London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

If you’re looking for a way to see London’s most famous landmarks from a fresh perspective, this river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich might just fit the bill. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear that it offers a solid, enjoyable experience—especially if you like seeing the city from the water.

What really stands out are the breathtaking views of landmarks like Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the Houses of Parliament—all from a comfortable boat. Plus, the informative commentary, often described as funny and engaging, adds a layer of enjoyment that makes the journey feel more lively and personal. However, a minor consideration is that the trip lasts about an hour, so if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration or a longer experience, this might feel a bit quick.

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a cost-effective, scenic introduction to central London. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate a friendly, informal vibe and enjoy getting their sightseeing from a boat rather than just walking around. If you’re traveling with family or prefer a flexible schedule, the ability to hop on and off at Greenwich could be a real plus.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $22, this cruise offers good value for the views and experience.
• Great Views: See London’s iconic landmarks from the Thames with panoramic open deck options.
• Fun and Informative Commentary: The guides are often praised for their humor and knowledge.
• Flexible Itinerary: One-way or round-trip options, plus the ability to explore Greenwich afterward.
• Family Friendly & Accessible: Suitable for most travelers, including those in wheelchairs.
• Skip-the-Line Convenience: Ticket includes priority boarding, saving you time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at Westminster Pier, a central and easily accessible location, perfect for combining with other sightseeing plans in the heart of London. From there, you hop onto a modern boat with a traditional touch, perceived as spacious and well-organized. Many reviewers mentioned the comfortable, spacious vessel, making the short trip enjoyable even if you’re not used to boat travel.

The Journey and Sightseeing Highlights

As you cruise downstream, you’ll pass by some of London’s most recognizable structures. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben come into view early, offering a classic shot for your camera—especially if the weather is clear. Next, you’ll see the iconic London Eye, which adds a modern contrast to the historic backdrop.

Traveling under Millennium Bridge, you get a close-up view of Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the atmosphere. The guide’s commentary, often sprinkled with humor, points out these landmarks and shares tidbits that make the sights more meaningful. One reviewer mentioned that the commentary was hilarious and informative, enhancing the overall experience.

Moving Under Tower Bridge and Beyond

Passing under Tower Bridge is a highlight—many reviews note how exciting it is to watch the bridge open, especially if you catch it at the right moment. The boat then continues past the Tower of London and towards the financial district at Canary Wharf. This stretch is less historic and more contemporary, showing the city’s business side.

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Arriving in Greenwich

The journey culminates at Greenwich Pier, a charming area packed with attractions. The advantage of a one-way cruise is the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Many visitors mentioned they enjoyed wandering Greenwich Market, visiting the Cutty Sark, or exploring the Royal Observatory. The walkable distance from the pier to these sights makes it a relaxing extension to your day.

Return Options and Flexibility

You can choose to stay in Greenwich and catch a later boat back, or take the round-trip option—offering a neat 2-hour experience if you prefer to see everything in one go. The reviews highlight the good length of the trip, which balances sightseeing without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Views

Seeing London from the Thames provides a perspective you simply can’t get on land. The landmarks line the riverbanks, and from an open deck, you get unobstructed, sweeping vistas. Reviewers loved the panoramic views of London’s skyline, mentioning how the boat’s open deck allows for excellent photo opportunities, especially of Tower Bridge and The Shard.

The Commentary

The guides are often described as knowledgeable, funny, and engaging, which makes the journey more than just a boat ride. Several reviews mention the humorous, witty commentary that keeps everyone entertained. It’s a friendly approach that appeals to all ages, making the experience especially good for first-time visitors.

The Price-to-Value Ratio

At roughly $22, this cruise is considered excellent value—especially given the number of landmarks you see and the quality of the commentary. For many, the price was right for a quick, fun way to take in London’s sights without the hassle of walking or public transport.

The Slight Downsides

While most reviews are glowing, a few pointed out areas to consider. One reviewer mentioned that the payment for the bar was only cash, which is a bit inconvenient in today’s digital age. Also, the cruise duration—about one hour—might feel a bit short for those wanting a more in-depth experience. Some reviews noted that the exact cruise times can vary, so planning around a fixed schedule might need some flexibility.

Accessibility and Comfort

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus. The spacious design and standard modern comfort level make it suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring a charged smartphone to access the downloadable audio guide in six languages.
• Arrive early to skip the lines, as your ticket gets you straight onto the boat.
• Check the schedule beforehand, as cruise times can vary.
• If you plan to explore Greenwich, leave some extra time for visiting sites like the market, Cutty Sark, or the observatory.
• Consider bringing some cash if you plan to buy drinks or snacks on board.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing, especially if you want to spend time on the open deck—London weather can be unpredictable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of London’s key sights. It’s also perfect if you’re on a budget and looking for an activity that combines sightseeing with entertainment. If you enjoy informal, engaging guides and don’t mind a short ride, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

Travelers with small children, especially those under five, will find this suitable since kids under five can join for free. However, anyone seeking a long, in-depth tour or a more luxurious experience might want to look elsewhere. The focus here is on fun, informative, and budget-friendly sightseeing.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Westminster to Greenwich river cruise offers a solid, enjoyable way to see London from the water. The combination of breathtaking views, lively commentary, and good value makes it a popular choice—and with thousands of reviews praising it, there’s a good reason why. It strikes a balance between being accessible, fun, and informative, making it suitable for most travelers wanting a taste of London’s riverside charms.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic introduction to London or simply want to enjoy the city from a different angle, this cruise is a great pick. Just remember to plan ahead for timing, bring your phone for the audio guide, and maybe stash some cash for onboard purchases. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable experience that can add a memorable chapter to your London visit.

FAQ

Is this a one-way or round-trip cruise?
You can choose between a one-way journey from Westminster to Greenwich or a round-trip. The one-way option lets you explore Greenwich at your leisure before catching a later boat back.

How long does the cruise take?
A one-way trip from Westminster to Greenwich lasts about an hour. The total duration can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you choose the round-trip option.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
Expect views of the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Canary Wharf, Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most travelers with mobility needs.

Can I use the audio guide on my phone?
Absolutely. The downloadable audio commentary is available in six languages and can be accessed on your smartphone, providing a richer experience.

Do I need to arrive early?
It’s recommended to arrive a bit early to skip lines, as your ticket includes skip-the-line boarding, saving you time at the pier.

Are children under 5 allowed to join?
Yes, children under five can join the cruise for free, which makes it family-friendly.

What should I bring?
Bring a charged smartphone to access the audio guide, and consider bringing cash if you want to buy drinks or snacks on board.

This river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich is a straightforward, affordable way to enjoy London’s sights from a new angle. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor, it’s a relaxing way to take in the sights and learn a little along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: