Top England On the Water

Poole Harbour is Europe’s largest natural harbor, home to Brownsea Island, known for its indigenous red squirrels, the Sandbanks peninsula, known locally as Millionaire’s Row, and more. Soak up the sights and take in the history on this circular cruise, with live commentary from the captain to keep you informed and a tea and coffee lounge plus licensed bars to quench your thirst.

Enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine, and entertainment on this Thames River dinner cruise that reveals London when it looks best: illuminated by night. Combine British culture and cuisine as you cruise past iconic London sights such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, far from the crowds that gather outside of them at night. While you eat and admire the riverside attractions, listen to live music.

Embark upon a sailing adventure in London without a high price tag, and get from point A to B in style. While traveling along the Thames River in a sleek catamaran, soak up views of the city's landmarks from the climate-controlled indoor cabins or from the outdoor back decks. Tickets are valid on all piers between Battersea and Barking Riverside piers.

Witness the enchantment of London at night on an evening cruise on the River Thames, which reveals the capital from a fresh perspective. A glass-encased boat provides unrivaled views of the city’s main attractions as they begin to illuminate, so you can see the London Shard, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the HMS Belfast away from the land-based crowds. Sip a glass of sparkling wine (or soft drink) and canapés as you sail.

To maximize limited time in London, combine an iconic British tradition with a sightseeing excursion on an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames River. As you sail from Tower Pier to Westminster, admire London landmarks including the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye—without having to navigate or jostle among the large crowds that gather at the monuments. Plus, indulge in tea, freshly prepared cakes, and sandwiches.

Glide by a host of London’s must-see landmarks on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames River. Step aboard your comfortable cruise boat at Westminster Pier and listen to the live commentary as you pass sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Drink in the views from the open or indoor deck, and at Greenwich, step ashore to visit attractions (own expense) such as the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum.

See London from a different perspective on a one-way or round-trip Thames River cruise—without battling traffic or crowded streets. Sail between Westminster and Tower Bridge, passing landmarks including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London. Along the way, enjoy live onboard commentary or access multilingual audio via a smartphone app.

Set sail for a romantic cruise through the heart of Oxford—and pair your sightseeing with a classic afternoon tea—on this unique, two-in-one boat tour. Tuck into English teatime treats such as finger sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream as you glide downstream. Following a scenic route along the University Regatta Course, discover Oxford’s greenery and admire views of the University Boat Houses, Christ Church Meadows, and Iffley lock.

London’s top landmarks stretch along the Thames, but navigating between them on foot can take time. This experience combines a river cruise with a ride on the London Eye, so you can see the city from the water and from above in one seamless outing. Sail past icons such as Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London before taking in panoramic views from the skyline.

The Raptor rigid inflatable boat (RIB) delivers astonishing acceleration and dramatic maneuverability. Pair thrills and spills with entertaining commentary and maybe some wildlife spotting too on this short but sweet ride from Torquay. Discover secluded coves, caves, islands, and bays in an intimate group of maximum 12. Please note minimum age and height requirements apply.

Take to the water and explore beautiful Yorkshire by boat on this relaxing sightseeing cruise. With a traditional Yorkshire tea of sandwiches, scones, desserts, and drinks served on board, cruise through the pretty countryside and admire uninterrupted views from your vantage point on the water. There’s also a fully licensed bar on board.

Discover the charming sights of Stratford-upon-Avon with a 30-minute river cruise. Explore the historic Tudor landmarks at your own pace with a digital audio guide. Step onboard a traditional Edwardian vessel and enjoy a serene cruise along the River Avon. You’ll spot iconic landmarks such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the Holy Trinity Church where the Bard was buried. Pass underneath the 15th century Clopton Bridge, and take scenic snaps of the historic market town. Afterwards, continue exploring the sights of Stratford with an audio guide. Uncover nine points of interest, such as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and more.

Discover a unique perspective on London’s landmarks—and enjoy a relaxing way to explore—on this Thames River boat tour one-way ticket. Enjoy the flexibility to board and disembark when you want from four convenient piers. Take in the views from the upper decks or relax within the cozy indoor salons, and learn more from the accompanying multilingual commentary.

Save tired legs and go on a tour of the North Yorkshire countryside from the comfort of a public cruise. It’s a faster way to see local sights than a walking tour, and it’s perfect for all weather conditions too. As an added bonus, commentary is provided during the boat trip, so you’ll be entertained and hear stories about the local area as you travel.

See London from the streets, water, and sky with this great-value package that lets you explore at your own pace. Choose a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket with on-board commentary and open-top panoramic views. Enjoy an aerial view aboard the London Eye giant observation wheel and a one-way River Thames cruise between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier, available in either direction.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during an Ouse River cruise. Setting off in the early evening when the light softens, sail past ancient landmarks and quaint riverside villages, all the while learning about the area’s Roman and Viking heritage. Keep warm in the heated saloon, where you can buy alcoholic drinks, warm beverages, and snacks.

Head out to the Seven Sisters, a group of chalk sea cliffs on the coast of East Sussex, with this small-group boat tour. You'll not only get the chance to see the beautiful cliffs, but you'll also receive a lesson in the history of smuggling in the area from your guide, a descendant of smugglers himself.

Explore London’s top sights with flexibility aboard an open-top, double-decker bus. Get off only for the stops you're interested in and choose the ticket duration that works best for you from a 24- or 48-hour option. Learn more about what you're seeing with recorded commentary on Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and more.

Explore Oxford University’s famous regatta course on this Thames River sightseeing cruise. Hop aboard your sightseeing boat in the heart of Oxford and cruise out onto the famous waterway. Learn more about the city’s rich history from your guide, and discover local landmarks such as Folly Bridge, Christchurch College, the Oxford University boathouses and the Meadows.

See the Tower of London and the city skyline from a whole new perspective on this boat tour down the Thames. Curated by the Historic Royal Palaces charity and a presentation written by a co-creator of the BBC TV series ’Ghosts’, you’re better off leaving the guidebook at home—this tour is better. Take in over 20 landmarks on this circular trip aboard a fully electric boat.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during a 45-minute or 1-hour cruise on the Ouse River. Relax during a leisurely sail, accompanied by commentary that details the history and culture of York, and enjoy unobstructed views of landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the York Museum and Gardens. Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.

Delve into London’s dark history on an evening ghost tour of the city’s royal parks, ideal for thrill-seekers and history buffs. Under the cloak of darkness, explore dimly lit parks and historic buildings while listening to spine chilling stories from your ghoulish guide. Plus, enjoy a Thames River cruise which ends at the Tower of London, allegedly London’s most haunted landmark.

Escape the crowds on land and see London from a different perspective during a high-speed cruise on the Thames River—the ideal choice for time-pressed travelers looking to cover more sights in less time. Feel the adrenaline rush as twin turbo 740HP engines propel you past Greenwich, the O2, and many other landmarks. Plus, choose from multiple departure times throughout the day to suit your schedule.