London is a fantastic city for boat tours, with plentiful waterways and lots of tour operators providing a variety of different experiences. If you’re planning a trip to London this Spring, these are some of the very best boat tours to try…
Tate to Tate
This boat trip runs every 40 minutes and connects the two Tate galleries in London. There’s plenty to see in both locations, so whether you’re an art fan or simply want to see something a little different, this is a great option while staying at Montcalm at the Brewery.
Thames Rockets
If high-octane boat travel is your kind of thing, then taking a trip on one of the ridged inflatable boats available via Thames Rockets should provide plenty of entertainment! High-speed journeys on the Thames don’t get much more thrilling than this. Simply book online at the official website and show up at the London Eye Millennium Pier 20 minutes before your designated departure time.
Each traveller will be handed the items needed to make the most of the tour, including a waterproof jacket, goggles and a life jacket, before setting off on the water to Canary Wharf. This is ideal for adrenaline junkies and is a fun, unique London pick for thrilling adventures on the water.
City Cruises Day Cruiser
This hop-on, hop-off boat tour by City Cruises is a great way to see the city while travelling along the Thames. There’s audio commentary during your trip to help illuminate some of the city’s history, and the tour covers key areas such as Westminster, Tower Bridge, Waterloo and Greenwich Pier. By purchasing a day rover ticket, you have access to a full 24 hours of travel.
There are also tickets for return and single journeys available for those seeking to make just one boat trip while staying at the Royal London House by Montcalm. The same operator also offers an evening boat tour onboard the London Showboat, as well as a range of lunch and afternoon tea cruises which are very popular during the Spring and Summer months.
Thames Clipper
A river bus which offers daily trips between Woolwich and Vauxhall, the Thames Clipper visits a number of London’s piers. When special events are happening at the O2 Arena, there is also a shuttle service which takes visitors directly to the venue. For those who want to find out more about the city while they travel, there is a tour guide on-board and an app available for download, providing added commentary on all the sights. This is a great idea for spending the day exploring with a difference before heading off for dinner or drinks at Hankies Marble Arch.
London Waterbus Company
If you’d rather stick to a different stretch of water, then the London Waterbus Company offers a fantastic series of boat trips which snake down the Regent’s Canal and pass areas like Little Venice, Regent’s Park and London Zoo. There’s no option to book in advance, so ensuring you get a place is a case of good luck and timing. Each tour leaves Regent’s Canal at around midday, so if you’re fortunate enough to get a place in the queue, you’ll soon be well on your way to seeing this delightful part of London in more detail this Spring.
