Thames River Boats

There are two main operators of large tourist boats on the River Thames, City Cruises and London River Cruises. Both have boats large enough so that the journey is very smooth, and both cover the same routes using the piers at Greenwich, Tower, and Waterloo/Embankment.

Being regular scheduled services, running throughout the year, you can think of them as buses more that cruisers, and normally the crew are able to give a commentary on the sights that you pass. Rather like taxi drivers each crew have their own opinions on everything, especially anything concerning the Government, and no two crews tell the same stories or provide the same facts.

Charges are very similar, with City Cruises being slightly more expensive but having more open accommodation than London River Cruises. Last time we went (2007) there was a 30% discount if you showed your Travelcard, and the maximum charge (before discount) for Greenwich to Waterloo was £7.20 adult, half price children. Returns are slightly more, shorter journeys only slightly less.

Turks Launches run regular trips between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court and there's lots to see on the riverbanks throughout the journey - no commentary here though.

Contact City Cruises on 020 7740 0400, London River Cruises on 020 7839 8008, or Turks on 020 8546 2434.

Webmaster - June 2009

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