Like Paris and Vienna, London is home to a big river - the Thames - which runs east to west through the city.  Taking one of the many cruises that run along the Thames is a great way to see the Capital from a completely different perspective.  If the weather is good you can sit on an open deck, watching fellow Londoners out for an afternoon run or rowers racing along the water.  Sitting on a boat watching numerous structures from a different side is so relaxing that it doesn't even matter if it is wet and cold - you simply sit inside.

Taxi boats run at scheduled times between designated piers, whilst tour boats have guides to explain the history and architecture of the many buildings that line the river:

TOUR BOATS

• City Cruises

City Cruises run sightseeing cruises throughout the year, including special Christmas, New Year, Valentines Day and dinner and dance cruises.  Trips last anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours and with a River Red Rover ticket you can hop-on and hop-off all day long.

For more information on trips leaving from Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers visit City Cruises.

• London Eye River Cruise

This 40 minute circular route, takes you past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.  With between 6 and 9 cruises a day all year round, audio commentary is available in French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin.

For more information on trips leaving from Waterloo Pier visit London Eye.

• Thames River Services

Thames River Services operate pleasure trips from Westminster to Greenwich, stopping at the Thames Barrier and St Katherine's by the Tower of London.

For more information visit Thames River Services.

• Thames River Boats

This is the only scheduled riverboat service from Westminster to Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court with daily sailings between April and October.  Trips take anywhere from 1 ½ to 4 hours depending on the tide and final location, but if this seems like a long time it's good to note each of their fleet includes a licensed bar.

For more information visit Thames River Boat.

• Thames Executive Charters

This tour company specialises in river cruises, boat parties and special events.  Not only do they operate tours for corporate or private hire they also have two luxury sunseeker yachts for private hire with a difference.  The company also has a catering service which includes buffet, barbeque, afternoon tea and breakfast menus.

The company also runs a river taxi service year round between Putney and Blackfriars.

For more information visit Thames Executive Charters.

• Thames Clippers

Thames Clippers provide a catamaran commuter service between Waterloo and Royal Arsenal Woolwich Piers, as well as a Tate to Tate service, Hilton Docklands Ferry Service and the O₂ Express.  Further to the commuter service the company also has a fleet of catamarans for private hire.

Tickets can be bought for single and return journeys as well as weekly season tickets and river roamers.  What's more travelcards, freedom passes and student cards attract sizeable discounts to the ticket price.

For more information visit Thames Clipper.

PARTY BOATS

• Silver Fleet - Woods River Cruises

Silver Fleet run corporate events and private parties for all occasions from birthdays to launches.  Their design-led yachts make for a luxurious affair which does not come cheaply.

For more information visit Silver Fleet.

• Thames Leisure

This river boat party expert provides private hire for disco's, weddings and corporate events as well parties for every occasion.

For more information visit Thames Leisure.

• Colliers Launches

Established in 1975, this family run company provides private hire boats for every occasion catering for 12 to 150 people.

For more information visit Colliers Launches.

• King Cruises

Arcadian and King Cruises have four London party boats for private hire specialising in Weddings and Casino Cruises.

For more information visit King Cruises.

CANAL BOATS

• Jason's Trip

Operating since 1951, Jason's operate narrowboat trips along Regent's Canal from Little Venice to Camden Lock with a live commentary lasting up to 45 minutes.

The company also own a party boat - Dusk til Dawn - from which they provide three hour tours between Paddington, Ladbroke Grove and Camden.

For more information visit Jason's Trip

• Jenny Wren

Established in 1968, this boat runs daily sightseeing trips from Walker's Quay at Camden Lock via London Zoo to its end at Little Venice.  Each trip costs £8.50 for adults and includes live commentary on the historic Regent's Canal.

The company also runs a cruising boat restaurant called My Fair Lady available for dinner and lunch cruises, and private hire.

For more information visit Walker's Quay.

• London Waterbus Company

With a waterbus and boats for private hire, this tour company runs trips between Little Venice, London Zoo and Camden.  There is an hourly service in the summer as well as a winter weekend service and day trips to Limehouse.

For more information visit London Waterbus Company.

For charter-only canal boat companies try The Floating Boater and London Canal Cruises.

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