Thames River Cruises
Thames River Cruises
The River Thames has played a central role in the history of London since the town was first established approximately 2,000 years ago. Its life-giving waters, strategic significance for invaders and defenders, commercial and transportation importance have long been a source of prosperity and relaxation for Londoners and visitors alike.
The Thames is the second longest river in England. It covers over 215 miles (344 km) and stretches from its source in Trewsbury Mead in the Cotswolds, to the Thames Estuary near Southend-on-Sea. It borders nine English counties and links London to the cities of Oxford, Reading, Maidenhead, and Windsor.
A cruise on the River Thames is a trip through the history of England and London. The first settlements around the Thames are thought to date back over 2000 years to the Neolithic period. The Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Tudors, Stuarts, Georgians, Victorians, and Edwardians all built their fortresses, palaces, cathedrals and bridges on the banks of the Thames.
Today the River Thames remains an important source of commerce, defence, transport, tourism, and leisure for London. No visit to London would be complete without a cruise on this legendary river which has inspired writers, artists, filmmakers, and sportspeople alike.
If you're visiting London, a Thames River cruise is also a great way to see the sights the easy way. Whilst itineraries vary between boat operators, attractions you can see from the river on the popular cruise boat route to and from Greenwich and Embankment include:
- The Royal Observatory
- The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome)
- Greenwich
- Canary Wharf
- The Tower of London
- London Bridge
- Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- The Tate Modern
- The British Airways London Eye
- Big Ben
- The Houses of Parliament
Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area
If you're looking for a Radisson Edwardian hotel in London that's handy for cruises on the Thames, you'll find plenty of options. Most Thames cruise operators run boat trips to and from central London, so you don't need to stay in the Docklands to enjoy the views from the river.
The May Fair hotel is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street, in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The Mayfair is superbly located for the sights of London, and is close to Green Park underground. It also has its own attractions too: the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar, and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband, and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please.
The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a five star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatre land. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London. With its lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine this is a fantastic base from which to explore London. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre, and a fitness centre. So whether you're in London to work or play the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay.
The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. This intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location but is tucked away in a quiet street off London's theatre land. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, fitness centre, 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service, and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.
The Radisson Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, and its public areas feature silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas, and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre, and complimentary wireless access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.
Save money on cruises along the Thames River
With our 'Let loose in London' scheme, you get a discounted hotel package at a London Radisson Edwardian hotel of your choice, plus exclusive special offers and discounts at some of London's finest galleries, theatres, restaurants and tourist attractions. Included in the discount voucher booklet are some exciting offers that could save you money on boat trips on the River Thames.
15% off lunch or dinner cruises with Bateaux London
If you're staying near Canary Wharf or Greenwich and you'd like to see Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, why not enjoy a restaurant cruise? 'Bateaux London's' lunch and dinner cruises run from Greenwich Pier to Westminster Pier, taking in sights such as Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St. Paul's, and Big Ben on the way. You'll be served the finest modern European cuisine at either a lunch cruise of 1 hour 30 minutes, or a dinner cruise of 2 hours 40 minutes. There are set menus at lunch, and the all-glass Symphony Dinner cruises offer four course a la carte dining. You can enjoy live jazz while you dine, so why not combine dinner, a concert, a cruise and some sightseeing in one unforgettable evening and enjoy a 15% discount?
15% off Thames Clipper adult and children's all-day Roamer tickets
If you'd like to see more in a day, why not discover the benefits of river travel with the Thames Clipper Riverline service? The Roamer ticket is a hop-on, hop-off ticket that lets you visit over twenty of London's best attractions, including Shakespeare's Globe, the London Eye, the London Dungeon, the Tate galleries, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. With the most stops on the Thames between central London and Woolwich, you're sure to find a pier that's close to the attraction you'd like to see. The 15% discount applies to Roamer tickets only, but if you enjoy your introduction to the river Thames you might also like to try the O2 Express, a high-speed luxury catamaran service from the West End via London Bridge. It's perfect for getting you to the O2 in time for your concert or film, and whisking you home in style afterwards.
Money off Circular Cruises and Hopper Passes with Catamaran Cruisers
If you're planning a trip to Westminster to see the Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, why not combine it with a boat trip for a fun family day out? Catamaran Cruisers have a unique fleet of glass-topped boats that give you the best seat on the river. If you'd like to be brought home to Westminster in style, you can take a non-stop multi-lingual Circular Cruise which starts and ends at Westminster Pier. If you prefer to explore on your own, book a one day Hopper Pass from Greenwich, Tower, Bankside, Embankment, or Waterloo Piers. This ticket gives you unlimited use of Catamaran Cruiser services for a whole day. The Radisson Edwardian voucher gives you £3 off adult fares and £1.50 off child fares for either service.