Boat trips on the River Thames

To truly enjoy sightseeing on the River Thames then sit back and let someone else take the helm! Sit and relax as beautiful scenery glides by on a River Thames boat trip or cruise!

Passenger Boat Trips

Passenger boat operators have been working hard to ensure they can offer boat trips along the Thames safely. Look for the "WE'RE GOOD TO GO" mark. The industry standard is a way of letting you know which businesses have made necessary changes to their day-to-day workings, including social distancing measures and staff training. Keep an eye out for the mark when planning your trip online. There is reduced capacity on the boats for social distancing. All trips must be pre-booked.

Passenger boat operators offer a variety including day trips, round trips, stopping or one-way services. As well as the scheduled services, you might enjoy a themed river cruise. Choose from a spot of sightseeing with wildlife watching or party nights and seasonal day trips, to name but a few!

The main cruising season for the non-tidal Thames (outside of London) is April-September but each operator may have sailings and cruises outside of this time including special events so please check availability with the business.

Themed Public Cruises

There are so many choices for boat trips on the Thames. Choose from jazz cruises, wildlife cruises, children's cruises and more. See the list below to see what's available.

A selection of Boat Trips on the Thames currently available at various locations including: 

Hobbs of Henley (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is operating 1 and 2 hour cruises from Henley and themed ticketed cruises.

• Gin & Fizz Cruise - Saturday 19 Jun and 28 Aug. A cruise on The New Orleans for a fun afternoon of Gin, Fizz and river cruising. During the cruise you will be served your choice of drink (Gin or Fizz!) throughout the duration of the river trip whilst relaxing and soaking up the beautiful surroundings, just perfect for that Summer’s day.
• Sunday Roast Lunch Cruise – Sunday 8 Aug. Enjoy a delicious two course Sunday Roast on board The New Orleans provided by caterers, Chocolate Strawberry.
• Traditional Jazz Cruises on the Thames – Sunday 1 Aug and 26 Sep. Enjoy the sounds of a traditional jazz band on a three hour cruise with a cash bar for the purchases of drinks.
• Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea Cruise – Sunday 6 Jun, 25 Jul, 25 Aug and 19 Sep. Cruise the Thames on one of the most spectacular vessels, The New Orleans and sample the most incredible afternoon tea whilst doing so!
• Purdy's Gin and Jazz Cruise – Friday 2 Jul and 27 Aug. Aboard The New Orleans, is the incredible singer/songwriter Purdy and her band who will be providing sultry Jazz under the stars. Ticket includes a Mr Hobbs G&T on arrival, a fabulous buffet menu from Chris Burns Catering and the beautiful Jazz by Purdy and her band. 
• Gin Tasting Cruise – Friday 28 May. The Gin to My Tonic is an experienced, professional team who will take you on a gin tasting experience whilst cruising along the River Thames on ‘The New Orleans’. Included in your ticket price will be bar snacks and of course your Gin & different tonics for the evening. 
• Madhatter’s Vintage Tea Party – Sunday 3 Oct. Enjoy national Mad Hatter's Day with a vintage afternoon tea with a difference! The boat will be themed as a Mad Hatter's Tea Party and will include little gin treats such as a 'Drink me' bottle for each guest and 'eat me' Gin sweet treats!  This is an over 18's event. 

City Cruises in London (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) offers sightseeing cruises (currently) and dining cruises and Showboat evening cruises from 8th of August. 

• Sightseeing cruises - depart daily every 30 to 40 minutes from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and to Greenwich on Saturdays and Sundays only.
• Thames Lunch Cruise – Tues-Sun. Enjoy a delicious two course lunch on a relaxed mini voyage through the heart of London: 2-course meal, 1 hour 45 minutes river Cruise, Commentary, Glass of Moët & Chandon (Champagne Package)
• Afternoon Tea Cruise – Thu-Sun.  See the best views in London while you tuck into tea, scones and all the trimmings of a traditional afternoon tea on the Thames.
• London Dinner Cruise – Thu-Sun with extra days at peak times. Wine, dine and dance on this great dinner cruise on the Thames. See spectacular views of London’s iconic sights including the magnificent London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge and the recently lit bridges as part of the Illuminated River project, whilst enjoying show songs and top hits. Includes: A three-hour cruise, Four-course meal, Welcome drink, Dancing till late, Half bottle of wine per guest.
• London’s Evening Cruise – Fri and Sat. See great views of London's riverside landmarks and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a trip through the heart of central London – on a boat. You can choose between being on the open-air upstairs deck or in the saloon, which has big windows. Includes: Sparkling wine or soft drink, Selection of cold canapés served throughout the evening, Background music, 2 hour river Cruise
• London’s Jazz Cruise on the Thames – Fridays. Enjoy jazz and dinner on the Thames on a journey up and down the river, with great views of landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and more. Includes: 3 hour cruise with our quintet ChiJazz playing jazz, Glass of sparkling wine, 3-course meal with choice of dishes, Cash bar offering Champagne, Pimm's, wines and beers.
• Elvis Dinner Cruise – Saturday 18 Sep, 2, 23 Oct and 6 Nov. A three-course dining cruise with a live Elvis tribute performance by a top artist, a chance to have a dance and great views of the Thames. Includes: Glass of sparkling wine, 3-course dinner followed with tea or coffee, 2 sets featuring award winning Elvis tribute artist, Elvis themed music for dancing, ​3 hour river cruise.

French Brothers (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is operating 40 mins and 2 hour cruises from Windsor, Runnymede to Windsor and Runnymed hop-on-hop-off service. Please note that is you have an issue with the website try a different browser e.g. Internet Explorer.

• Windsor 2-hour round trip – Daily to 6 Sep to 1 Nov (time slots after 7 Sep will be made available shortly). Leaving Windsor Promenade, passengers can enjoy excellent views of Windsor Castle and Eton College. After passing Windsor Racecourse, the boat passes through Boveney Lock and passes Sutherland Grange, The Willows and Bray Film Studios.
• Victorian Paddle Steamer Runnymede hop-on hop-off trip – To Sep 6 daily Sep - 27 Weekends only. Board the 'Lucy Fisher', a replica of a Victorian paddle steamer at the Runnymede Boathouse and cruise upstream to the Bells of Ouzeley, which is featured in Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat". Pass the Memorials, and onto the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.
• Windsor 40 min Round Trip – Daily to Dec 23. This short cruise goes upstream to Boveney Lock & returns with fantastic views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, Mill House, Windsor Racecourse & the Brocas Meadows.
• Runnymede to Windsor Service – Daily to 6 Sep. Leaving from the Runnymede Boathouse, the boat will cruise upstream through Old Windsor Lock and continues through the pretty villages of Old Windsor and Datchet. Travelling through the grounds of Windsor Castle, the boat then passes through Romney Lock and arrives in Windsor.
• Steamboat Tea Cruise - 14 and 25 Jul, 8 and 22 Aug, 5 and 19 Sep. Enjoy the finest traditional afternoon tea and glass of Prosecco on a genuine Victorian steam vessel as you cruise through the grounds of Windsor Castle.
• Royal Steamboat Voyage - Sunday 26 Sep. A nostalgic cruise of discovery through the Queen's back garden on a beautiful and genuine Victorian steam launch. Departing from Runnymede in the morning you will pass through Old Windsor Lock and the pretty village of Datchet. Salute our Monarch's flag as we steam along past the grounds of Windsor Castle. In the afternoon the boat returns to Runnymede. Enjoy either a hearty lunch or afternoon tea.

Thames Rivercruise, Reading (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is offering 45/60/90 minute cruises and Wednesday and Saturday Evening Sundowner Fizz Cruises.

• Sunset On The Thames - Weekend Style –  TBC. Get together with family or friends for some adult time, enjoy homemade burgers and special chips and let the river help you enjoy a few hours of chilled time and revitalise the soul. Our signature burger menu offers a vegan option
• Wednesday Sundowner Cruise - 7/14/28 Jul and 11 Aug - Midweek evening burger on the river (included) and throughout the season we will be having monthly drink offers from real ale to local English wine and even a cocktail or two. 
• Thames Experience 45 Minute Round Trip Cruise -Weekends from 17 April and 26 Jul-3 Sep (no cruises 23-31 Aug) Take a look at the riverside homes, countryside and the Thames as it passes through Reading with refreshments on board as you watch the wildlife pass as the boat glides along the Thames.
• Thames Experience 60 Minute Round Trip Cruise – Weekends from 17 April and 26 Jul-3 Sep (no cruises 23-31 Aug) Tuesday-Friday. NEW, ideal for families, it leaves Caversham behind and heads to the countryside reaching two islands – Apletree Eyot and Poplar Island.
• Thames Explorer 90 Minute Round Trip Cruise - Weekends from 17 April and 26 Jul-3 Sep (no cruises 23-31 Aug). Cruise from Caversham Pier through twists and turns to Mapledurham Lock and Weir. This is the river as it should be, tranquil and stunning in Wind in the Willows Country.

Salters Steamers, Oxford will not be able to offer any of their scheduled services this summer however they are offering boat trips from Oxford and Marlow.