London Thames Cruise: Westminster to Greenwich Sights & Live Commentary

Summary

See London’s landmarks drift by from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames

You’ll float past Big Ben and Tower Bridge, listen as your local guide shares stories about London’s riverside icons, and step off in historic Greenwich where old ships and leafy parks wait for you. Expect small surprises — a joke from your guide, sunlight bouncing off St Paul’s dome — and time to wander at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the river to feel so alive — not just water, but this whole moving stage for London. We hopped on at Westminster Pier, right under Big Ben’s clock face (which is actually smaller than I’d pictured, but maybe that’s just me). The boat had this low hum and a faint smell of diesel mixed with coffee from someone’s thermos nearby. Our guide started chatting over the speakers, pointing out the London Eye as we glided past — families waving from those glass pods, a couple kids pressing their faces to the windows. It was busy but not crowded; you could still find a spot by the rail if you wanted some air.

Somewhere near St. Paul’s Cathedral, I realized I’d stopped listening to the audio on my phone and was just watching the city slide past — Tate Modern’s brick walls, people walking along South Bank with umbrellas even though it wasn’t really raining. At Tower Bridge, everyone shuffled for photos (I gave up after three tries and just watched instead). The guide had this dry humor — “That’s HMS Belfast, not an actual pub,” he joked when someone asked about drinks onboard. I liked that he didn’t rush; sometimes he’d pause just to let us take in the view or point out something small, like a painted barge or gulls swooping low over the water.

Greenwich came up faster than I thought. There was this salty tang in the air near Cutty Sark — maybe just my imagination or maybe something real from all those old ships docked there. A couple next to me debated whether to climb up to the Royal Observatory or grab food at Greenwich Market first (the market won). I wandered through Old Royal Naval College for a bit; sunlight hit those painted ceilings and it felt strangely quiet after the river noise. Honestly, I still think about that moment — how you can see so much of London in an hour but still feel like you’ve only scratched at it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Thames cruise and Greenwich sightseeing

• Depart from Westminster Pier
• Pass Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Pass London Eye
• Pass Royal Festival Hall
• Pass Tate Modern
• Pass St. Paul's Cathedral
• Pass Shakespeare's Globe
• Pass HMS Belfast
• Pass Tower of London
• Pass Tower Bridge
• Arrive at Cutty Sark in Greenwich
• Explore Cutty Sark ship
• Visit Royal Observatory Greenwich
• Take selfie at Prime Meridian
• Enjoy views from Greenwich Park
• Visit Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall
• Explore Greenwich Market
• Visit National Maritime Museum

Top questions

How long does the Thames sightseeing cruise take?

The cruise from Westminster to Greenwich takes about 1 hour one way.

Is live commentary included on board?

Yes, there is live commentary on board plus Wi-Fi audio commentary in multiple languages via your smartphone.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Westminster Pier in central London.

Can I bring a stroller or pram on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on this cruise.

Is this Thames cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible for passengers with mobility needs.

Are there toilets available during the cruise?

Yes, toilets are available on board for passenger use.

Which landmarks will I see during the cruise?

You’ll see Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, HMS Belfast, Cutty Sark, and more along the route.

Does this tour include entry tickets for attractions in Greenwich?

No entry tickets are included; you can explore attractions like Cutty Sark or Royal Observatory after disembarking.

What’s included

Your day includes one-way passage from Westminster Pier to Greenwich with live English commentary and Wi-Fi audio guides available in six languages right on your phone. You’ll have access to onboard toilets and can bring strollers or wheelchairs without hassle before stepping off to explore historic Greenwich at your own pace.