What is a Thames evening cruise?
An evening cruise along the Thames is one of London's most memorable — and most affordable — nights out. As the sun sets and the city lights come on, you glide past floodlit landmarks with a drink in hand. It's the classic London postcard, but moving, and far more atmospheric after dark than in daylight.
What you'll see
A typical two-hour route takes you past the London Eye glowing over the river, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the South Bank, the City skyline and Canary Wharf in the distance, before turning back under a floodlit Tower Bridge. Commentary is often included, pointing out what you're passing.
What's included
- Two-hour evening sightseeing cruise
- Onboard bar (drinks usually available to purchase)
- Commentary on the landmarks
- Indoor and outdoor deck seating
Dinner cruises and packages with sparkling wine and canapés are also available at higher price points if you want to make more of an occasion of it.
How to get the best value
- Book online in advance — walk-up prices at the pier are usually higher.
- Go midweek — evening cruises on weeknights are often cheaper and less crowded.
- Skip the dinner add-on if budget matters — the sightseeing cruise gives you the same views at a fraction of the price. Eat before or after.
Read our full guide to the cheapest Thames evening cruises →
Who is it good for?
An evening cruise suits just about everyone — couples, birthdays, anniversaries, families, or a solo evening doing something a bit different. It's relaxed rather than adrenaline-fuelled, requires nothing of you, and for the price of a couple of cinema tickets gives you two hours of some of the best views in the country.
Ready to set sail?
Find Thames cruises and other memorable days out across the UK.
Browse experiences →Frequently asked questions
How much is a Thames evening cruise?
A standard sightseeing evening cruise starts from around £37 per adult for roughly two hours. Dinner cruises typically start from around £48 to £95 per person depending on the food and entertainment.
How long is an evening Thames cruise?
Most last around two hours, cruising past landmarks such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge before returning to the pier.
What do you see on a Thames evening cruise?
A typical route passes the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the South Bank, the City skyline and Canary Wharf, before turning back under a floodlit Tower Bridge.