Top United Kingdom Day Cruises - page 2

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.

Get a taste of the high life with this luxury private yacht experience from Lymington. A freshly prepared 2-course meal and Champagne is included, and you’ll have ample time to kick back and relax with your personal group as the crew take care of the yacht. If the weather is good, then grab the chance for a swim near the Isle of Wight, or, if the weather is less than kind, then hunker down with blankets below deck.

Hop aboard a vintage double-decker bus—and then board a cruise down the Thames River—for a 2-in-1 sightseeing tour of London. On this fun-filled excursion, see main attractions including Big Ben and the Tower of London, cruise past Westminster and the London Eye, and capture photos outside Buckingham Palace. You can also upgrade to include a fish and chips lunch at a traditional British pub.

Yorkshire's countryside is at its best away from the roads, along the quiet canals you can't reach on foot. This cruise takes you out onto the water with a traditional Yorkshire afternoon tea served on board—sandwiches, scones, and desserts—as the barge moves through the countryside.

Glide along the picturesque River Cam on a shared punting tour, where you'll soak in the stunning views of Cambridge's historic colleges and bridges. In just 50 minutes, experience the charm of the College Backs, guided by a knowledgeable punter who shares captivating stories and local history. This affordable journey is perfect for students, solo travelers, couples, and anyone looking for a social atmosphere while enjoying the beauty of Cambridge. With comfortable seating, cushions, and the option to bring refreshments, this tour ensures a relaxed and enjoyable outing. - 50-minute shared punt ride along the scenic River Cam - Live English commentary and optional synchronized Chinese audio guide - Maximum of 12 passengers per boat for a friendly atmosphere - Bring your own snacks and drinks for added comfort during the tour

Enjoy a new way to explore London—and benefit from a time-saving option that's perfect for thrill-seekers—on this speedboat tour of the Thames River. With just a small group for company, hop aboard, get settled, and then hit high speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kph). As you splash down the river, pass landmarks such as Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.

Delve into the legends of Loch Ness and admire the scenery of the Caledonian Canal without the land-based crowds on this 50-minute cruise from Dochgarroch. Discover the secrets of Loch Ness and search for the Loch Ness Monster (aka Nessie) using on-board sonar technology. Plus, you'll get unrivaled views of the Bona Lighthouse and Aldourie Castle from the water.

Admire Oxford from the water on this cruise, and see a side to the city that many travelers miss. Float along the tranquil Thames River as your skipper points out places of interest such as Christchurch College, the Meadows, Port Meadow, and Folly Bridge—which you can enjoy without having to jostle the land-based crowds. A picnic lunch midway keeps you fueled throughout.

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.

Admire Cambridge from a premium perspective on the Cam River and enjoy a quintessentially English adventure on this punting tour. Hop into your punt on the banks of the river and glide gracefully along the peaceful waterway as your guide points out King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Mathematical Bridge, which you can enjoy away from the land-based crowds. In case the English summer takes a turn for the worse, your punt is equipped with blankets, cushions, and umbrellas.

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.

Rather than jostling the crowds on land, watch the Thames light up at night on a dinner cruise with live jazz. Kick off your night with a glass of sparkling wine as you glide into the current and admire the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London from a unique perspective on the water. Enjoy live jazz music while you indulge in a 3-course dinner in a heated cabin, with plenty of time to take in the sights between courses.

Sit back and relax as this scenic, educational cruise takes you over Coniston Water and shows you the best sights of the lake. You’ll sail past Wild Cat Island, Brantwood, which is the former home of 19th-century English writer and philosopher John Ruskin, and the Coniston fells while you hear all about the local area and its history from your guide.

Escape the city and see some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sights on a boat cruise that takes you to Inchcolm Island, home to both a medieval abbey and a colony of sea lions and seals. As well as escaping the crowds on land, you’ll bag the best views of the famous Three Bridges.

Experience both Tower Bridge and a cruise on the Thames River with this 2-in-1 tour. You won't have to worry about securing tickets for either outing, and your guide will share fascinating details about Tower Bridge's history, engineering, and impact on London’s skyline. During the cruise, take in panoramic views of landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Crossing London by Underground means crowds and no view of the city you came to see. This combo pass swaps that for the river and the sky: a hop-on hop-off Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket along the Thames, passing landmarks such as the London Eye and Tower Bridge, plus a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car over the skyline. Both run on full-day passes, so you set your own route.

Test your limits and step outside onto the open viewing platform on the 72nd floor, or admire the views from inside. Learn about London’s history through multimedia displays and exhibits, or simply sit back and enjoy the view from the champagne bar. The Shard redefines London’s skyline and will soon be a dynamic symbol of the city, recognizable throughout the world. The unique building features a sculpted design of glass facets that incline inward without meeting at the top to allow the building to breathe naturally. Admire the pyramid structure of The Shard and see other monuments from London's historic waterway. Head to the open deck for panoramic views of London's landmarks. Feel free to explore the charms of Greenwich on your own terms, and see sights such as Greenwich Market, the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory which are all within easy walking distance from the pier.

Sail around the Farne Islands on this group tour, where you’ll have the chance to spot puffins, terns, razorbills, and loads more birds. You’ll land for an hour to visit the Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary, where your attendant will answer all your questions and tell you about the area’s history. You’ll also see seals, waterfalls, and much more.

Perfect for diehard Harry Potter fans, this two-in-one, small-group tour will introduce you to the city’s filming locations on foot and by boat. Choose from a morning or afternoon start time and meet your guide at Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station. You’ll continue via public transit to Central London, where you can visit Harry Potter shops and glimpse locations used in the movies. Finally, see more sights aboard a Thames River cruise.

Avoid closed attractions on Christmas Day by seeing London from the water on this festive River Thames cruise. Glide from Westminster to Greenwich and back, passing landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London—while enjoying a British-style Christmas lunch of roast turkey with all the trimmings. Along the way, sip sparkling wine, sing along to Christmas carols, and take in the sights without the usual holiday crowds.

Cruise the River Thames to see London’s most iconic sites, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. While some tourist-focused River Thames cruises require half a day, this independent alternative takes in highlights with just 30 minutes aboard a public river ferry. An included digital audio guide points out landmarks—the curated info of a guided tour, plus the freedom to explore on your own.

Make the most of your limited time in London with this sightseeing package that combines a coach tour and a river cruise. Travel by air-conditioned bus between landmarks including Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony—without having to navigate public transport or plan an itinerary. Then, unwind on a scenic cruise along the River Thames for a different perspective on the city’s iconic skyline.

Swap the buzzing streets of London for the soaring sea cliffs and peaceful woodlands of the Isle of Wight on this full-day trip. While it might seem daunting to arrange a day trip to the remote island, this tour takes care of all travel logistics so you can focus on sightseeing. Hop on a ferry from Southampton to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, then explore the seaside villages of Godshill and Shanklin. Enjoy plenty of free time to soak up the scenery, visit the sights, or cool off at the beach, then return to London in the evening.

Save yourself the hassle of navigating Central London alone and see the highlights from both land and water on this private experience —a personalized way to experience the city from two perspectives in just one day. Walk between landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Westminster with your guide, then relax on a narrated cruise along the River Thames. Glide past icons including the London Eye, Millennium Bridge, and Shakespeare's Globe.