River trips · THE UK

UK River Cruises: 15 Sailings to Choose From

34 sailings  ·  boarding from $14 a head

The 15 best uk river cruises you can book, with what each costs, how long you are aboard and who it suits. Number one leads for a reason; start there.

London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise - What you see between Westminster and Embankment
London River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London: Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

1.Westminster to Tower Bridge River Thames Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,127 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $18Our pick

Board at Westminster Pier for a 25 to 30 minute Thames cruise past Parliament, St. Paul’s, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, and Tower Bridge. You get live English commentary, open-deck views, a bar, and an optional return trip. The return requires changing boats at Butler’s Wharf Pier.

“The best part was the guide!! He is so funny. I wish it was longer so I can listen to him more. anyway, the tour was great ❤️”

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London: London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour - The bus routes cover the famous London postcard views
Hop-On Hop-Off River Boats, London River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, UK River Cruises

London: London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

2.London Eye, River Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,332 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $74

Use one ticket for a 24 or 48-hour Big Bus pass, a timed London Eye ride, and a one-way Thames cruise between Westminster and Tower Pier. You can explore three bus routes, hear multilingual commentary, track buses in the app, and add guided walking tours with the 48-hour option.

“We used the hop-on hop-off during the Underground strike. Although the drivers couldn’t get you from point A to point B quickly they were incredible in assisting you and worked well past the scheduled end time of 18:00.”

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Manchester: Canal & River Cruise - Old Trafford from the Manchester Ship Canal
Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

3.Canal & River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,638 reviews · 1 hour · from $16

Board beneath the blue and white Millennium Lift Bridge by The Lowry Theatre for a one-hour English-language cruise from Salford Quays. You’ll pass MediaCity, Old Trafford, Pomona Docks, Stephenson’s 1830 railway bridge, and Hulme Lock while onboard commentary explains Manchester’s industrial past and changing future. Indoor and outdoor seating, a toilet, and light refreshments are available.

“The activity was really good, relaxing and very educational. Would recommend.”

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Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River - The Three Graces from the water
River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River

4.Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,153 reviews · 1 day · from $17

Board a traditional Mersey Ferry at Liverpool Pier Head for a 50-minute round trip past the Three Graces, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Wirral shore. Use free audio commentary in 10 languages, bring headphones, and buy drinks or snacks at the onboard café. The ferry runs hourly and is wheelchair accessible on its main deck.

“commentary was not keeping up with what we were viewing, all in all a great trip”

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High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London - Shakespeare’s Globe and the Thames from the water
London River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

5.High-Speed Thames River Speedboat in London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,971 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Join a skipper and guide for a 50-minute Thames speedboat ride from London Eye Pier. A maximum of 12 people see Big Ben, St Paul’s, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and Canary Wharf, with lively commentary, British music, and speeds up to 30 knots.

“So fast!!! This blew us away - so much better than expected - FUN and some bonus historical facts along the way.”

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London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket - Boarding at the London Eye Pier
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London: Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

6.Thames River Cruise with Optional London Eye Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,900 reviews · 45 minutes - 1.5 hours · from $20

Board beneath the London Eye for a 40-minute circular Thames cruise toward Tower Bridge and back. An English-speaking guide such as Mitch, George, Josh, or Emma brings the landmarks to life with facts, jokes, and photo cues. Choose covered or sun deck seating, then add a London Eye ticket if availability suits your plans.

“Really enjoyable (and informative!) trip. The guide was very interesting and funny, can really recommend this.”

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London Tootbus Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise - Use the Buckingham Palace and Kensington route for royal London
Hop-On Hop-Off River Boats, London River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, UK River Cruises

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

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

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

See London by open-top double-decker bus on three routes linking Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, museums, and Notting Hill. Use the 1, 2, or 3-day pass with audio commentary, real-time bus tracking, and a Thames cruise valid for the same period. The cruise adds strong live commentary and fine river views.

“Great way to get around and see London. Drivers are courteous and helpful. The metro can get you faster but many things can be missed”

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London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames - Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and The Shard
River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

8.Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,274 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Board a City Cruises boat at Tower Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea sailing past Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, The Shard, London Eye, and Parliament. You’ll have sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, and unlimited tea and coffee, with live or recorded commentary. Seats are assigned at shared tables for four.

“had a nice time: staff were attentive and personable. boat tour was smooth. food and tea were tasty.”

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Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London - South Bank, Tate Modern, and St Paul’s from the river
London River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

9.Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

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

Board at Westminster Pier and cruise east along the Thames for about an hour. Live commentary points out Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Add a return sailing if you want more river views, then explore Greenwich’s Cutty Sark, market, park, museums, and observatory.

“Great trip up/down the Thames. We did the return trip, despite it being freezing above deck the delicious mulled wine went down a treat. Great commentary during the trip and we both enjoyed it.”

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London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés - From Tower Millennium Pier to the city lights
London River Cruises, Night River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

10.River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,493 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Spend two hours on the Thames from Tower Millennium Pier, watching London brighten at dusk with a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Choose the open-air deck or air-conditioned saloon, enjoy live chill-out pop, and pass Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Canary Wharf. This is a scenic evening cruise, not a narrated history tour.

“it was wonderful having live music. everyone on the cruise was so friendly and helpful. the boat was clean and we had a fantastic time looking at London while enjoying a bottle of champagne and absolutely wonderful appetizers. it was easy, and a great way to relax during the evening.”

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London: River Thames Dinner Cruise - The first stretch reveals London’s historic center
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in London, Dinner Cruises in the UK, London River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

11.River Thames Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,159 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Spend three hours cruising from Westminster Pier to the Thames Barrier and back. You’ll receive sparkling wine, a seated British dinner, tea and coffee, and live music from singers such as Emma, Paddy, Andrew, or Patrick Phelps, depending on the sailing. Expect floodlit landmarks, optional dancing, and a smart-casual evening for adults and older teens.

“It was my birthday celebration. From start to finish I really enjoyed it. My group said it wasThe host was good. The singer is a "Wow:. Will be back soon. Loved it. the best choice for my day.”

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London River Thames Lunch Cruise - A fixed table with good river views
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in London, Dinner Cruises in the UK, London River Cruises, Lunch Experiences, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London River Thames Lunch Cruise

12.London River Thames Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,014 reviews · 1h 45m · from $48

You’ll cruise from Tower Pier for 105 minutes, dining on a two-course lunch while passing Tower Bridge, the Shard, the London Eye, and Westminster. The refurbished boat has panoramic windows, assigned tables, bar service, and live or recorded commentary. Smart casual dress is requested, and drinks beyond tea and coffee cost extra.

“Friendly greeting from the team Good communication Pleasant cruise on the River Thames through London Great two course lunch meal and friendly service”

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Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise - Reaching Loch Ness and the heart of the mystery
2-Hour Experiences, Canal Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise

13.Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,959 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Sail from Dochgarroch Lock through the Caledonian Canal and into Loch Ness on a two-hour round trip toward Urquhart Castle. Expect live English commentary, sonar readings, Highland views, and a warm cabin with a bar and snacks for purchase. Guides such as Kieran, Malcolm, Ewan, and Ciaran are praised for mixing local stories with humor.

“Easy to get to and lots of parking. Shop and cafe are lovely, clean, bright and welcoming. The boat was comfortable and warm - great when the rain came down! Braver souls had seats upstairs and some had great views from the prow of the boat. The guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. He made an effort to speak to the passengers individually and was very friendly. We have done a boat trip before but our friends had not. They were thrilled with their trip, as were we.”

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Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - What you see from the river
Hop-On Hop-Off River Boats, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, UK River Cruises

Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

14.River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,864 reviews · 2 days · from $33

Start at Pier Head with a 50-minute Mersey Ferry cruise, then tour Liverpool by open-top bus with live English commentary. Use the bus for up to 48 hours after validation, stopping at 11 places including the cathedrals, Royal Albert Dock, Chinatown, and Cain’s Brewery Village. Bring headphones and dress for changeable weather.

“Enjoyed everything about the experience it was informative as well as being flexible knowing you could hop off and on along the route bang on tour guides and drivers made the whole trip wonderful”

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London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River - London Eye and Parliament from the river
Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in London, Dinner Cruises in the UK, London River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

15.London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

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

Board at Westminster Pier for a three-hour evening cruise toward Greenwich and back. You’ll see the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Flood Barrier while enjoying a set three-course dinner, welcome sparkling wine or a soft drink, live music, and dancing.

“Friendly efficient staff. Good standard of food. Our party all had a great time. My only minor gripe would be that the music was quite loud, which made conversation more difficult. Apart from that, a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

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Newly added: UK River Cruises

★ 4.5Festive London Christmas Day River Thames Lunch CruiseFrom $23547 reviews
★ 4.6Dochgarroch: Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 50min CruiseFrom $30101 reviews
★ 4.8Coniston Water: 60 minute Swallows and Amazons CruiseFrom $224 reviews
★ 4.5Crown Jewels Tour with River CruiseFrom $15556 reviews
★ 4.8Westminster to Kew River Thames CruiseFrom $2551 reviews
★ 4.6Hampton Court to Richmond River Thames CruiseFrom $1820 reviews
★ 4.2Kew to Westminster River Thames CruiseFrom $2455 reviews
★ 4.8Richmond to Hampton Court River Thames CruiseFrom $1824 reviews
★ 4.1River Thames Dinner Cruise with Live JazzFrom $134233 reviews
★ 4.5Lunch River Cruise on the Thames with 2-Course MealFrom $59994 reviews
★ 4.6Oxford: Guided Sightseeing River CruiseFrom $28935 reviews
★ 4.5Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from DochgarrochFrom $421,158 reviews
★ 4.050-Minute Mersey River CruiseFrom $171,232 reviews

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