24 hours of river travel with a 24-hr river pass. City Cruises is known for its live English commentary and multilingual audio guides (via app for non-English commentary). City Cruises’ boats are equipped with both indoor saloons and open upper decks, providing options for all weather conditions.
  
• Thames River Sightseeing Cruises – Thames River Sightseeing offers a range of cruises departing from Westminster Pier, Tower Bridge Butler’s Wharf Pier, and Greenwich Pier. Their most popular route runs between Westminster and Greenwich, lasting approximately one hour each way. These cruises feature live commentary from knowledgeable guides, providing insights into London’s history and landmarks. Alternatively, try their two day, hop on hop off ticket which allows visitors to explore attractions at their own pace.
  
• London Eye River Cruises – London Eye River Cruises offer a circular sightseeing tour that departs from and returns to the London Eye Pier. These cruises last approximately 40 minutes, providing a quick yet comprehensive view of central London’s riverside landmarks. The live English commentary provided by specialist guides, offers insights into London’s history and architecture. These cruises are designed to complement a visit to the London Eye itself. Combination tickets are available for those who want to experience both attractions. The relatively short duration makes these cruises an ideal option for visitors with limited time or families with young children.

Terrible Thames River Tour

Good for:

• Entertaining and educational
• Fans of Horrible Histories
• Those who want a brief cruise

Bad for:

• Anyone visiting outside of certain times of the year – the tours only run during certain school holidays (usually spring/summer holidays)
• Flexibility – with specific departure times, it offers less flexibility than some other river transport options
• Those who aren’t fans of toilet humour

The Terrible Thames tour offers a wickedly entertaining twist on the traditional London river cruise. Created by the team behind the popular Horrible Histories series, this voyage takes passengers on a macabre journey through the city’s gruesome past. It blends humour with history for a uniquely engaging experience.

What is the Terrible Thames River Tour and where does it go?

The Terrible Thames is a 45-minute boat tour that sails from Tower Bridge Quay. It passes iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, London Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Houses of Parliament. Instead of focusing solely on these well-known sights, the tour delves into the darker, often overlooked aspects of London’s history associated with these locations.

Unlike standard sightseeing cruises, the Terrible Thames tour is a theatrical experience. Professional actors narrate the journey, bringing to life the gory, gross, ghastly, and ghostly tales of London’s past. The focus is on entertaining storytelling rather than straightforward historical facts. It will be particularly appealing to families and history enthusiasts with a taste for the macabre.

While it may not provide the comprehensive overview of a traditional cruise, it offers a uniquely entertaining way to explore the city’s history from the waters of the Thames.

The Terrible Thames tour is a surefire hit with children, offering a perfect blend of education and entertainment that appeals to young, curious minds. The interactive elements of the tour, including sound effects and the actors’ engaging performances, keep children involved throughout the journey.

The Terrible Thames tour turns what could be a standard sightseeing trip into a thrilling voyage through time, sparking children’s imaginations and potentially igniting a lifelong interest in history.

RIB tours

Good for:

• Excitement
• A unique perspective
• A smaller group experience

Bad for:

• Amenities on board
• Exposure to the elements
• The wallet

For those seeking an adrenaline rush along with their sightseeing, RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours offer an exhilarating alternative to traditional Thames cruises. These high-speed boat rides combine the thrill of a water sport with a whirlwind tour of London’s riverfront landmarks.

What are RIB tours and where do they go?

RIB tours typically depart from piers near central London attractions, such as the London Eye or Tower Bridge (depending on operator). These powerful boats zoom along the Thames, covering a route that often extends from Westminster to Canary Wharf or even further to the Thames Barrier. Some tours also venture into the Docklands area, providing a unique perspective on London’s maritime history.

Unlike leisurely river cruises, RIB tours are all about speed and excitement. These boats can reach speeds of up to 35 knots (about 40 mph). They create a wind-in-your-hair experience that’s a far cry from the gentle pace of traditional sightseeing boats. The tours often include dramatic twists, turns, and acceleration bursts that add to the thrill.

Children with a taste for adventure will find RIB tours an exhilarating and unforgettable experience on the Thames. The high-speed journey is akin to an aquatic roller coaster ride. Thrilling twists, turns, and bursts of acceleration are sure to elicit squeals of delight. Kids will love the wind rushing through their hair and the spray of water as the boat zips along the river. The smaller size of RIBs allows for a more intimate experience, giving children a front-row seat to the action and a closer look at passing landmarks.

The tour guides often tailor their commentary to engage younger audiences, mixing in fun facts and jokes that appeal to children. For many kids, the RIB tour will be a highlight of their London visit, offering a perfect blend of sightseeing and adventure that creates lasting memories.

Operators of RIB tours include:

• Thames Rockets – Offering sightseeing tours departing from the London Eye Pier and speed tours from Bankside Pier, these bright red speedboats combine breathtaking acceleration with expert commentary for a unique Thames experience. They offer a variety of tour options lasting between 50 to 80 minutes.
  
• Thames RIB Experience – Departing from Embankment Pier and Tower Millennium Pier, these sleek yellow and black boats provide a unique way to view the city’s landmarks. The company offers various tour options, ranging from 20-minute sprints to longer 70-minute voyages that extend to the Thames Barrier.

Uber boat

Good for:

• The budget-conscious
• Those who want flexibility (there’s no need to book)

Bad for:

• Commentary
• Constant cruising – this is public transport so there are frequent stops

While traditional river cruises offer guided tours and sightseeing experiences, London’s Uber Boats provide a unique alternative for those looking to navigate the Thames. Operated by Thames Clippers, these high-speed catamarans serve as part of London’s public transport system. They offer a practical yet scenic way to travel along the river.

What are Uber Boats and where do they go?

Uber Boats are regular river bus services that run from Putney in the west to Barking in the east. They stop at major piers along the Thames, including popular locations like Westminster, London Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich. These sleek vessels operate throughout the day, with more frequent services during peak hours.

Unlike traditional river cruises, Uber Boats are primarily a mode of transport rather than a guided tour. There’s no commentary on board, and passengers are free to hop on and off at different piers. This allows for a more flexible, self-guided experience of the river and its attractions.

While Uber Boats may not offer the full tourist experience of a traditional river cruise, they provide a practical and flexible way to see London from the water. They’re particularly suited to those who want to combine sightseeing with getting from A to B, or for repeat visitors looking for a different perspective on the city.

Children are likely to find the Uber Boat experience both exciting and engaging. The sleek, modern catamarans offer a thrilling ride along the Thames. The speed of the boats provides a sense of adventure that kids often love. The outdoor deck areas allow kids to feel the wind in their hair and watch the city’s landmarks whizz by. Children will be fascinated by the boat’s agility as it manoeuvres through the water, and they’ll enjoy the novelty of using a boat as a mode of transport. While not specifically designed as a tourist attraction, the Uber Boat’s practical nature can actually add to its appeal for children, offering them a taste of what it’s like to commute on the river like a true Londoner.