Tower of London River Tour review: Exploring the Thames on the UK’s first all‑electric vessel

Tower of London River Tour: An eco-friendly way to explore London

Historic Royal Palaces’ new river tour gives you front‑row views of some of London’s most majestic landmarks aboard a sleek electric vessel. Whether you’re out on the open‑air deck or staying cosy inside with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and an impressive glass roof, the skyline stays in sight the whole way.

Read on to discover how London’s past is brought to life through a fresh, witty script created by Historic Royal Palaces and written by Martha Howe‑Douglas, co‑creator of BBC’s Ghosts. It’s history with a playful twist, full of character and smart humour that makes the river feel alive as you glide along.

What you’ll see on the tour

Stepping aboard at Tower Bridge Quay, the first thing you notice is just how much of London you can see before the boat even pulls away. The panoramic windows ensure that every seat comes with a view on this 40‑minute round trip tour, which smoothly cruises past more than 20 famous landmarks.

The cruise sets off right outside the Tower of London – ideal if you’re pairing it with a visit before or after – and the guide wastes no time diving into the fortress’s mighty past. From royal power to infamous prisoners, you get a lively introduction to the 1,000 years of history shared between the Tower and the Thames.

As the electric vessel moves off, the river instantly feels calmer. City Hall, The Shard and HMS Belfast appear on your left, and before long you’re drifting under London Bridge. You’re free to wander between the open‑air deck and the cosy interior with Scottish eco-leather seating. The guide’s commentary carries through both spaces, so you never miss a moment.

Soon you’re hearing tales of The Clink Prison – now a museum – and the extraordinary escape of John Gerard, one of the very few people to break free from the Tower of London. My favourite is the story of his “orange juice letters”, written in invisible ink, and his daring getaway.

The route continues past The Globe, Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral, with the guide explaining that the vessel will loop back so you can catch the landmarks on the opposite bank up close on the return. As you head upriver, the skyline opens out to reveal the big icons – Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye – so it’s well worth having your camera ready.

On the way back, you get another chance to snap photos, enjoy a drink from the saloon bar or simply sit back and soak up the commentary as you glide under Tower Bridge once more. It’s a relaxed, scenic loop that gives you London from every angle.

Discover London’s past through playful, live commentary

What really sets the tour apart is the way it mixes characterful, good‑humoured storytelling with history‑packed facts.

The script, written by Ghosts co‑creator Martha Howe‑Douglas, weaves together a playful, Horrible Histories‑style narrative with stories from across the centuries. You’ll hear about the Gunpowder Plot, the many past lives of the Thames, the role of the Tower of London’s Traitors’ Gate and even how Big Ben has marked key moments in the city’s history. It’s a clever mix of wit and insight that keeps the whole journey feeling fun while bringing London’s past to life.