River Cruise In England - Updated 2024

Franchesca Judine
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 3 min read

A country of immense culture and history, England is a favorite travel destination for many, and for good reason. With immaculate landmarks, delicious cuisine and an enticing culture, who wouldn’t want to go to this amazing country? But, while many prefer to walk or take a bus through England, we prefer a good old’ boat. Yes, a boat! River cruises and boat tours are a great way to explore and discover a country. Offering a stunning and unbeatable view of the city, there’s no question why river cruises are so popular. They provide a unique travel experience that’s definitely worth telling back home. So, whether you want a fancy dinner cruise or just a laidback boat tour, we’ve got you covered. Here are some river cruises in England, UK, for you to enjoy.

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1. See London from River Thames

river cruise in england | see london from river thames

Come abroad a delightful cruise through London and discover the city like you never would have otherwise. From Westminster to Greenwich, this hour-long cruise will take you along River Thames, where you will spot the city’s best landmarks. You’ll be able to see the House of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Royal Observatory and so much more. Get a panoramic and unbelievable view of London as you sit back and relax on a smooth-sailing river cruise.

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2. Tour Oxford on a river cruise

Cruising along the tranquil River Thames, this exciting boat ride will take you through the wonders of the beautiful and historic city of Oxford. Abundant with interesting sites to see, this 2.5-hour long tour shows you a side of Oxford that others rarely get to see. You’ll be able to spot the city’s beautiful natural environment and their most iconic landmarks, such as Port Meadow, Folly Bridge, and the Oxford University boathouses, among many others. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be stopping along the way for a delicious picnic spread that includes salmon and a decadent Mediterranean loaf. Free drinks are also included to wash down the amazing meal. Serving as a lovely and peaceful afternoon treat, or a romantic dinner date, this river cruise is definitely a must-do!

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3. Take a sunset cruise along River Thames

river cruise in england | take a sunset cruise along river thames

With this spectacular river cruise, you’ll be able to get an amazing view of the London skyline as the sun descends on the horizon. Considerably one of the best ways to start the evening, this tour sets sail on River Thames, where you will be able to watch the sun go down and the city lights light up. Offering a glittering view of the city, you’ll be able to see famous landmarks, such as the London Eye and House of Parliament, like never before. The cruise also offers a glass of bubbly and several hor d’oeuvres for you to enjoy whilst listening to some smooth jazz from live performers.

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4. Explore Liverpool from the sea

river cruise in england | explore liverpool from the sea

Take a trip through the world-renowned maritime city of Liverpool with a fun and exciting river cruise. On this 50-minute cruise ride, you will be able to see and admire the city’s beloved sites such as the Royal Albert Dock, and the 3 Graces. You get a tremendous, unbeatable view of Liverpool’s waterfront, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the perfect chance to explore and discover the remarkable city of Liverpool and learn about its rich culture and history through provided audio commentary and information sheets. There’s no better way to spend a lovely afternoon in Liverpool than on a good old river cruise.

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5. Enjoy a dinner cruise in Windsor

Enjoy an intimate, romantic dinner under the beautiful Windsor sky with this excellent river cruise. With a decadent five-course meal and the fleeting scenic views of Windsor, without a doubt, you’ll be feeling like royalty. This cruise includes a 2.5-hour boat ride along River Thames through the royal town of Windsor, where you’ll be able to spot the Windsor Castle and Eton College. Aboard the boat, you’ll be served a delicious and freshly prepared five-course meal, which usually includes smoked salmon, roasted lamb and so much more. You’ll also be able to sip on some wine or champagne whilst listening to some relaxing music. Enjoy a romantic and scenic dinner unlike any other on this cruise.

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6. Spend an afternoon cruising along Bath's Avon River

Set sail on Bath’s Avon River and enjoy the scenic view of the city’s UNESCO Heritage sites. You’ll be able to see Pulteney Bridge, St. John’s Church and Pulteney Bridge Weir while you bask under the warm Bath sun. This is a small-group tour where you can ensure a lovely, and personalized experience aboard an authentic 1960’s Broad Cruiser, that’s equipped with a breezy sunroof for the summer days and a cozy firepit for those winter afternoons. This interesting tour has a complimentary audio commentary that can guide you through the sites.

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A memorable view of England from the river

Explore and discover England, the unconventional way! With a number of river cruises all throughout England, you’ll be able to see this beauty from a whole new perspective and get a unique experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get on board and start your tour on water!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A budding digital creative, a writer and an advocate for sustainability. A certified third-culture kid, Franchesca Judine was born in the island country of the Philippines and was raised in the...Read more

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