
Illuminated River Official Boat Tours
See London at night from the river. More dates added, available now until 1 June!
See London at night from the river. More dates added, available now until 1 June!
See London in a new light from the comfort of our boats. Our Illuminated River Official Boat Tours run until 1 June.
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. Last year, we 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.
Our tours take place on either Thursdays or Saturdays.
Official City of London Guides and City of Westminster Guides will provide information about each bridge's history
The onboard café bar sells a selection of refreshments to make your journey even more pleasant
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. The tour lasts around 40 minutes, returning to Tower Pier at 22:10.
Tower Pier is accessible and the tours will depart from Boarding Point D
Internationally-acclaimed artist Leo Villareal and British architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have used the latest LED technology to ‘paint the bridges with light’. Patterns subtly unfold across the bridge structures, delicately drawing attention to their unique features whilst paying attention to each bridge's heritage, wildlife and surroundings. The project is sustainable and energy efficient, creating a lasting transformation that celebrates the bridges' roles in the enduring global identity of London, and encourages people to enjoy the river and riverside at night.
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.
Adult | £13.50 |
Child (5-15) and concession | £9.30 |
Child fare is applicable to children aged 5-15. Children aged 4 and under travel free but you will still need to book them a ticket.
Concession fare is applicable to Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster card and UK regional senior bus pass holders. If a complimentary carer’s ticket is required, please add a ticket selecting the carer fare.
Surprise someone special with an Illuminated River Boat Tour gift voucher so they can choose a date that best suits them. Seeing London at night from the river is a magical experience.
We currently have tours available until the 1 June 2023.