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River Thames Overview

River Thames is also known as Tamesa or Tamesis in ancient times, and River Isis, is the main river of Southern England. The river is famous for its serene atmosphere and virgin beauty and is an integral part of London’s economy and tourism. This river is a great place for history buffs, bookworms and adventure junkies and exploring its surroundings will surely satisfy you and offer an exhilarating experience.

Popular for its virgin beauty and serene atmosphere, River Thames is known to be one of the major attractions in the city of London. It is considered to be an integral part of London's tourism and economy as well. River Thames, the most famous river from east to west of the UK has it all starting from luxurious hotels to cruiser ships and it is one of the best tourist places in England as well.  If you're planning a trip to Europe, make sure to include a leisurely cruise along the River Thames in your Europe itinerary.

Passing through the bustling city of London, it happens to be one of the most important waterways in the whole world that drives inspiration for many. It might be just a river for the local Londoners but it is surely a great place for visitors coming from all over the world.

This site is a great place for adventure junkies, bookworms, history buffs, fans of style and substance, avid explorers, aspiring don drapers, green-fingered folk and river walkers.Cruising here will surely satisfy you and offer you an exhilarating experience.

When at this river, you can catch a glimpse of the various nearby places of tourist interest and get a chance to enjoy some water sports as well. You can also participate in various exciting events at this river such as Totally Thames, Boat Race, Virgin Money London marathon, Great River Race, and Mayor's New Year's Eve fireworks display. A visit to the River Thames will certainly be a tonic for anyone keen to experience the majesty and royalty that London has to offer.

Highlights

• Experience the river from above, i.e., from the famous London Eye. Alternatively, you can explore Emirates Air Line Cable car or London Helicopter Tour
• You can enjoy the river Thames London cruise to explore the major sights in London at your own pace.
• You can enjoy high-speed Thames speedboat rides with a speedboat tour of London, i.e., Thamesjet, Thames Rocket, and Thames RIB Experience.
• There are various cultural landmarks along the Thames River including Hampton Court Palace, Royal Museums Greenwich, House of Parliament, HMS Belfast and the Tower of London.
• Discover the vast range of art, film, music, theatre and dance at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre and Shakespeare’s.
• People can also enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner along the Thames. One can also onboard a Thames dinner cruise for a wonderful experience.

How To Reach

River Thames is situated at an average distance of about 29.4 miles from the City Centre of London and it usually takes about 48 mins to reach the river from the city. In order to cover the distance, you can take a train, a bus, or a taxi from the city.

It would take around two and a half hours if you think of covering the distance by railway as there is no direct train to the destination and you require taking a bus to cover the last mile. If you take a bus for the whole journey then it would take you at least three and a half hours to reach the Thames river.

The fastest means of transport to reach the place would be travelling by cab. It is also highly advisable to travel by cab if you are new to the city and are not aware of the roads.

Click Here To Book: River Thames Evening Cruise Tickets

Best Time To Visit

River Thames looks serene during the mornings of the quiter months from late August to early September, and probably that’s the best time to visit. However, it can be visited at any time of the day. Here restaurants are open throughout the day and night. However, if you are particularly looking to participate in Thames activities, then you should visit in September as you can participate in special events, activities, music and art. Along with this, you can also be a part of the boat race. 

Recommended Read: Places To Visit In London

Other Essential Information

Places to Eat near River Thames

1. The Bingham: The Bingham restaurant is one of the most loved places to have food near the River Thames. This pretty Georgian styled boutique townhouse has a riverside spot that is known for its serenity and English garden. Some of the must-try delicacies of this place are roasted hake with broccoli, garlic buttermilk sauce, and couscous.

2. Blueprint Café: Blueprint Café is one of the best places to have food near the Thames with a mesmerizing view. This restaurant is a bit elevated and presents an amazing view of the vistas of the broad sweep of the river.

Places to Stay near River Thames

1. The Swan at Streatley: The Swan at Streatley happens to be a four-star hotel with 45 bedrooms and all modern amenities. A stay at this place will give you an outlook of the stunning views of the mesmerizing River Thames. You can rejuvenate your body at the Venus Spa and the mineral pool inside the hotel in the course of your stay.

2. Danesfield House: Danesfield House is an awe-inspiring country hotel located on the outskirts of Marlow. This accommodation facility is spread over an area of 65 acres and has all that you may need to have a comfortable stay. It has all the modern amenities, restaurants, gyms, and spas. The best time to be in this place in the course of the summertime.

Recommended Read: Things To Do In London

Travellers' tip before visiting River Thames

1. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when visiting the River Thames:

2. You should not attempt swimming in the River Thames as it is considered to be very dangerous. 

3. You should not disturb the marine life inside the river while going on a cruise tour with your loved ones.

4. You should not litter inside the river premises.

5. You should try out aquatics only in the presence of experts.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Central London

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Point of Interest for River Thames
Houses of Parliament:
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Houses of Parliament:

Designed by Charles Barry and Pugin, the Houses of Parliament happens to be one of the most iconic destinations in London. The intricate detailing and architectural marvel attract lots of tourists from every corner of the world to this place.

Planning A Trip To London, Book Our London Tour Packages Now!

Westminster Pier:
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Westminster Pier:

Westminster Pier happens to be the starting point of hop on and hop off tour in London. This is one of the most easily accessible places for tourists coming to London from all over the world. One can cover major tourist attractions like the Tower Bridge, Katharine’s Docks and Tower of London conveniently from here.

Enjoy the festivity of the Southbank centre:
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Enjoy the festivity of the Southbank centre:

Known for its heritage and festivals, Southbank Centre is one of the most famous places to visit at Thames. This place is spread over an area of 21 acres in the middle of London's upmarket and vibrant expanse.

When you are at the Southbank centre, do not forget to visit the famous Royal Festival, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Poetry Library, and the Hayward Gallery.

Visit the London Eye:
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Visit the London Eye:

Designed by Marks Barfield, the London Eye happens to be one of the major architectural marvels and centre of tourist attractions in London. It is the largest cantilevered observation wheel in the world which comprises 32 capsules.

At the time of construction, it was intended to be a temporary structure, which would move from place to place. However, when the number of tourist footfall started to increase, the lease of the structure was extended.

Click Here To Book: London Eye Tickets

Tower of London:
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Tower of London:

The Tower of London showcases the majestic ancient fort and the King’s medieval bedchamber. This place was once known to be a home for prisoners and animals as well. At present, the Tower of London is listed under the UNESCO world heritage sites.

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River Thames Reviews

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Shresthi Sharma
Reviewed: 05 Jun 2022
5.0/5
I cannot praise the Thames Dinner Cruise enough. My partner and I decided to go for it while in London in fall last year, and we enjoyed it to bits. When lit up against the water, the city of London appears twice as resplendent. The dinner was scrumptious as well, and the live music brought everythi... Read More
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Achyut Tandon
Reviewed: 04 Jun 2022
5.0/5
For my anniversary in London, I decided to surprise my partner with a dinner cruise on the Thames. We set sail from the Westminster Pier and sailed through the centre of London, while also seeing the attractions, like the Tower of London, London Eye, Canary Wharf and more. The dinner was also very d... Read More
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Draupadi Marar
Reviewed: 03 Jun 2022
5.0/5
Sailed across the heart of London and witnessed the beautiful sunset in this 3 hour dinner cruise. The dinner, which was a 4 course meal, was totally delicious and fingerlicking! All the credit goes to Thrillophilia for such an amazing tour.
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Tanirika Adiga
Reviewed: 02 Jun 2022
5.0/5
I cannot recommend the Thames Dinner Cruise highly enough. My spouse and I chose to go for it when in London last fall, and we had a great time. The city of London seems spectacular when lighted up against the river.
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Amarnath Pillai
Reviewed: 03 May 2022
5.0/5
A colleague of mine had recommended a Thames cruise in London, and upon searching online, we found a very good tour package from Thrillophilia. The cruise turned out to be an excellent sightseeing experience. We were also treated to a really delicious lunch on deck.
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Poojitha N
Reviewed: 02 May 2022
5.0/5
During this lunch cruise by Thrillophilia, me and my family saw many popular places of London, like the London Bridge, the Canary Wharf, Shard and more. The lunch, entrée and dessert, all were very good to taste, and we also clicked many pictures.

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