The river experience

Explore the river

Things see and do on the river

1. Tower of London

To get there by river alight at St Katherine's pier and Tower pier

Take a tour around the Tower of London and discover its history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo. Tiptoe through a medieval king's bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels.

2. The Shard

To get there by river alight at London Bridge City pier

The view from the Shard is the highest viewing point in western Europe and nearly twice as high as any other view in London. The view provides visitors with 360 degree views for 40 miles across London.

3. The London Eye

To get there by river alight at London Eye pier

The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. Climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, with an unforgettable perspective of more than 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.

4. Greenwich and Cutty Sark

To get there by river alight at Greenwich pier

Visit the National Maritime Museum - the world's largest maritime museum, see the historic Queen's House, stand astride the Prime Meridian at Royal Observatory Greenwich and explore the famous Cutty Sark: all part of the Royal Museums Greenwich.

5. Tate Modern

To get there by river alight at Bankside pier

Or use our Tate to Tate service on River Bus 2 between Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Sitting grandly on the banks of the Thames is Tate Modern, Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. Inside you'll find temporary exhibitions by top artists from Damien Hirst to Gauguin. Entry is free.

6. Tate Britain

To get there by river alight at Millbank or use our Tate to Tate service on River Bus 2 between Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day. You'll find masterpieces by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Whistler, as well as outstanding modern and contemporary artists. They also have the largest collection of works by JMW Turner in the world.

7. Westminster

To get there by river alight at Westminster pier

Be amazed by some of London's most iconic landmarks: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, followed by a stroll around Westminster Abbey, the coronation church of England. Then visit Buckingham Palace, the London residence of Her Majesty The Queen.

8. IFS Cloud Cable Car

To get there by river alight at North Greenwich pier

Glide above the Thames in the IFS Cloud Cable Car, an easy way to get from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks with extensive views over London. The cable car trip takes six minutes. The cars, which accommodate 10 people, arrive every 30 seconds. You can use your Oyster card.

River by night

Have an evening out in London with a difference and take an evening river cruise. River Bus services run into the evening and many river tour operators offer evening cruises which include dinner and entertainment.

For a special celebration or event, you could hire a private charter boat and enjoy your very own private cruise of the Thames with friends.