If you're visiting London, you may be wondering whether it's worth your while to take a tour. cruise on the Thames.
In this article, I invite you to discover this atypical way of visiting the city.
Here we go!
Cruise on the Thames: article summary
What can you expect from a cruise on the Thames?
If you're visiting London for the first time, you might want to spend some time on the River Thames. The famous Thames is very important to London and it's which made it the thriving capital it is today.
Enjoy spectacular views
A cruise on the River Thames offers some of the most breathtaking views of London's iconic landmarks, such as :
- Visit Parliament
- Visit Tower Bridge
- Visit London Eye
Cruise the Thames: enjoy a moment of relaxation
The gentle motion of the boat offers a relaxing and peaceful experience. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of rest, surrounded by some of London's finest monuments.
What's more, the cruise offers a different perspective of London. You'll also discover eight different bridges on your journey.
What are the different monuments you'll come across?
The Thames cruise passes twenty-two different sites, including major attractions such as the Tower of London and the Saint Paul's Cathedral. Some of the monuments you'll come across are not to be missed.
Cruise the Thames: the Houses of Parliament
The cruise starts at Westminster Pier, close to the Palace of Westminster. It is the meeting place of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, collectively known as the Houses of Parliament.
The site has a long history, dating back over 900 years. Although part of its original medieval structure remains, most of which was destroyed by fire in 1834.
London County Council
This historic building on the south bank of the River Thames served as the headquarters of the London County Council until 1986.
The building then remained almost unoccupied for seven years, until it was bought by a Japanese company that transformed it into an entertainment center.
Today, it is home to the London Aquarium and the London Dungeon.
Cruise on the Thames: the London Eye
The giant Ferris wheel on the south bank of the Thames is called the London Eye.
Since its opening in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, it has become one of London's most popular tourist attractions.
The wheel features 32 capsules, one for each of London's 32 boroughs, and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Cleopatra's needle
This ancient Egyptian obelisk, located on Victoria Quay, was erected in Egypt around 1450 BC. It was presented to the United Kingdom by Muhammad Ali of Egypt in 1819, in recognition of Nelson's victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.
Cruise on the Thames: the Royal National Theatre
The Royal National Theatre has been described as Britain's ugliest building. It opened in 1976 and houses three different theaters, as well as a restaurant and bookshop.
Somerset House
Somerset House is a magnificent neoclassical building on the north bank of the River Thames. It takes its name from the Duke of Somerset, who commissioned its construction. a palace on this site in the 16th century.
Today, the building is used for London Fashion Week. In winter, there's also a popular ice rink.
Cruise on the Thames: Saint Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is a magnificent Anglican cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century.
It is one of the city's most emblematic monuments and boasts a magnificent dome scarcely smaller than St. Peter's in Rome.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a faithful recreation of the original Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were staged in the 16th century.
It is located on London's Southbank and offers a unique and authentic theatrical experience.
Cruising the Thames: bridges to see along the way
The Thames cruise passes under eight different bridges. These include the bridges of :
- Westminster
- Hungerford and Golden Jubilee
- Waterloo Bridge
- Blackfriars Bridge
- Millennium Bridge
- Southwark Bridge
- London Bridge
- Tower Bridge
How long does the Thames cruise last?
A one-way cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge lasts 30 minutes. If you continue to Greenwich, it takes 1 hour in total.
Circular cruises from Westminster to Greenwich and back take 2 hours.
If you choose to book a cruise on the Thames, you will receive a list of departure times. Although this guarantees you a place on the boat at the time you choose, your ticket will always be accepted for same-day departures.
A cruise on the River Thames is a not-to-be-missed activity on your trip to London. From the boat, you'll be able to see the city's most beautiful landmarks, as well as some of its most famous monuments. enjoy a relaxing moment on the water.
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
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