The Illuminated River Official Boat Tours are back
See London by night from the river on our Thames night cruise
A must see London night experience
See London in a new light from the comfort of our boats. Our Illuminated River Official Boat Tours - the best night cruise in London - are returning 6 September and will run every Saturday from Tower Pier until the spring.
Illuminated River is a long-term art installation transforming the capital at night, bathing nine of the bridges that cross the Thames in environmentally-friendly LED light: London, Cannon Street, Southwark and Millennium bridges were the first to undergo vivid night-time transformations in 2019; followed by Blackfriars, Waterloo, Golden Jubilee, Westminster and Lambeth bridges in 2021.
The best way to enjoy the world’s longest piece of public art is to join an Illuminated River Official Boat Tour; showcasing the spectacle from the river itself!
You'll hear from City of London and Westminster Guides as you glide beneath the newly-reborn architectural, social and historical landmarks – from the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and Big Ben to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London that have shaped the capital's history.
A Thames evening cruise reveals London sights from the water in a way you can’t see on land.
Join us at Tower Pier on Saturdays at 21:30 to experience stunning views of London at night time.
Illuminated River Official Boat Tour
See London in a new light! Join us and sail underneath the longest public art commission in the world.
- 40 minute round trip with live guided commentary
- 21:30 departure from Tower Pier
- Tours every Saturday
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Onboard commentary
Official City of London Guides and City of Westminster Guides will provide information about each bridge's history.
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Refreshments available on board
Enjoy a selection of refreshments from the onboard café bar as you relax and soak up the stunning views of London.
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Tours depart at 21:30
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. The tour lasts around 40 minutes, returning to Tower Pier at 22:10.
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Tours start and end at Tower Pier
Departure from Boarding Point D
Tower Pier is step-free and wheelchair accessible.
Westminster Bridge and the Palace of Westminster © James Newton
Lambeth Bridge © Paul Crawley
Blackfriars Bridge and the City of London © James Newton
Golden Jubilee Bridges © Jason Hawkes
Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge and The Shard
Millennium, Southwark, Cannon Street and London bridges from One Blackfriars
Southwark Bridge and The Shard
London Bridge and the City of London
Prices
| Adult | £14.70 |
| Child (5-15) and concession | £9.90 |
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 only available for people with disabilities, or with a Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster photocard, or UK Veterans photocard. Find out more here. If a complimentary carer’s ticket is required, please add a ticket selecting the carer fare.
About the project
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.
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.
Click the image to expand.
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.
- Terms and conditions
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- Tickets must be pre-purchased on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers website, they will not be available at piers.
- Children 4 and under travel for free but a ticket still needs to be booked.
- Passengers purchasing a concession ticket must present a physical Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster photocard, or UK Veterans photocard when boarding - doesn't apply to people with disabilities. Digital copies, photos, or screenshots will not be accepted.
- If a complimentary carer’s ticket is required, please add a ticket selecting the carer fare.
- It is the passenger’s responsibility to be at the departure pier 15 minutes before departure as there will be no refund or exchange if the boat is missed.
- Tickets are valid for the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour for the date selected when booking.
- Tickets cannot be used to board a different Illuminated River Official Boat Tour on a different date.
- Tickets are not valid on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers regular services.
- All travel is subject to our Conditions of Carriage
