Start your cruise from Tower Pier, Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Greenwich Pier, or Tower Bridge Quay, depending on your ticket. Most departures run throughout the day, making it easy to fit a cruise into your sightseeing plans.
Why choose a Tower of London boat tour?
✔️ See London's landmarks from the Thames
✔️ Choose standalone or combo cruise tickets
✔️ Live or multilingual commentary onboard
✔️ Flexible boarding from multiple central piers
✔️ Pair sightseeing with Tower of London entry
What to expect on a Tower of London boat tour
Things to know before booking your Tower of London boat tour
- Choose the right cruise: Pick between a standalone Thames sightseeing cruise, the official Historic Royal Palaces river tour, or combo tickets that include Tower of London entry.
- Departure points vary: The Official Tower River Tour departs only from Tower Bridge Quay, while sightseeing cruises board from multiple central London piers.
- Cruise durations differ: Sightseeing cruises typically last around 30–40 minutes, while the Official Tower River Tour offers a dedicated 40-minute round trip.
- Combo tickets offer better value: Planning to visit the Tower anyway? A cruise-and-entry combo saves money while covering two top London experiences in one day.
- Weather won't usually stop sailings: Cruises operate in most conditions, though vessel changes or minor route adjustments may occur for operational or safety reasons.
See London's greatest fortress from its historic river!
Why admire the Tower only from land when the Thames reveals its most iconic views? Cruise past London's skyline, enjoy fascinating stories, then continue your day inside one of Britain's greatest landmarks.
Highlights of your Tower of London boat tour
Tower Bridge
Sail beneath or alongside London's iconic bascule bridge while enjoying one of the city's best photo opportunities from the River Thames.
Plan your visit to the Tower of London by boat
- Official river tour departure: Board at Tower Bridge Quay, located just a short walk from the Tower of London's main entrance.
- Flexible sightseeing piers: Depending on your ticket, board from Tower Pier, Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, or Greenwich Pier across the day.
- Early arrival recommended: Reach your boarding point at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding and seat selection.
- Boat transfers possible: Some circular Thames sightseeing services require changing boats at Tower Pier before continuing your journey.
- Official cruise schedule: The Historic Royal Palaces river tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and usually departs once every hour.
- Flexible departure times: Thames sightseeing cruises operate frequently throughout the day, allowing you to board whenever it best suits your itinerary.
- Best time for photography: Morning light offers clearer skyline views, while late afternoon creates warm lighting around Tower Bridge and the Tower.
- Avoid peak crowds: Weekday morning departures are generally quieter than midday and weekend sailings, offering a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
- Indoor and outdoor seating: Relax inside heated saloons or enjoy uninterrupted landmark views from spacious open-air and covered outdoor seating areas.
- Accessible boarding: Most cruises provide wheelchair-friendly boarding ramps, with accessible seating available on participating vessels wherever possible.
- Useful onboard facilities: Restrooms, baby-changing facilities, and licensed bars are available on many sightseeing cruises for added comfort throughout your journey.
- Guide dogs welcome: Registered assistance dogs are permitted onboard, making the cruises accessible for visitors requiring additional support.
- Food restrictions apply: Outside food and drinks are not permitted aboard the Official Tower River Tour, though onboard refreshments are available.
- Pets are not permitted: Standard pets cannot travel on the cruises, although registered guide dogs are welcome on participating services.
- Travel light: Large luggage, bulky bags, and restricted items may not be permitted, particularly on combination attraction tickets.
- Operational changes possible: Boat substitutions or minor route adjustments may occasionally occur due to maintenance, river traffic, or weather conditions.
- Choose the upper deck: Open-air seating offers the clearest panoramic views and the best photography opportunities throughout the central London route.
- Book combo tickets: Combining your cruise with Tower admission saves both money and planning time compared to booking separate experiences.
- Carry a light jacket: Even during summer, cool breezes along the Thames can make outdoor seating noticeably colder than expected.
- Keep your camera ready: Major landmarks appear in quick succession, so have your phone or camera prepared before departure begins.
How to make the most of your Tower of London boat tour
- Book ahead for popular dates: Reserve several days in advance during weekends, holidays, and summer to secure your preferred departure time.
- Allow enough sightseeing time: If visiting the Tower too, set aside at least half a day to comfortably enjoy both experiences.
- Dress for river weather: Pack a light jacket or extra layer, as temperatures on the open deck often feel cooler than on land.
- Arrive before boarding begins: Getting there 15–20 minutes early gives you a better choice of seats, especially on open-air decks.
- Choose outdoor seating first: Sit outside whenever possible for uninterrupted views of Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and London's famous skyline.
- Keep essentials within reach: Store your camera, sunglasses, and tickets somewhere easily accessible so you don't miss key landmarks during the cruise.
Frequently asked questions about Tower of London boat tours
It depends on your ticket. The Official Tower of London River Tour is a 40-minute round-trip cruise, while Thames sightseeing cruises are generally one-way between selected piers.
Not all of them. Standalone cruises do not include admission, while selected combo tickets include Tower of London entry, the Crown Jewels, and other historic buildings.
The Official Tower River Tour departs from Tower Bridge Quay. Flexible sightseeing cruises can depart from Tower Pier, Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, or Greenwich Pier.
Yes. Depending on your ticket, you'll enjoy either live English commentary or multilingual recorded commentary throughout the journey.
Most Thames sightseeing cruises are wheelchair accessible. The Official Tower River Tour is accessible when operated by the Silver Raven, though substitute vessels may have limited accessibility.
Set aside around half a day. The cruise typically lasts 30–40 minutes, while most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the Tower of London.
Morning and late afternoon departures usually offer the best combination of comfortable sailing conditions, excellent photography, and fewer crowds compared to midday departures.
