London: Illuminated River Official Boat Tour

Book now from £14.00

Buying as a gift? Lovetovisit Gift Card available here!

Book Illuminated River tickets for one of the best boat rides on the River Thames

See London in a new light as you join Uber Boats by Thames Clippers on the River Thames and sail underneath the longest public art commission in the world. 

"The Illuminated River will celebrate the unique architecture and heritage of our bridges, showcase creativity, boost life at night and transform the way we think about the Thames." - Mayor of London

About your Illuminated River Official Boat Tour on the River Thames:

  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for ages 5+
  • Dates: Every Saturday from September until Spring
  • Meeting Point: Boarding Point D, Tower Pier
  • Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Please note: This tour is completely wheelchair accessible.

What is the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour in London?

The Illuminated River is a long-term art installation, transforming the capital city at night as nine of the bridges that cross the River Thames are lit up with environmentally-friendly LED lights.

  • See the original bridges that underwent vivid transformations in 2019; Cannon Street, Southwark & Millennium
  • From here, you'll sail on to the next set of bridges that were transformed in 2021; Blackfriars, Waterloo, Golden Jubilee, Westminster and Lambeth
  • Finish your tour by gliding underneath the last glowing bridges; Chelsea, Grosvenor Railway, Albert and Vauxhall before returning to Tower Bridge
  • Admire the subtly moving sequences of LED light as it reveals the beauty of existing architecture and the bridge's relationship to the river below
  • See patterns subtly unfold across the bridge structures as you admire each bridge's heritage, wildlife and surroundings
  • Enjoy a cultural experience through the capital city on comfortable Uber Boats
  • Listen to fascinating facts and interesting information from knowledgeable tour guides as you learn about the history of the bridges
  • Celebrate the bridge's roles in the enduring global identity of London and learn to love the city and riverside at night!
  • Feeling peckish? Treat yourself to a range of sweet treats and light bites from the onboard refreshments bar

Book Illuminated River tickets for one of the best River Thames tours in London!

Tower Millennium Pier,
Lower Thames St,
London EC3N 4DT
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Meeting Point: Boarding Point D, Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames St, London EC3N 4DT

What3Words: sleep.stud.fields

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Refreshments
  • Tour commentary

Tours start and end at Tower Pier.

  • Departure: Boarding Point D, Tower Pier
  • Please note: The platform is step-free and wheelchair accessible. 
  • Departure Time: 21:30
  • Return Time: 22:10
  • Duration: 40 minutes

Yes, the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour is wheelchair accessible. 

Yes, there is a bar onboard the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour which sells a selection of refreshments.

You might also like

The London Eye

Offering uninterrupted views for miles, The London Eye invites you to see the capitals landmarks from the most iconic attraction in London

Thames Rockets: London Speedboat Tours

Get your tickets for an epic speedboat ride along the Thames. Book lowest-price tickets for an extra discount with promo code 'DAYSOUT'

Thames Barrier Experience - Thames RIB Experience

Enjoy 70 minutes of high speed thrills along the River Thames as you spot iconic sights along the Thames Barrier Experience RIB tour

Get up to 5% off

City Sightseeing London - 24 Hour Hop On Hop Off Bus & River Cruise

City Sightseeing UK

Enjoy a 24 hour hop on hop off bus tour of London's most famous sights with City Sightseeing, plus a River Thames sightseeing cruise

Available to 7 February 2026
Save up to 5%

Tootbus - London by Night

Hop on board our London by Night Tour, sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air as you rediscover the city from a whole new perspective

Save up to 2%

Tootbus: London + River Cruise 24/48H

The best and easiest way to see London's highlights

London: Ghost Bus Tours

The Ghost Bus Tours

Uncover the hidden history of London on a thrilling Ghost Bus Tours journey, combining horror and comedy on a trip through London's most haunted sites

Available to 30 September 2025
Save up to 5%

IHeartLondon Tours - London Walking Tours

Spend the day in the capital city with IHeartLondon Tours and experience one of the best walking tours as you cover the most famous sights & landmarks

The Golden Hinde

Sail through history aboard a full-size reconstruction of The Golden Hinde in London and explore the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe.

London: The Lost Estate

Book The Lost Estate tickets & experience some of the best fine dining and immersive experiences in London