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Hop on Hop off Thames River Cruise

Discover London’s famous attractions with a hop on hop off Thames River Cruise. You’ll get to hop on and off as many times as you wish during a 24-hour period. Sail past many famous attractions like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe and HMS Belfast. Hop off the boat to explore sights like Tower of London, the London Eye and Borough Market.

Our Hop on Hop off Thames River Cruises is an easy way to explore the best of London. Purchase your tickets today!

Highlights:

• Hop on hop off Thames river cruise with unlimited access for 24 hours
• Get on and off at any one of 4 piers
• See amazing views of London from all-weather boats
• Guided commentary of many sights along the Thames
• On-board refreshments at the bar, serving hold and cold drinks

Hop onboard your Thames River Cruise and set sail! The River Thames runs through the heart of Central London and you’ll notice lots of iconic buildings on both the left and right-hand banks of the river. Once upon a time, the river was the major economic lifeblood of the city. Many famous places were built overlooking it such as the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London . Today, it’s really easy to reach these places with your hop on hop off Thames River Cruise ticket!

The Four Piers

Your Thames River Cruise stops at four piers. You can hop on and off at each pier to visit some of London’s most popular attractions.

Westminster Pier is the best place to hop on and off to reach many famous London landmarks. This includes the Houses of Parliament, Churchill Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms and Big Ben. It’s also ideal for walking to many famous locations in London such as Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

The London Eye Pier is located in the riverside Southbank neighbourhood. Popular nearby attractions include The London Eye , Shrek’s Adventure and Sealife Aquarium. As you stroll along the south bank of the River Thames you’ll notice lots of street performers, shops, cafes and pubs.

Tower Pier is the perfect point to hop on and off for visiting the Tower of London. You’ll also get incredible views of Tower Bridge as you hop on and off the river cruise. The City of London is located nearby, the financial district and a very historic part of the city.

Greenwich Pier is the ideal place to get on and off for visiting the World Heritage Centre of Greenwich. See the famous ship called Cutty Sark as well as the National Maritime Museum and Painted Hall. It’s a steep climb to get to the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the historic Prime Meridian of the World.

More information:

• The ticket is valid for unlimited travel within a 24-hour period
• Vouchers must be redeemed at Westminster Pier, Tower Pier or Greenwich Pier, and not at London Eye Pier

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Did you know.

Up until the 20th Century, the River Thames was an important part of the economic lifeblood of the city. Barges would travel up the river daily, carrying important supplies such as timber, wool, foodstuffs and livestock. This includes the stone used to rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral after the 1666 Great Fire of London, which was transported by boat along the River Thames from the Cotswolds to London. Following the growth of road transport in the 20th Century, the River Thames became less economically important.

Nowaday’s if you look out at the river, you’ll spot our hop on hop off cruises showing-off this wonderful city to tourists from all over the world!

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About Thames River Boats

Thames River Boats operate cruises from Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage & Hampton Court Landing Stage with a fleet of traditional River Thames passenger boats. Our services make the perfect day out whether you are visiting the City of Westminster, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the bustling town of Richmond or Hampton Court Palace. Our boats are perfect in any weather & have indoor & outdoor seating, fully licensed bars, toilet facilities & heating for colder days. Our boats are also available for private hire & are ideal for corporate events, birthdays, celebrations, wedding receptions, sightseeing cruises & river transfers.

Our Services

We are currently cruising on a regular basis from Westminster Pier, Kew Pier, Richmond Landing Stage & Hampton Court Landing Stage. Our sailing times can vary from day to day due to the tides. Click the link below to view our upcoming sailings. Tickets can be booked online through our booking system or at our ticket offices.

View Upcoming Sailings     Book Tickets  

Westminster Pier

Richmond Landing Stage

Hampton Court Landing Stage

Testimonials.

My daughter has gone twice now and it is so worth it. For the price to I would definitely recommend. Peaceful atmosphere lovely staff also beverages are served downstairs.

Special Offers

• Cockney Sparrow

The Cockney Sparrow was built in 1976 at Eel Pie Island. She is a two level boat with a deceptively large enclosed saloon and an open top deck. 

M.V Connaught was built by Salter Brothers of Oxford in 1911 & has been cruising between Westminster, Kew, Richmond & Hampton Court for over 100 years. Connaught regularly operates on our services & is also available for private charters.

• Princess Freda

Princess Freda was built in 1926 by T.C. Letcher on the Isle of Wight, and has been restored to a particularly high standard.

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Thames River Sightseeing Timetable

Westminster to Butler´s Wharf (for Tower Bridge) and Greenwich

*(No Greenwich service) These departures are only from Westminster to Butler´s Wharf returning to Westminster

**These departures are one-way only.

DAILY TIMETABLE FROM 19 APRIL 2024

Westminster to Greenwich via Bankside

Circular Cruise: Westminster to Bankside and Tower Bridge** – 1 hour round-trip

Daily from 3RD January to 29th February 2024

* These last departures are only weekends and from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge Quay returning to Westminster (No Greenwich service)

**(One-Way) – These departures are one-way only without return service

Daily from 1st of March to 22ND of March 2024

* These last departures are only from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge Quay returning to Westminster (No Greenwich service)

Daily from 23RD of March to 31st of May 2024

Service Update for Tower Bridge Quay Operations

Due to upcoming developments at Tower Bridge Quay, our services at this location will be suspended from 19 April 2024. We’re pleased to offer Bankside Pier as a convenient alternative.

Located near London’s key cultural attractions such as The Shard, the Shakespeare´s Globe Theatre, Borough Market, Tate Modern, and St Paul’s Cathedral, Bankside Pier is perfect for those looking to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Our Westminster to Greenwich route will now include a stop at Bankside Pier.

For passengers on the Westminster to Tower Bridge Quay route, please note that our cruises will pass under Tower Bridge without stopping, eliminating the need to change boats for the return trip. You may also choose to disembark at Bankside Pier on your way from Westminster.

For more information about our new routes, please click here

We look forward to welcoming you aboard and creating memorable experiences at our new location!

Departure times are subject to change

Daily from 1st June to 1st September 2024

Daily from 2nd september to 27th october 2024, daily from 28th october to 31st december 2024, book your next adventure today.

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London Dinner Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

What do you wear on a dinner cruise on the thames, do you need to book in advance for a london river dinner cruise, does the river cruise on the thames have window seats, is there live entertainment on board a london river dinner cruise, is london river dinner cruise a nice way to celebrate an occasion, be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

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Central London Highlights Tour with Thames Riverboat Cruise

• Palace of Westminster/Houses of Parliament
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Tower Bridge
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Thames River

• Embark on a captivating journey along the Thames where you’ll step off the riverboat to discover London’s iconic landmarks on an intimate guided walk.
• Learn about London's history and development as you view landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, Tate Modern, and City Hall from the riverboat.

• You want a different vantage point of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy an unobstructed view of London from the Thames with no jockeying amid throngs of tourists for a good look at the sites. 
• You’re interested in architecture and would like to view the city’s architectural diversity from the water, enjoying everything from Edwardian elegance to modernist designs.  
• You’re returning to London and want a different perspective of the city. 
• All Hallows by the Tower
• Palace of Westminster
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Tate Modern
• St Paul's Cathedral

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

• A lightweight jacket will keep you comfortable against the breeze and any surprise drizzles, especially in the winter, spring, and fall. 
• A little pre-trip prep can help you make the most of your experience. Check out our Top 10 Highlights for London before you go.
• A notebook or sketchbook is a great for jotting down interesting facts or sketching the passing scenery as you float along the Thames. 

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

You May Also Like

Tower of London Tour

Westminster Abbey Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Half-Day Royal London Tour with Changing of the Guard and a View of Buckingham Palace

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Teen ballerina killed in hit-and-run boat crash while waterskiing

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A teenage ballerina was struck and killed by a boat while waterskiing in Miami .

Ella Riley Adler, 15, was being towed in Biscayne Bay when she fell into the water and was hit by another boat on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The boat continued on off Nixon Beach Sandbar near Key Biscayne in Florida and Ella died of her injuries.

Ella, a Ransom Everglades School student, ‘shone on stage as a ballerina in the Nutcracker’ and appeared in more than 100 performances with the Miami City Ballet, according to her obituary .

‘She dazzled us with her light. She emanated love and joy. She was beautiful. When she walked into a room, everyone was drawn to her,’ it states. ‘She loved to dance, she loved her friends, and most of all she loved her family.’

At Ella’s funeral on Monday, her father, Matthew Adler, said that he and her mother ‘have said for years that you truly got the best parts of both of us’.

‘You were taken from us way too soon, and the world has been robbed of all the things you could have achieved,’ he said, according to the Miami Herald . ‘But you will always be here with us and your friends and family will carry your energy and spirit forever.’

On Tuesday, a boat of interest was identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The owner of the boat has been taken into custody and is cooperating with the investigation.

‘I am pleased to report that we have a vessel in custody that matches the description given by witnesses, and the investigation is ongoing,’ the commission’s chairman, Rodney Barreto, told NBC Miami .

‘As a father and grandfather, my heart is broken for the Adler family. Ella’s death is devastating for her family, friends, and the community at large. The FWC and our partner law enforcement agencies will not stop until we have all the answers and the case is solved.’

Ella is survived by her father, mother, brother and sister, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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In London, a Houseboat Used to Be the Affordable Option. Not Anymore.

With land-based home prices increasingly out of reach, more Londoners are taking to the water. But as the canals fill up, even this affordable living option is becoming less attainable.

By Ben West

When you walk along the towpaths lining London’s 100-mile network of canals, a life on the water can appear idyllic. The boats dotting the winding banks look impossibly charming, romantic, colorful. Even better, they’re cheap to acquire compared with buying a conventional land-based house or apartment in the city.

“It’s so peaceful here,” said David Ros, a freelance sound designer who has been living on the London waterways for 15 years. “I wake up in the morning and open the side door looking out over the river, and the ducks are waiting for me to feed them. It’s just a really nice way to live.”

Mr. Ros, 62, took to the water all those years ago after his marriage broke up and his mother fell ill with cancer. “At the end of that, I didn’t really have much money as I hadn’t been able to work for quite a while,” he said. “I just had enough to buy a boat, so I got one.”

As he spoke, a kingfisher flew by and the sun cascaded through the windows of his 43-foot-long Dutch barge. He bought his current houseboat about six years ago for £30,000 ($38,000). It was a “complete wreck,” he said, so he did extensive renovations. Dating from 1940, the barge has an open kitchen/saloon in the bow, a bathroom with a shower and toilet, and a double bedroom in the stern. It’s a nice setup, if a bit cramped. “The headroom is one of the main disadvantages,” he said.

Mr. Ros says he’ll never live on dry land again, as he prefers being “surrounded by nature.” But the reality is, he probably couldn’t afford a place he wanted, anyway. Home prices remain out of reach for many in London, with an average sale price of about 508,000 British pounds ($636,000), a 50 percent increase over the past 10 years. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom Dutch barge houseboat in the area will now run you around £190,000 ($238,000).

The option is almost too appealing — a new wave of residential boaters is stretching London’s canal support system past its limits. “It’s changed dramatically in the last few years,” Mr. Ros said. “There’s probably three times the number of boats, four times the number of boats than there were 10 years ago. And the demographic has changed; there are a lot more young people.”

Boaters have been living on Britain’s canals since the industrial revolution. But according to the Canal & River Trust, which looks after the nation’s waterways system, the number of residential boats in London has ballooned by 86 percent over the past decade, to more than 4,000. Boats without home moorings — that is, a legal place to stay put — have more than tripled.

“I think it is fair to say that the large increase in people living on boats in the capital is driven by the housing crisis and cost of living in London,” said Jonathan Ludford, the national communications manager for the Canal & River Trust.

With all the new boats on the water, even this affordable living option is becoming less attainable. Mr. Ros’s winter coal supply costs £22 ($29) per bag, and he needs at least 20 bags for the season. Prices for diesel and gas are also up about 50 percent, and the basic price of a boat license is rising.

Even so, the Canal & River Trust is not taking action to limit the number of boats, said Fran Read, the organization’s national press officer. “There is plenty of room, even in hot spots like London, where boat numbers are more concentrated,” Ms. Read said. “But there is a finite amount of canal, with some places very busy already. So if a boater doesn’t have a permanent mooring, they may not be able to find a mooring space just where they’d like.”

Residential boaters in London have two options: One is a permanent mooring, maybe in a marina or along the towpath, with an electric hookup for everyday functions. In inner London, permanent moorings are just about at capacity. The other option, more affordable but less stable, is to “continuously cruise,” whereby the boat has to move into what is essentially a parking spot at least every 14 days.

To ease congestion, the Trust is cracking down on rogue mariners. “If you don’t have a mooring, they move you on, just like a parking attendant,” said Mr. Ros, who has a permanent mooring for around £7,000 ($8,800) a year — a lot less than the typical amount in the area. “They have these people on bicycles controlling each area, logging how long each boat is there. You get fined £25 a day if you overstay.”

Ms. Read confirmed that boat living in London can be “considerably cheaper” than living on land, though it comes with unique challenges and isn’t for everyone. “We support any boater who is struggling wherever possible,” she said, “including directing them toward benefits that are often available for those living afloat on low incomes.”

Boaters on residential moorings can claim housing benefits the same as land-based residents. And the Canal & River Trust lobbied for boaters without home moorings to be included in the government’s Energy Support Scheme last year.

Mark Knightley, 41, and his partner, Tessa Roberts, 37, bought their first London houseboat about eight years ago after realizing that it was their best chance of living together.

“We were renting two separate places, living miles apart,” Mr. Knightley said. “And I’m an actor, while Tessa is a researcher, so we don’t have a lot of money. And the cheapest way of living together was to buy a boat.”

For five years, the couple lived on the 36-foot-long narrow boat in Hackney, east London, which they bought for about £35,000 ($45,000). “It had a bed that would fold out every night, and the floor space was about two square feet,” Mr. Knightley said. “But it was on a beautiful marina on the River Lea.”

Three years ago, shortly before their daughter was born, the couple upgraded to a 70-foot-long Dutch barge with a permanent mooring at South Dock Marina, by the Thames in Rotherhithe, southeast London, for around £200,000.

Mr. Knightley glowed about the community around them — “like nothing that we’d find anywhere else in London,” he said. “There’s a lot of creative people, and loads of history with the dock and the boats that are here.”

Still, it’s a schlep to the supermarket, and ordering food gets complicated when delivery drivers don’t understand your address. And of course, raising a child on a barge comes with its own challenges. In the winter, power outages are a problem, “which can be scary for a young child when she’s in the bath and we’re suddenly plunged into pitch-black darkness,” Mr. Knightley said.

“People assume we must be terrified about her safety all the time because of the water,” Ms. Roberts said. “But I think it’s the same as living near a road: You teach them to be careful around it and you don’t leave them unsupervised outside.”

But the couple’s biggest challenge recently has been the spike in costs. Boat license fees rose by 4 percent beginning in April 2022, and the Canal & River Trust has also phased in additional pricing bands for boats wider than 7-foot-1. Fees for boats more than 10-foot-7 wide are subject to an additional 5 percent.

Houseboats in the River Trust’s jurisdiction require a Boat Safety Scheme certificate, which must be renewed every four years. And for boaters with a permanent mooring, there are mooring fees, paid monthly or annually to the marina owners; the fee that Ms. Roberts and Mr. Knightley pay rose by 11 percent this year, to £10,000 ($12,500).

“The maintenance costs are large when the size of the boat goes up,” Mr. Knightley said. “For our barge it cost £13,000, although the work done to make it legally safe will probably last 10 years. The last time this boat came out of the water, they had to extensively replace the steel, and it cost £40,000. You should also do an engine service every five years or so.”

In their area of London, higher fees are part of a plan by the Southwark borough council to redevelop the marina, at a cost of £6 million. The goal is to address health and safety issues on the water and on the docks, create new wash facilities and a cafe, and replace old workshops that are currently in shipping containers with new purpose-built ones.

The plan, said Catherine Rose, a Southwark Council member for neighborhoods, leisure and parks, “will address urgent health and safety issues to help maintain a working marina and enhance the boat yard environment.”

To help ease the transition, she said, the council is offering a discount for boat-repair shops and staggering the rent increase over a three-year period for all existing boatyard businesses.

But boaters like Mr. Knightley and Ms. Roberts see the move as a way to replace lower-income boaters with more commercial interests. “There’s a lot of concern at the moment with the community here about how the council are essentially trying to force people out,” Mr. Knightley said. “The housing situation in London is horrendous anyway; they’re just making it even worse.”

The boaters tend to agree, though, that safety and security are urgent matters. The Metropolitan Police Service does not keep separate data on water crimes, but boaters say that crime at marinas, and even on boats, has long been a problem.

“I’d never live on a boat again,” said Janusz Konarski, 56, who did just that in London’s Little Venice from 1983 to 1995, before returning to land. “I didn’t ever feel secure. There was a bloke trying to steal my bike. Then we had a glue sniffer undoing the moorings because he was mentally ill. He pulled a knife on me, although the police got him.”

These days, Mr. Ros said, “it feels like there’s a lot of crime around. There’s a lot more breaking in, there’s a lot more general thievery going on. It’s desperate times here, and boats are an easy target.”

And earlier version of this article misidentified a London waterway. It is the River Lea, not Lee.

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With land-based home prices increasingly out of reach, more Londoners are taking to the water . But as the canals fill up, even this affordable living option is becoming less attainable.

The best sun-soaked restaurant terraces in London

I s that the sun over there, peeking its face through the clouds? Quick! Get your legs out, your sunnies on, and yourself to one of these brilliant terraces — if you ask us, they’re the very best in town.

Desperate for a decadent Italian escape? Look no further. Complete with retractable roof and crackling fireplace to fend off the cold and rain, this cosy cobblestone-clad courtyard is a divine place to enjoy chef Robert Chambers' Michelin starred Italian fare crafted with quirky British twists. Don’t leave without having the parmesan fries, rigatoni with pork sausage ragù, or the tiramisu. That’s an order.

88 St John St, London EC1 ( luca.restaurant )

A gift from the man behind two Michelin star Restaurant Story, Tom Sellers, this might not be the most affordable terrace to eat at in town, but it’s certainly one of the nicest. Part of the 1 Hotel, just off Piccadilly, the comfy, sheltered, uber-chic space is just the spot to while away an afternoon with oysters, freshly made burrata, succulent roast chicken and plenty of fizz. Plus, there’s a build-your-own knickerbocker glory trolley. Need we say more?

3 Berkeley Street, W1 ( 1hotels.com )

Situated a stone’s throw from Soho in the heart of St. James’s, this fabulous terrace is a brilliant place to get the party started with Jack Croft and William Murray’s sustainable fare and some of London’s best frozen margaritas. On the menu, highlights include the silken smoked shiitake and lion’s mane mushroom parfait, flame grilled smoked cod’s head, and aged ex-dairy cow Fallow burger with bacon, shallots and oozing rarebit-style cheese. Fancy watching the Pride parade, cocktail in hand? This is your golden ticket.

52 Haymarket, SW1 ( fallowrestaurant.com )

Conveniently located a hop, a skip and a jump from Bethnal Green station, Ombra is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of town. Serving rustic yet decadent Italian food and an expertly curated low intervention wine list, it’s all vibes, vibes, vibes. Bring your friends and/ or your lovers for long, winding lunches of gnocco fritto, freshly made pasta and Dexter beef ribs to share, before taking a wander (or a wobble) down the canal to walk it all off.

1 Vyner St, Bethnal Green, E2 ( ombrabar.restaurant )

Boasting two Michelin stars but none of the fine dining pomp, Trivet is the height of reliable, laidback luxury. Tucked away on a serene street near London Bridge in Bermondsey, chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal’s internationally inspired spot promises plates of refined a la carte fare such as wild Cornish seabass crudo, chicken ballotine, and wings in herby panko crumbs with honey mayonnaise — all designed to be paired with Bal’s collection more than 450 wines from across the globe.

36 Snowsfields, SE1 ( trivetrestaurant.co.uk )

An oldie but a goodie, you can’t go wrong with a trip to legendary chef Richard Corrigan’s fish-forward institution. From the freshest oysters to bisque, fish pie and luxurious platters of fruits de mer, here you’ll find just about everything your heart desires, as well as frankly divine list of fizz. Cheers!

11 – 15 Swallow Street, W1 ( bentleys.org )

Dinings SW3

The phrase ‘hidden gem’ is tremendously overused, but there is no better way to describe Masaki Sugisaki’s tiny secret garden. Offering light, bright, Japanese-meets-European cuisine, nab a table to enjoy the the chef’s bumper menu of carefully crafted sushi and sashimi with streams of the very best sake.

Walton House, Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton St, SW3 ( diningssw3.co.uk )

The River Café

No, you might not be able to secure a seat at this iconic Hammersmith establishment this weekend or next, but be sure to book now to enjoy Ruthie Rogers’ fresh, seasonal, pared-back Italian inspired food with views of the Thames sometime towards the end of the summer. Make sure to save room for the chocolate nemesis cake, obviously.

Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, W6 ( rivercafe.co.uk )

Little Kudu

For something entirely different, head to this casual, foliage-filled Peckham gem for South African inspired tapas and wine. On the menu? Plates of dense, juicy boerewors sausage, moreish braaibroodjie (a grilled cheese sandwich made with British Baron Bigod brie and tomato chutney) kalahari spiced biltong, and beef fat chips designed to be mixed, matched and devoured in the sunshine.

133 Queen's Rd, SE15 ( kuducollective.com/little-kudu )

Western’s Laundry

Sucker for natural wine? We got you. Head to this Highbury neo-bistro for an excellent selection of low-intervention vinos and small plates rustled up using sustainable, regenerative produce. The menu changes in a flash, but keep your eyes peeled for the white asparagus with lobster bisque, which has cropped up on the chalkboard recently.

34 Drayton Park, N5 ( westernslaundry.com )

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• Greenwich Pier, Greenwich
• 29 Jun 2024

Time Out says

All abroad – it’s time for a river-top boat party. Yep, you read that right. While there are plenty of club nights and parties kicking off across the capital on Pride Saturday night, this boat party, departing from Greenwich Pier bright and early at 9.30 am and docking in Westminster, is one way to make sure those celebrations start as early as possible. The ‘back to the 80s’ theme marks Pride Boat’s 40th anniversary and alongside the four decades of tracks will be a photobooth and a raffle. Funky outfits aren’t compulsory but are obviously welcome.

Dates and times

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 09:30 Greenwich Pier £12.50, plus a low income option

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Explore London by boat

Enjoy comfortable seats, fantastic views and an onboard café bar

Take to the Thames and make travel time part of your London adventure! Departing major central piers every 10-20 minutes and connecting 20+ piers along the River Thames, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (also known as London's River Bus) provides a fast and safe way to get around the capital. With step-free access, guaranteed seats when on board, open back-decks and onboard café bars, you’ll get the best views of London’s landmarks.

Travelling with your family? Children aged 4 and under travel for free on all our services and children between the ages of 5 and 15 receive a 50% discount on all fares. Children go free when you buy a Family River Roamer ticket!

Buy your tickets now

See all the sights

Sail through London and see all the iconic sights including Big Ben, London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge and Greenwich.

Comfortable seats

Comfortable seats in climate controlled cabins or enjoy the fresh air on the outside back deck. 

Onboard café bar

A whole range of refreshments and snacks are available from the café bar from hot chocolate and coffee to beer and prosecco. 

Accessible travel

All our boats and piers are step-free and wheelchair accessible except for Cadogan, London Bridge City and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter piers

What can you see and do?

Spot iconic London sights from the river or hop on and hop off across our piers to visit top London landmarks and attractions.

Here are some ideas for you.

Need more inspiration? Check out our page ' Things to do in London '. 

How does it work?

The River Bus network is divided into zones, just like the tube. Our services operate in three zones: West, Central and East and the fare will depend on which zones you travel in. Your ticket must be valid for all the zones you travel through. For instance, if you are travelling between Tower and Greenwich piers you will need a Central and East ticket. 

With a River Roamer ticket you can travel across All Zones. It's that easy!

Central Zone: All piers between Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf East Zone: All piers between Canary Wharf and Barking Riverside

Online price

We have different options available to pay for river travel so you can choose the most convenient for you. The table below gives you our online prices (up to 10% cheaper than buying at the pier) for our most common journeys.

Go unlimited

Find all our prices

Book your ticket now

All-day unlimited travel across 20+ piers. Best ticket to explore London. Kids go free with a Family ticket.

Buy a single or return ticket if only travelling between two piers.

Joint tickets

Combine a trip on the river with a visit to St Paul's Cathedral, Painted Hall or a flight on the cable car for a Tik Tok moment!

Travel tools

Accessibility, ticket information, find your pier, things to do in london, covid-19 safety measures.

When could you see the northern lights? Aurora forecast for over a dozen states this weekend

Read the latest on the northern lights this weekend: Saturday's forecast says parts of U.S. could see auroras .

A series of strong solar flares that the sun has been emitting since Wednesday morning could cause the northern lights to become visible this weekend to a wide swath of the United States.

The coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hurtling toward Earth prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue a rare  Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch on Thursday for the first time in 19 years. The geomagnetic storms that the CMEs would produce pose a limited threat to our communications, but they can also trigger the aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights.

And because the sun is at the height of its 11-year-cycle, the auroras have a very good chance of being seen by more Americans than usual .

Here's what to know about the northern lights, and when and where you may catch a glimpse of them this weekend.

Good news on northern lights: Experts predict years of awesome aurora viewing

What are the northern lights?

The auroras are a natural light display in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions.

The northern lights materialize when energized particles from the sun reach Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph, according to Space.com . Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that has fascinated humans for millennia.

Geomagnetic storm: Solar storm is powerful enough to disrupt communications: Why NOAA says not to worry

When might the northern lights be most visible?

This week's solar activity brings with it the increased possibility of seeing the aurora across the U.S.

Though the timing is uncertain and the northern lights can be a particularly fickle forecast , officials at NOAA said the coronal mass ejections could reach Earth as early as Friday evening into Saturday, Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster at SWPC, told reporters Friday morning during a news briefing.

Experts from NOAA said auroras could be visible into Sunday.

The best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time). These hours expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases, according to NOAA.

Where might the northern lights be best seen in the US?

The northern half of the U.S. is forecasted to be in the view path where the auroras may be most visible.

The best chances appear to be in northern Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the majority of North Dakota, according to SWPC's  experimental Aurora viewline . The visibility for viewing will also depend on local weather conditions and city lights.

Experts at NOAA said the northern lights may even be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. If all else fails, experts even recommend taking a photo of the night sky with your cell phone – you never known what you may capture.

"Things that the human eye can't see, your phone can, so it'll be interesting to see just how far south we're getting aurora images this time," said Brent Gordon, Chief of Space Weather Services Branch for SWPC, on the Friday call with reporters.

The National Weather Service on Friday shared an aurora forecast for Friday night and early Saturday morning, showing more than a dozen states with at least a chance to see the lights.

How does the solar maximum influence the northern lights?

Explosive bursts of radiation known as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (eruptions of solar material) drive the geometric storms, releasing solar particles and electromagnetic radiation toward our planet.

As the frequency of coronal mass ejections increases at the height of its 11-year cycle,  which NASA said is expected to be in 2025 , electromagnetic activity on the sun peaks. What that so-called "solar maximum" means for us is that the risk increases for disruption to satellite signals, radio communications, internet and electrical power grids.

'God's Hand' revealed in cosmos: Telescope images reveal 'cloudy, ominous structure' known as 'God's Hand' in Milky Way

Last December , a powerful burst of energy created the largest solar flare that NASA had detected since 2017.

The last G4 level solar storm hit Earth in March , one of only three storms of that severity observed since 2019, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center .

Just like in March, the upcoming solar storm will have particles flowing from the sun that get caught up in Earth's magnetic field, causing colorful auroras to form as they interact with molecules of atmospheric gases. The resulting glowing green and reddish colors of the aurora may be quite a sight to see.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

Visit Maine's botanical gardens or get a sneak peek of what your neighbors are growing in their back yards.

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One of the loveliest ways to ease yourself fully out of the post-winter blahs and into springtime is to quit being a wallflower and instead surround yourself with living, blooming plants.

From botanical gardens to plant sales and garden tours, it’s time to make like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and while away the hours, conferring with flowers.

The waterfall at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Tory Paxson, Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

TOTALLY BOTANICAL

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is open for the season, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maine Days are May 31 to June 2, when anyone with a Maine driver’s license or state ID gets in for free. Ditto for dads/father figures on Father’s Day (June 16). Advance registration is required. With more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a waterfall, there will be plenty to see, smell and bask in the scenery.

Here are more things to do in Boothbay

A tour group walks on the boardwalk at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Viles Arboretum is a botanical garden in Augusta with 6 miles of trails and more than 20 botanical collections. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. There are 224 acres with all sorts of flora and fauna to discover. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Viles Arboretum offers medicinal plant walks, and although the May 18 session is full, you can still register for the June 15 and Sept. 14 events, lead by herbalist, homeopath and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth. Tickets are $25. Advertisement

The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve has four areas to explore on its property in Northeast Harbor: the Asticou Azelea Garden (dawn to dusk daily), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from July 9 to Sept. 8, reservations required), Thuya Garden (dawn to dusk daily, June 15 to Oct. 14) and Little Long Pond Natural Lands (hiking trails and carriage roads open dawn to dusk daily). On June 26, at the Wildflowers of Little Long Pond event, participants can wander around the garden’s fields and forest, spotting wildflowers along the way while practicing how to identify them.

Joyce Saltman, right, and Beth Anisbeck embrace a tree for 60 seconds during a tree hugging event sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation, at Deering Oaks Park last year. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

TOURS AND MORE

2nd Annual Tree Hugging 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. portlandmaine.gov The tree hugging is a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate Portland’s many trees. Park ranger Liz Collado will lead a sensory awakening and forest bathing session. Along with tree hugging, there will be a storytime, and you can touch a forestry truck and meet naturalist Noah Querido and Portland city arborist Mark Reiland. Just down the road, you’ll find Fessenden Park, on the corner of Brighton and Deering Avenues. The tulips have arrived, and it’s worth a visit to see them.

McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, 97 Main St., South Paris, $5. mclaughlingardens.org You’ll find more than 125 varieties of lilacs at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival. Explore on your own or take a guided tour led by a horticulturist. There will also be family-friendly activities, and you can shop for native and unusual plants.

4th annual Woodfords Community Garden Tour 1-4 p.m. June 8. Woodfords Corner Community in Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale and Deering Center, $20 suggested donation. woodfordscorner.org Presented by Friends of Woodfords Corner, this self-guided tour features at least 10 gardens. As you make your way down the list, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by all of the hidden havens bursting with flowers, plants and impressive yardscaping elements.

Peony Society of Maine 23rd annual Garden Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 15. Both tours start at 1348 Ohio St., Bangor, $5 donation. peonysocietyofmaine.net You’ll visit multiple gardens in Bangor, Winterport, Ripley and St. Albans, and your senses will be filled with countless peonies. A peony plant will be raffled off at the end of each tour. Advertisement

Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath, $40. sagadahocpreservation.org The Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath house and garden tour features several homes in North Bath. Every stop on the tour will be a treat for your senses and may motivate you to make some of your own magic when you get back home.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29. Beckett Castle Rose Garden, Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, $10. gardenconservancy.org You’ll see plenty of roses as well as ocean views at Beckett Castle, which sits right on the water, with views of five lighthouses. The castle was built in 1871, and its rose garden features more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot stone tower doubles as the rose arbor entrance to the castle.

PICK A PLANT SALE

Tate House Museum’s Annual Plant and Herb Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, 207-774-6177.  tatehouse.org The wide selection includes perennials divided from the museum’s 18th century reproduction garden. Visitors can also make their own “seed bombs” and get a sneak peak at a new installation by artist Ashley Page from 10 a.m. to noon.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Spring Plant S ale 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 18, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, 207-854-9771.  arlgp.org   Perennials, house plants and more will be on sale, and plants that don’t have specific pricing are “name your own fee.” Anyone interested in donating plants or pots to the sale should send a message to [email protected] .

Taking Root Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Tom Settlemire Community Garden, Maurice Drive, Brunswick, 207-729-7694.  btlt.org This annual sale is organized by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. Proceeds benefit the Common Good Garden, which provides food and gardening education for the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Master gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers choose their best options.

Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale and Spring Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Broadturn Farm, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough, 207-289-1199.  scarboroughlandtrust.org Visitors will find native plants, food vendors, local artisans, guided nature walks and activities for kids. To preorder plants, visit the Scarborough Land Trust website.

Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330.  maineaudubon.org More than 75 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and tree seedlings will be available, along with workshops, info tables and experts.

Staff writer Megan Gray contributed to this report.

Related Headlines

Headed to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens? Here’s what else to check out in Boothbay

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