How To Enjoy the River Thames

The Thames is one of the most famous rivers in the world. Nothing tops the beauty of experiencing it up close and personal. It’s the longest complete river in England and runs for 346km. You can walk or run along it, or book a trip and really lose your mind along the way  .It will always be a favourite for family and friends.

For some interesting outings just around London, here are some easy options.

High Adrenaline Thames

Thames RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) fast boats have been around for just under 10 years in London and look like the things Navy special forces would attack a ship in. You’re not dressed up in masks and guns, but you are strapped in and ready to bounce!

This is no peaceful boat trip. Thames RIB boats are fast and furious as they race you from Westminster, past HMS Belfast, under Tower Bridge and past the Tower of London, all the way through to Canary Wharf and back as fast as possible with a healthy dose of dodging and bouncing.

Its super fun, great for kids above a certain age and anyone who loves some action.

Tel: 0203 613 2347 Website: www.thamesribexperience.com

HMS Belfast

This big blue Navy ship on the Thames is an old light cruiser permanently moored on the river and managed by the Imperial War Museum. Built in 1936-38 and named after the capital city of Northern Ireland, she launched on St. Patrick’s Day in 1938.

The Belfast was part of the naval blockade against Germany during the Second World War, struck a mine laid by the Germans and was refitted extensively over two years to come back leaner and meaner. In 1942, she saw action escorting convoys to Russia and was part of the battle of North Cape, and of the sinking of the German warship Scharnhorst.

In 1944, she joined Operation Overlord supporting the Normandy invasion and then moved to Asia as part of the British fleet after the end of the Second World War. She saw further combat in 1950-52 during the Korean War, before moving back to London in 1963 to lay in the Thames for education and tourism.

Tel: 0207 940 6300 Website: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

Thames River Cruises

Dozens of operators will take you across every length of the Thames in large, long boats, either for straight up ‘rubber necking’ or night-time partying and dancing your feet off sessions.  Most of the larger tours start around Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier or at Greenwich Pier every day of the year.

The easiest journey is usually 45 mins from one end to the other, and prices will generally be around £10 and up, depending on how many people and how long you want.  Most of the tours serve takeaway food, awful tea and coffee to get you by, but you’re much better providing for yourself.

Website: tfl.gov.uk/modes/river/about-river-tours

Helicopter Flights

If you’re cashed up and feel like doing the Thames and most of London in style, then you can always hire a helicopter charter flight. Grab a few friends, as it’s never cheap to raise yourself above ground, but most of the firms offer you the helicopter exclusively with enough people, so you can decide the time and route.

You can go anywhere, but most popular routes are along the Thames, past the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, HMS Belfast and through Greenwich to the 02 Arena.

We’ve heard of people doing a ‘Football clubs of London’ tour to see all the favourite clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham etc.

Prices vary but entry level is around £150 per person for 30 mins.

Website: www.helicoptertourslondon.co.uk

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