There are plenty of “Things to do in London” but what about “along the Thames” River? When people are planning their trips to visit London the majority of itineraries consist of visiting the iconic landmarks. And who can blame them, London is such an incredible place, visited by millions from near and afar. As someone who only lives an hour away from London, I have taken it for granted. It is a place I can visit any day of the week and spend as much or as little time as I wish. Whilst that’s the case, London is still a massive place to explore but it is doable. In this blog I will share things to do in London along the Thames River.
The Thames River is the longest river in England. In the UK, it is the second longest river after Severn.
When one thinks about London, they want to explore it all but there is never enough time to do so. You want to explore the city, check out all the touristy places but also take it all in. How does one go about conjuring that all in one? You could certainly explore parts of London on foot or via the tube and buses or one could cruise along the Thames.
Disclosure: I was provided with tickets to experience the Thames River cruising, regardless all opinions are my own. There was no monetary exchange.
Things to do in London Along the Thames
Take a ride along the Thames River and see the many London attractions in one place. Cruising the Thames river has always been a ‘want’ of mine but I never have the time to enjoy London. When the opportunity arose to cruise along on the Thames I knew it was an opportunity not to be missed. I tagged my sister and we went off to what would be an awesome sisters bonding session. Whilst we did not have a plan on what places we wanted to check out, you certainly can.
Big Ben & Co. {Big Ben, Westminster Abbey & House of Parliament}
Big Ben is one of the most icon buildings in London and known world-wide, no matter the tourist Big Ben is always on the list. Whilst you can easy seem them on foot, there is no better view than from the Thames. I must say I have seen Big Ben & Co from many views but nothing beats it from the Thames.
London Eye
A little confession, I have never been on the London Eye because I am terrified of heights so I like to see it from afar. Whilst I am sure one day I will ride it and have an awesome view of the city, at the moment I am content. London Eye is such an iconic monument, once which is definitely known and recognized world-wide.
Tower Bridge
A must see and most iconic landmark in London, it’s one landmark that I never tire of seeing whenever I am in London. I had such an amazing time seeing it from another angle, 90% of the time I am walking it.
H.M.S Belfast
A Second World War museum on the river Thames, you can experience the feeling of what it was like during the war. Whilst I am not one for museums this was one I wish I could check out and see the interact videos on board.
ST. Paul’s Cathedral
Built between 1666 and 1673, it’s the sons largest free-standing dome in Europe. The view from the Thames is quite breathtaking. Whilst the weather was cold and dreary it still didn’t steal from the beauty of the cathedral.
Tower of London
A fortress, Palace and home to the Traitor’s Gate. The Tower of London is one of the must see buildings in London and you can do that whilst cruising on the Thames.
Cruising on the River Thames with Thames River Services
The beauty about London is the many options available to explore this magnificent city. If you’re limited on time then cruising along the Thames River is the only logical step to take. Just like there is hop on hop off buses which make it easier to explore a city so are there boats. Thames River Services, a tour company that provides a hop on hop off sightseeing cruise on the River Thames. Tickets to use the Thames River Services can be purchased at the gate or via 365 Tickets. The tickets can be used on another cruise line called Circular Cruise which I had the pleasure of trying out.
Circular cruise is a riverboat service that can take up to an hour cruising the Thames to some 47 attractions. You have four pier options: Westminster, Festival, Bankside and St Katharine’s Pier. All these piers {stops} are within walking distance to many of London’s famous attractions. During the summer Thames River Services runs a trip up to the Thames Barrier and back. This will give tourists more to see for the same price plus a new vessel is being added to the collection in May. The vessel is called Thomas Doggett {interesting name} offering a multi lingual commentary system on board. Up to 6 languages are available on smartphones without using your own data.
There are plenty of things one can get up to on the Thames, what’s mentioned in the post is only half of it. Have you ever been on a cruise along the Thames?
Lubka Henry says
There is so much to see along the Thames. Great travel post 🙂
Charlotte says
I have done most of these. When I moved out of London I rediscovered it as a tourist which was much more fun!
Chloe Griffiths says
all of these are such a must do in the big smoke xo
Emily Leary, A Mummy Too says
We’ve visited a few of these, but I’ve never really though about the fact that they all have the Thames as their backdrop. We always enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, and the London Eye was a huge hit too – so much to see up there!
MeetaK says
London is a totally cool city and over the past few years it has even gotten better. I try and go there once a year and am always ecstatic to discover new places yet re-discover the older ones. Walking along the Thames is truly beautiful.
Angela Kate Webster says
I love the Southbank Centre during the summer. There is always markets around there and cool art shows. So much fun!
St Pauls is magnificent, really. I wish I could move back down but I’m so poor! :'( lol
Tanya Brannan says
I love taking a river cruise as there are so many amazing sights and buildings to see. I love looking at the Tower of London and am planning on going inside soon. xx
Echo (The Mad Mommy) says
My brother was just in London and I was so jealous! I really want to go someday!
Being Ashleigh says
There’s so many love scenic walks to do along the thames. One of my favourite places to go in the summer!
Ayesha Farhad says
Love walking along the Thames! Especially the London eye area! its so pretty! have been to all the places except the st paul cathedral!
Charli B says
I love just walking along the Thames from bridge to bridge, seeing everything. I live near Big Ben and I still love this beautiful city as much as ever x
Frosted Events says
London was one of my bucket list and this is a beautiful place to visit, I would love to go there soon
Tamsin - Eco Fluffy Mama says
I’ve never been on one no. I do want to visit the London Eye, though!
Louise O'Brien says
Love going to London and even though with everything that has happened this week it still hasn’t put me off X
The London Mum says
I love the river thames and all the beautiful sights… A cruise is a great way to see it all!
Wendy Lee says
I would have to take your advice on all of these for sure! I want to go and visit someday soon!
Crizzy Kiss says
I also did the cruise on the river, definitely a must do. I’m scared of heights, so I wasn’t able to try the London eye. 😉
Vishal says
I can’t do London Eye because of the height (just like you). But other places are good to visit anytime.
Belema Ronabere says
I’d so love to be on the Eye. I’m a bit scared of heights but I also like the thrill of adrenaline. Looks like i have an adventure whenever I get to london.
erin fesperman says
I’m like you girl, I’m totally afraid of heights! I’d love to go on the London Eye but I just don’t think I could!
Nicol Wong says
this makes me miss london. i love how theres so much to do
Aareeba Mohammed says
London is on my bucket list and am wanting to go there from such a long time..I hope i get to see this someday
Homemade for Elle says
I have never been, but it looks beautiful! There are so many fun things to do – I hope to make it there someday!
Lisa Rios says
I would love to go to London one day. I would definitely ride the London Eye and have fun there.
Jo Wiggins says
I’ve been on a Thames cruise a few times, it’s a great way of seeing the sights x
Mai C. says
Visiting London is one of my dreams and it would be nice to finally go there someday! I wouldn’t miss any of these once I get the chance to go there!
Rhian Westbury says
I’ve never done a Thames cruise, but definitely something I’d love to do in the summer x
Stephanie Merry says
I did a cruise along the Thames a while ago and loved it x
Crystal Gareau says
Wow, I had no idea that London had such amazing things to see and visit. Thank you for sharing.
Maritza says
My husband and I visited London a few years ago and had a blast. We loved doing the hop-on hop-off tour and really loved the Tower of London.
Ana De Jesus says
I love ST Paul’s Cathedral it is one of my favourite buildings in London and is, I believe built by Christopher Wren x
Melanie Williams says
I love London! I am visiting a few times this year and love the thames area 🙂 x
Anna Nuttall says
I love wandering into Covent garden and having a mooch there. I love London and i’m lucky it my home town. xx
Joanna says
We are planning to visit London a few times this year the river cruise is ond of the plans and I’d love to do the London eye.
Ickle Pickle says
I love the area around the London Eye (which is awesome in itself!) I have never been on a river cruise – I must one day. Kaz
Beso says
I used to try to get to London as much as possible when I lived in Mildenhall (about an hour north). I wish I would have gotten the chance to see more of it, but my partner at the time was not adventurous enough to go out. I was in town for the last Royal Wedding, which was such a fun experience as there was so much celebration around in the streets.
Gareth Torrance says
I’ve been meaning to go on the Eye and the HMS Belfast for years, but never got around to it…
Always Carry On. says
I used to live in London, but hardly did any touristy stuff!!
FussFreeJen says
I remember doing this as a child, and utterly loving it. I haven’t done it since, but would certainly be on my list of things to do.
Amber says
So cool! I haven’t been to London in years. I hope to make it back soon because I love the history!
Robin Rue says
I would love to visit this area. London sounds like such a vibrant city.
Anosa says
It sure is that, you definitely should