Best boats and ships in London

From iconic HMS Belfast to historical Cutty Sark to river cruises, discover a whole host of famous London boats and ships to visit, and sometimes even travel on.

Head to one of these famous London boats and ships and experience some of the capital’s richest historical locations, or simply cruise along the Thames.

Cutty Sark, Greenwich

View from above of the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich.

Don't miss a chance to visit iconic Cutty Sark, part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, where you can venture underneath the decks and follow in the footsteps of merchant seamen who sailed over a century ago. It's the world's last surviving tea clipper.

The Golden Hinde, Bankside

Immerse yourself in seafaring history and be inspired by the voyage of Sir Francis Drake on The Golden Hinde in St Mary Overie Dock. This full-scale replica of the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe is now a history-packed museum.

HMS Belfast, London Bridge

A boy helps to clean a gauge on HMS Belfast, as part of the Ship Shape activities.

Head to HMS Belfast, which sits on The Queen’s Walk, and explore nine decks of amazing history, from the heavily protected Shell Rooms to the sights and sounds of the interactive Operations Room. Children under 15 go free.

HMS President, Victoria Embankment

Spot former navy ship, HMS President, which is permanently moored on the Thames near Victoria, on a leisurely stroll by the river. This 1918 beauty can also be hired for weddings and functions.

River boat tours

The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus floats along the river Thames past the Old Royal Naval College.

Travelling by river is popular. If you want to get out onto the Thames, City Cruises is a top sightseeing tour, showcasing the best sights for affordable prices. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers also departs every 20 minutes from major piers, or there is the free Woolwich ferry service, which runs between Woolwich and North Woolwich. For more of a high-thrill ride, take one of a number of speedboat tours of London.

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