Illuminated River Official Boat Tours

Launched in 2019, the Illuminated River project transformed the capital at night, bathing the bridges that cross the Thames in environmentally-friendly LED light.

In 2021, the project expanded tremendously; Blackfriars, Waterloo, Golden Jubilee, Westminster and Lambeth bridges joined London, Cannon Street, Southwark and Millennium bridges, which were the initial bridges to undergo vivid night-time transformations.

Back in 2019, our sell-out tours took passengers on a guided cruise beneath the first four bridges to be bathed in light. We later expanded our tour to cover all nine bridges which form the world's longest piece of public art; showcasing the spectacle from the river itself!

Join us for an Illuminated River Official Boat Tour, departing Tower Pier at 21:30. You'll hear from City of London and Westminster Guides as you glide beneath the newly-reborn architectural, social and historical landmarks that have shaped the capital's history. 

About our tours

Illuminated River Official Boat Tours are circular trips, starting and ending at Tower Pier, and sailing beneath all the bridges which have been lit as part of the project featuring commentary by Official City of London or City of Westminster Guides.

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The Illuminated River Foundation commissioned students from Guildhall School of Music & Drama to produce special musical scores inspired by the unique heritage and architecture of each Illuminated River bridge. From sweeping orchestral scores to minimalist electronic pieces, the inspiring compositions will accompany all tours.

Listen to music inspired by the bridges