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Westminster Millennium Pier

Transport for London River Services Logo Daytime Cruises from Westminster Pier

Thames River Sightseeing

A visit to London isn’t complete without a cruise on the River Thames. Thames River Sightseeing operate regular services from six piers on the River Thames including Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Tower Bridge Quay (St. Katharine Pier) & Greenwich Pier. Thames River Sightseeing cruise 361 days a year & operate a fleet of all-weather vessels with spacious open decks perfect for the summer months & heated saloons with panoramic windows for the colder months. The vessels range from more traditional River Thames passenger boats (London Rose) to more modern vessels purposefully built for the River Thames (Thomas Doggett). A cruise between Westminster & Tower Bridge Quay takes just 30-40 minutes & passes numerous London landmarks including the New Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Shard, London Bridge & Tower Bridge.

Passengers can embark at Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, Tower Bridge Quay or Greenwich & take advantage of a range of ticketing options. Single tickets are suited for day trippers or passengers travelling in or out of London & return tickets allow passengers to disembark & explore before joining a return sailing later the same day. A 2 Day River Pass is the perfect option for anyone visiting London over multiple days. A River Pass allows unlimited travel on our services for just £21.00 per adult, a family River Pass is just £42.00 (for 2 Adults + 3 Children).

Thames River Sightseeing also offer excellent group rates & discounts which are perfect for families, tour companies or travel trade. Toilet facilities & a Multilingual Audio Guide are available on all sailings. The Multilingual Audio Guide is an informative commentary available through our onboard Wi-Fi in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin (Smart device & headphones are not provided, Read More).

Why Choose Thames River Sightseeing

  • Modern & traditional sightseeing boats with open decks, heated saloons & toilet facilities.
  • Regular departures: Currently every 40 minutes.
  • Onboard Café Bars are open on Saturdays & Sundays serving hot drinks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks & light snacks. Some sailings between Monday & Friday may also have refreshments available. (Read More)
  • Scenic cruises between Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, Tower Bridge Quay (St. Katharine Pier) & Greenwich Pier passing more than 44 London landmarks.
  • Wi-Fi Audio Guide available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Mandarin. (Smart device & headphones are not provided, Read More)

 

Thames River Sightseeing Routes

We are currently operating 7-days a week calling at Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, Bankside Pier, Tower Bridge Quay & Greenwich Pier.

Piers on our Routes
Westminster Pier (Houses of Parliament)
Embankment Pier (Charing Cross, Villiers Street & Strand)
Festival Pier (Royal Festival Hall & South Bank Centre)
Bankside Pier (Globe Theatre & Tate Modern)
Tower Bridge Quay (St. Katharine Pier)
Greenwich Pier (Cutty Sark)

About Westminster Pier

Westminster Pier is located on the North shore of the River Thames in the City of Westminster. The pier is a short walk from the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), Westminster Abbey & St. Margaret’s Church (A UNESCO World Heritage Site). Numerous museums & landmarks are within walking distance of Westminster Pier including the Banqueting House, Household Cavalry Museum, the National Gallery & the London Eye.

Private Charters from Westminster Pier

Our versatile party boats are a popular choice for corporate & private events on the River Thames. Large open decks, heated saloons & fully licensed bars are just a few of the facilities to be found on-board.

We can provide a wide range of catering & dining options, perfectly paired with our extensive wine menu. Our entertainment options & decorations can also make your event truly unique.

Near Westminster Pier

New Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament)St. Stephens Hall, New Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament)

About the New Palace of Westminster

Known as the ‘Houses of Parliament’, the new palace was built between 1840-1870 after the original palace was damaged during a fire. The palace is the home of UK Parliament & the iconic Elizabeth Tower (known as Big Ben).

Highlights

  • Guided tours available in multiple languages.
  • Self-guided tours with a multimedia guide.
  • Tours with afternoon tea overlooking the River Thames.
  • Special exhibitions in Westminster Hall.
  • Special talks & guided tours.
  • Refreshments available in the Jubilee cafe.
Walking Distance  1 Min / 279 Feet Visit Website
The Jewel Tower, City of WestminsterThe Jewel Tower, City of Westminster

About the Jewel Tower

The Jewel Tower is one of the last remaining structures from the Medieval Palace of Westminster. The Tower was built by Henry Yevele between 1365-1366 for King Edward III & originally served as a store for precious items including silver plate. After much of the medieval palace was destroyed by a fire in 1834 the Jewel Tower became a records office for the House of Lords. In 1869 it became a testing office for the Board of Trade Standards Department (More commonly known as Weights and Measures).

Highlights

  • One of the last remaining buildings from the Medieval Palace of Westminster.
  • Light refreshments available at the Jewel Tower Cafe.
Walking Distance  3 Min / 660 Feet
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County Hall, Waterloo, London Borough of Lambeth

About County Hall

County Hall was designed by the architect Ralph Knott & opened by King George V in 1922. The building served as the headquarters for the London County Council & then the Greater London Council. Today County Hall is home to the Sea Life London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Namco Arcade, hotels, restaurants, private apartments & conference & event spaces.

Highlights

  • Sea Life London Aquarium
  • The London Dungeon
  • Shrek’s Adventure!
  • Namco Funscape Arcade
  • Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution (performed in the County Hall Court Room)
Walking Distance  5 Min / 0.2 Miles (Via Westminster Bridge)
The Supreme Court, Middlesex Guildhall, Parliament Square

About The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court was formally established on the 1st October 2009 & is the highest court in the United Kingdom. The court hears appeals for civil cases in the United Kingdom & criminal cases in England, Wales & Northern Ireland. The Supreme Court sits in the Middlesex Guildhall, an art nouveau gothic style building designed by J. S Gibson & completed in 1913.

Highlights

  • Guided tours led by a member of the court staff.
  • Permanent & temporary exhibitions on the lower ground floor.
  • Refreshments available at the Supreme Court Café.
  • Purchase souvenirs & gifts from the Supreme Court Shop.
Walking Distance  6 Min / 0.3 Miles
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The London Eye, Waterloo, London Borough of Lambeth

About the London Eye

At 135 metres tall the London Eye is the worlds largest cantilevered observation wheel. The London Eye was designed by Marks Barfield Architects & launched in 2000 as a temporary attraction. The London Eye has quickly become one of the most popular paid attractions in the world carrying over 3.5 million visitors each year. On a clear day visibility is up to 40km allowing views of Windsor Castle & the Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford.

Highlights

  • See London from a unique perspective.
Walking Distance  7 Min / 0.3 Miles (Via Westminster Bridge)
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St Margaret's Church, City of Westminster

About St. Margaret’s Church

St. Margaret’s Church is dedicated to St. Margaret of Antioch & is the third church to stand on the site. The original St. Margaret’s Church was built by the Benedictine Monks of Westminster Abbey in the 11th Century. The Rule of St. Benedict required the monks to sing the Divine Office at set times each day. The creation of a smaller church next to the Abbey allowed the people of Westminster to worship without disturbing the monks.

The current St. Margaret’s Church was designed by Robert Stowell & work started in 1482. The church was finally consecrated on the 9th April 1523 & remains almost unchanged today. St. Margaret’s Church is now governed by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster & can be visited free of charge.

Highlights

  • Refreshments are available at Westminster Abbey’s Cellarium Café.
  • Purchase souvenirs & gifts at the Westminster Abbey Shop.
Walking Distance  7 Min / 0.3 Miles
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Westminster Abbey, City of Westminster

About Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey was built by King Edward (later to become St. Edward the Confessor) on the site of a Benedictine Monastery on Thorn Ey (Thorn Island) in Westminster. King Edward’s Abbey was consecrated on the 28th December 1065 however Edward was unable to attend the consecration due to illness, he died just days later sparking a succession crisis which intimately led to the Norman Conquest of England. William the Conqueror was coronated King William I on Christmas Day in 1066 & every coronation has taken place at Westminster Abbey since.

King Edward’s abbey stood for over two centuries until King Henry III started to rebuild the abbey in a Gothic style. Henry’s abbey was consecrated on the 13th October 1269 & still stands today. Westminster Abbey is the resting place of 17 monarchs & a number of poets, musicians, scientists and politicians.

Highlights

  • Explore King Henry VII’s Lady Chapel.
  • Visit the Queens Diamond Jubilee Galleries.
  • Visit the college garden (open on select days each week).
  • Refreshments are available at the Cellarium Café.
  • Purchase souvenirs & gifts at the Westminster Abbey Shop.
Walking Distance  7 Min / 0.3 Miles
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The Banqueting House, Whitehall, City of WestminsterRubens Ceiling, The Banqueting House, Whitehall, City of Westminster

About the Banqueting House

The Banqueting House is the last remaining building from Whitehall Palace, home to a magnificent ceiling painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens & the execution site of King Charles I. The building was designed by Inigo Jones in the Palladian style for King James I & was completed in 1622.

Highlights

  • One of the last remaining buildings from Henry VIII’s Whitehall Palace.
  • The execution site of King Charles I.
  • Peter Paul Rubens magnificent ceiling murals.
Walking Distance  7 Min / 0.4 Miles
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St. James Park, City of Westminster

About St. James Park

St. James Park is London’s oldest royal park & is surrounded by three royal palaces, the Palace of Westminster, St. James Palace & Buckingham Palace. In 1536 the royal court was based at the Palace of Westminster & King Henry VIII purchased land at St. James to build St. James Palace & a new deer park. After his accession to the throne in 1603 James I had the park drained, landscaped & filled with exotic animals including camels, crocodiles, birds & an elephant.

St. James Park underwent further alterations when Charles II opened it to the public & had it re-landscaped in a more formal style with a large canal. St. James Park saw another makeover in the 1820’s when the Prince Regent (later to become George IV) commissioned the architect & landscaper John Nash to give the park a more natural look. The canal was shaped into a lake & an iron bridge was built offering excellent views across the lake. The current bridge (The Blue Bridge) was built in 1957 & is the third bridge to span St. James Park Lake.

Highlights

  • Take in the view of Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade & the London Eye from the Blue Bridge.
  • Learn more about the park on a walking tour (available on select dates).
  • See the parks resident pelicans at feeding time.
  • Refreshments available at St. James Café.
Walking Distance  8 Min / 0.3 Miles
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Florence Nightingale Museum, St. Thomas Hospital, Waterloo, London Borough of Lambeth

About the Florence Nightingale Museum

Florence Nightingale was a pioneer of modern nursing & a social reformer, she became known as the Lady with the Lamp after her night rounds tending to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. The Florence Nightingale Museum is situated at St. Thomas Hospital on the site of Florence Nightingale’s Training School & celebrates the life & work of Florence Nightingale through collections of over 3000 objects.

Highlights

  • Learn about Florence Nightingale’s life & achievements.
  • Highlight Tours of the museums collections.
  • Walking tours following in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale.
  • Souvenirs available in the museum shop.
Walking Distance  8 Min / 0.4 Miles
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Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms, City of Westminster

About Churchill War Rooms

Walking Distance  9 Min / 0.4 Miles
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Whitehall, City of WestminsterThe Cenotaph, Whitehall, City of Westminster

About Whitehall

Walking Distance  9 Min / 0.4 Miles
The Household Cavalry Museum, Whitehall, City of Westminster

About the Household Cavalry Museum

Walking Distance  10 Min / 0.4 Miles
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Benjamin Franklin House, City of Westminster

About Benjamin Franklin House

36 Craven Street is the only remaining home of the Benjamin Franklin, a famous scientist, diplomat & Founding Father of the United States. The house itself dates from around 1730 & is an authentic representation Benjamin Franklin’s time in London. Tours of Benjamin Franklin House are available for the public & there is also a small shop & toilet facilities onsite.

Highlights

  • Tour the only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin & the first de facto United States Embassy.
  • Purchase souvenirs & gifts at the Benjamin Franklin House Shop.
Walking Distance  4 Min / 0.2 Miles
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Cleopatra's Needle, Victoria Embankment, City of Westminster

About Cleopatra’s Needle

Cleopatra’s Needle was erected in Heliopolis around 1450 BC. The needle was already over 1,300 years old when Cleopatra became Queen. The needle was presented to the United Kingdom in 1818 to commemorate British military victories at the Battle of the Nile & Battle of Alexandria but it was not moved to London until 1877.
Walking Distance  10 Min / 0,5 Miles
Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster

About Trafalgar Square

Walking Distance  14 Min / 0.7 Miles
The Savoy Hotel, City of Westminster

About the Savoy Hotel

The Savoy Hotel was built by Richard D’Oyly Carte & opened in 1889. The Savoy proved popular with tourists & was the first hotel in Britain to utilise electric lifts & be lit entirely by electric lighting. The Savoy boasts numerous bars & restaurants & is adjacent to the Savoy Theatre.

Walking Distance  15 Min / 0.7 Miles
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The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster

About the National Gallery

The National Gallery was founded in 1824 & opened to the public on the 10th May of the same year. As the collection grew the gallery moved from a small building at 100 Pall Mall to the present building, a purpose built structure designed by William Wilkins. Both The National Gallery’s building & collection has grown over the years, Sir James Pennethorne, Sir Charles Barry & Sir John Taylor have all extended the building & over 2,600 paintings are now housed within the collection. Today the National Gallery is free to visit & they organise a range of exhibitions & events showcases works from the collection. The gallery also has a number of giftshops, a dining room & cafés.

Walking Distance  15 Min / 0.7 Miles
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The Garden Museum, London Borough of LambethThe Garden Museum, Lambeth

About the Garden Museum

Walking Distance  13 Min / 0.6 Miles
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Somerset House, City of Westminster

About Somerset House

Somerset House was designed by William Chambers & completed 1801. The house has been home to the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Society, the General Register Office & the Inland Revenue. Today Somerset House is open to the public and regularly hosts concerts & other public events.

Walking Distance  16 Min / 0.8 Miles
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National Portrait Gallery, City of Westminster

About the National Portrait Gallery

Walking Distance  16 Min / 0.7 Miles
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Buckingham Palace, City of Westminster

About Buckingham Palace

    • Visit the Queens Gallery & view exhibitions of paintings, furniture & other items from the Royal Collection.
    • Explore the Royal Mews, learn about the travel arrangements of the Royal Household & see a number of elegant state coaches.
    • Tour the magnificent State Rooms for 10 weeks during the summer months & selected dates during Winter & Spring.

Exhibitions

George IV: Art & Spectacle | 15 November 2019-11th October 2020 During George’s time as Prince of Wales he amassed such vast collections of art including Dutch & Flemish masters, porcelain, intricate goldsmiths work, books, prints & weapons that he could barely fit all of the items in his London home at Carlton House. After George’s accession he set about transforming Buckingham Palace & Windsor Castle to house his prized collections & he also built the magnificent Brighton Pavilion. George IV: Art & Spectacle is a special exhibition curated by Royal Collection Trust which brings together items created by the finest artists & craftsmen to tell the story of one of our most magnificent kings.
Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace | 4th December 2020-31st January 2022 The Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace was designed by John Nash to house the magnificent picture collection of George IV & his predecessors. The Picture Gallery still serves this purpose & is home to some of the finest paintings in the Royal Collection including works by Rubens, Van Dyck & Canaletto. Resurfacing works will take place in Buckingham Palace during 2020 to help preserve the historic building for future generations. During the works paintings from the Picture Gallery will be moved to the Queens Gallery for public display.
Japan: Courts and Culture | This exhibition is expected to open in 2022 The Royal Collection holds an extensive range of Japanese items including rare porcelain, lacquer, samurai armour, embroidered screens & diplomatic gifts. Japan: Courts and Culture brings highlights from the collection together for the first time to tell the story of over 300 years of diplomatic friendship between the British & Japanese royal & imperial families. Items from the reign of James I to Elizabeth II will offer an insight into the different rituals & artistry surrounding the courts of England & Japan.
Walking Distance  18 Min / 0.9 Miles
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Tate Britain, Millbank, City of Westminster

About the Tate Britain

In 1889 the sugar merchant Henry Tate offered the government his collection of 65 British paintings to be displayed to the public. Due to a lack of space for British art at the National Gallery Tate provided £80,000 to build the National Gallery of British Art. The new gallery was designed by the architect Sidney R. J. Smith & built on the site of the old Millbank penitentiary. The gallery opened in 1897 with 245 works of art in eight galleries & quickly became known as the Tate Gallery. The gallery officially became known as the Tate Gallery in 1932 & then the Tate Britain in 2000 after the opening of the Tate Modern inside the old Bankside power station. The Tate Britain displays over 700 artworks, is free to visit & also has the Djanogly Café, Rex Whistler Restaurant & a wide range of exhibitions & events take place throughout the year (some exhibitions charge an entry fee).

Walking Distance  18 Min / 0.9 Miles
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HQS Wellington, Victoria Embankment, City of Westminster

About HQS Wellington

HQS Wellington is a Grimsby Class Sloop launched in 1934. She escorted convoys in the North Atlantic throughout the Second World War. She is now permanently moored on Victoria Embankment and is the livery hall of the Honorable Company of Master Mariners.

Walking Distance  19 Min / 1 Mile
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Spencer House, St. James, City of Westminster

About Spencer House

Walking Distance  21 Min / 1 Mile
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 Westminster Millennium Pier Location

**Transportation links are based on data from Transport for London, always check their website (tfl.gov.uk) when planning your journey.

Walking times & distances are average times based on data from Google Maps.

We operate daytime cruises from 6 piers on the River Thames & private charters from over 20 piers. Click the link below to view all piers.

**Transportation links are based on data from Transport for London, always check their website (tfl.gov.uk) when planning your journey.

Walking times & distances are average times based on data from Google Maps.

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