Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Palace of Westminster/Houses of Parliament
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Tower Bridge
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Thames River
Photos & Highlights
- Embark on a captivating journey along the Thames where you’ll step off the riverboat to discover London’s iconic landmarks on an intimate guided walk.
- Learn about London's history and development as you view landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, and City Hall from the riverboat.
Select a date
Tour Description
Imagine gliding along the Thames on a classic riverboat, the gentle breeze carrying whispers of London’s storied past. With an expert guide by your side—warm, knowledgeable, and brimming with curiosity—you’ll uncover the city’s heart, from iconic landmarks to hidden tales that breathe life into its history.
This amphibious London highlights tour weaves together the grandeur of the city’s sights with the intimate stories that make it unforgettable, offering a perspective that feels both personal and profound.
This amphibious London highlights tour weaves together the grandeur of the city’s sights with the intimate stories that make it unforgettable, offering a perspective that feels both personal and profound.
Your journey begins on foot, wandering the ancient London Wall and stepping into All Hallows by the Tower, the city’s oldest church, where history feels alive in every stone. Near the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, your guide shares insights that spark your imagination before you board the Clipper Riverboat. As you drift downstream toward Westminster, the river reveals London’s soul—each bend a new chapter of its global legacy.
Disembark to explore the corridors of power at Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster, and Big Ben, where your guide’s stories illuminate their roles in shaping history. Back aboard the Clipper, you’ll loop toward Tower Bridge, passing St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, and City Hall. From the water, you’ll discover how the Thames fueled Britain’s imperial ambitions, connecting London to the world.
This isn’t just a tour—it’s an invitation to belong to London’s story. With a local guide who feels like a friend, you’ll forge a deep connection to the city, leaving with memories that linger long after the river’s ripples fade. Join us for a thoughtful, immersive adventure that celebrates London’s past and present in a way that’s uniquely yours.
Experts
- You want a different vantage point of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy an unobstructed view of London from the Thames with no jockeying amid throngs of tourists for a good look at the sites.
- You’re interested in architecture and would like to view the city’s architectural diversity from the water, enjoying everything from Edwardian elegance to modernist designs.
- You’re returning to London and want a different perspective of the city.
- All Hallows by the Tower
- Tower of London
- Palace of Westminster
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Tate Modern
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Tower Bridge
Tickets
Will you pre-purchase tickets for the Thames Clipper?
Yes. We'll pre-purchase a 'River Roamer' ticket (valid for 24 hours) for each participant. Your guide will have the tickets on hand.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this Thames River boat tour:
- A lightweight jacket will keep you comfortable against the breeze and any surprise drizzles, especially in the winter, spring, and fall.
- A little pre-trip prep can help you make the most of your experience. Check out our Top 10 Highlights for London before you go.
- A notebook or sketchbook is great for jotting down interesting facts or sketching the passing scenery as you float along the Thames.
Will you pre-purchase tickets for the Thames Clipper?
Yes. We'll pre-purchase a 'River Roamer' ticket (valid for 24 hours) for each participant. Your guide will have the tickets on hand.
How long will we spend on the boat on this tour?
There are two boat journeys on this tour, one westward and one returning eastward. Each journey takes around 20 minutes.
Is the boat we are going on private and will we be with other people?
The riverboat is not a private service but open to all, so you will not be alone during the trip.
Is the boat we are going on private and will we be with other people?
The riverboat is not a private service but open to all, so you will not be alone during the trip.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, and the boat is glass-covered. It also never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly expert guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible expert.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, all boats are wheelchair-, mobility scooter- and pram-accessible by ramp. All piers are wheelchair accessible except London Bridge City, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter, and Cadogan piers. Ramps are used for boarding.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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74 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Great coverage of central London with a perfect duration.
Ian
Jun 23, 2025
What a special way to see so many well-known landmarks and learn about their history. Our tour guide Rebecca was a wonderful companion as we walked through the Westminster area. Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are familiar and famous names, but Bex placed them all in context for us. Our journey on the clipper ferry down the Thames to the Tower gave us a new vantage point, highlighting both the ancient and modern buildings of London. We loved seeing skyscrapers next to the medieval castle, prison and fortress that is the Tower of London, and bits of Roman wall.
One highlight was learning more about the sculptures and statues and other monuments along our walk. Particularly intriguing were panels highlighting the Battle of Britain down at the Victoria embankment, and the sundial outside Tower Hill. Thanks again Bex for our delightful tour! My husband declared it his favorite tour ever!
Kay
Jun 14, 2025
The tour was amazing and Emily was a delight!
Ellen
Jun 11, 2025
