Early Birthday Celebrations on the UK’s First Electric Boat Tour
Departing from Tower Bridge Quay, just a stone's throw from the Tower of London, this 40-minute circular cruise combines iconic landmarks, fascinating storytelling and a touch of luxury. Armed with a glass of fizz from the onboard bar, we settled into the comfortable seating and set off along the Thames for a unique perspective of London's skyline.
The tour operates aboard the Silver Raven, a 39-metre electric catamaran specially designed for sightseeing on the Thames. The purpose-built vessel offers a quieter, greener and more comfortable alternative to traditional river cruises, with spacious indoor seating, open-air viewing areas and rows of forward-facing seats at the front of the boat. Along the way, passengers pass more than 20 famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
What I loved about it:
The first thing that struck me was just how smooth and silent the journey was. Travelling aboard the Silver Raven, the UK’s first electric sightseeing boat, felt a world away from traditional river cruises. There was no rumbling engine or vibration, just a gentle glide along the Thames as London’s landmarks unfolded around us. With a glass of fizz in hand and friends by my side, it felt more like a stylish riverside celebration than a sightseeing excursion.
The boat itself is beautifully designed. The stylish onboard bar was perfect for grabbing a glass of fizz to toast the birthday celebrations, while the spacious seating meant everyone had plenty of room to relax. We particularly loved the rows of forward-facing seats at the front, which offered uninterrupted views of the river and London’s iconic skyline.
Seeing London’s landmarks from the water gives you a completely different appreciation of the city. Tower Bridge looked particularly impressive, while The Shard dominated the skyline above us. Even familiar sights such as Big Ben and the London Eye felt somehow more special when viewed from the river.
The live commentary struck the perfect balance between entertaining and informative. There were plenty of fascinating facts and stories woven throughout the journey without it ever feeling overwhelming. It added context to the landmarks we were passing while still allowing plenty of time to simply sit back and enjoy the experience.
Most of all, I loved how relaxing it felt. London can be hectic, but for 40 minutes it felt as though the city slowed down. Watching the landmarks drift by with a glass of fizz in hand made for a wonderfully memorable afternoon and a lovely way to celebrate an early birthday.
Suitable for:
Couples, groups of friends, families, visitors to London and anyone celebrating a special occasion. It would be particularly lovely for birthdays, anniversaries, girls’ days out or visitors looking for a more relaxed way to see London’s most famous landmarks.
Value for money (out of 10) – 9/10
With tickets from just £18.50 for adults, the Tower of London River Tour offers excellent value for money, particularly given its central London location and unique status as the UK’s first electric sightseeing boat. Not only do guests enjoy front-row views of more than 20 iconic London landmarks, but they also experience a cruise aboard the innovative Silver Raven, making it a unique attraction in its own right. The combination of iconic views, entertaining commentary, comfortable surroundings and the onboard bar makes this a memorable experience that feels surprisingly affordable for the capital.
Book now:
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.toweroflondonrivertour.com.
Images with permission & Jo White
