The Tower of London River Tour, London’s new attraction, brings a new age of storytelling to the Thames. It also marks a cleaner era for river tourism as the UK’s first purpose-built electric tour boat…
The official Tower of London River Tour aboard the UK’s first electric tour boat is now fully operational. A full schedule of its daily departures commenced on Monday, 23rd March.
The Tower of London River Tour offers history with London views
The vessel is operated by Woods Tours in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces. The Tower of London River Tour offers a refined sightseeing experience aboard the purpose-built Silver Raven. The state-of-the-art electric vessel is designed to glide cleanly and quietly along the Thames, with panoramic views as London’s stories unfold.
This 40-minute live-guided experience artfully blends heritage and humour, inviting passengers to explore the capital from the very river that shaped it. The only tour created in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, it brings more than 1,000 years of history accurately to life, as passengers’ journey past twenty of London’s most iconic landmarks on a circular route from Tower Bridge Quay to Westminster and back.
Promising a captivating narration by BBC’ Ghosts co-creator
The live narration, written by Martha Howe-Douglas, co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts, brings London’s stories to life with wit, warmth and wonder, revealing the river’s role as both lifeline and legend.
“I’ve been on a deep dive through the Thames’ murky past (thankfully not literally!), unearthing the stories that have shaped London,” says Martha Howe-Douglas. “To see the Silver Raven set sail from the Tower, carrying those tales into the future, is very special. It’s such an honour to be part of the brilliant team who are bringing the past to life, on a boat designed for the future.”
An electric River Thames tour boat built for a sustainable future
Purpose-built for London, the Silver Raven cuts a sleek silhouette on the River Thames, beautiful to behold both inside and out. Its enclosed glass design offers a shield from the elements while revealing uninterrupted panoramic views that frame the magic of the river from every seat. Paired with smooth electric propulsion and elegantly detailed interiors, it offers a quietly luxurious way to experience the river in all conditions.
The Tower of London River Tour onboard the UK’s first electric tour boat
The tour is operated aboard the Silver Raven, a 39-metre electric catamaran designed by the Woods family, in collaboration with leading naval architects. Built by superyacht specialists Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, it is powered by a 720 kW EST-Floattech Octopus Series battery bank. It has been engineered for rapid charging between tours, marking a significant step in the decarbonisation of the UK’s domestic maritime sector.
Vital funding from UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition
The Silver Raven project received funding through the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), delivered by Innovate UK, underscoring its role as a pioneering example of sustainable British shipbuilding. Constructed to the rigorous standards of Lloyd’s Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Silver Raven combines advanced technology with British craftsmanship. The arrival of the vessel precedes new electric charging infrastructure at Tower Bridge Quay, to be developed in partnership with the Department for Transport and the Port of London Authority, which aims to allow fully renewable grid charging in 2026.
“The Silver Raven is the product of years of development,” says Chris Kangis, CEO of Woods Tours. “It showcases the strength of British shipbuilding and innovation, offering a quiet, clean and beautiful way to experience the Thames and is the future of river tourism.”
Sustainable maritime innovation, a current story
On 3 March 2026, the Department for Transport announced a £271 million investment to accelerate the development of green maritime fuel and support innovation across the sector. Against this backdrop, Silver Raven (benefited from funding previously) represents a genuine first: the UK’s first fully electric tour boat.
Proudly British-built, the vessel demonstrates how sustainable maritime innovation can enhance Britain’s visitor economy while supporting the transition to cleaner waterways. Continued investment in vessels and shoreside infrastructure will enable more electric passenger vessels, like Silver Raven, to operate at scale and realise their full potential on the UK’s waterways.
Designed for comfort, crafted with heritage
Interiors by Kate Woods, fifth generation of the Woods family of Thames Watermen, pay homage to London’s river heritage, echoing the heyday of city river cruising. The design subtly connects the Tower of London and the River Thames through sustainable British materials and thoughtful detailing, including:
- panoramic single-deck views with awning-shaded decks
- bespoke House of Hackney Axminster carpet woven in Devon
- eco-leather seating crafted in Scotland
- a hammered English pewter bar, reflecting light like ripples on water
Guests can choose from open-air or covered outdoor seating, or stay indoors beneath a glazed ceiling, ensuring a spectacular visual experience whatever the weather.
Plan your visit
The Tower of London River Tour will depart daily at regular intervals throughout the day from Tower Bridge Quay, just moments from the Tower of London from Monday 23rd March 2026. The 40-minute round-trip cruise offers panoramic views, live storytelling, and a fully accessible experience, fascinating for adults and families alike.
Tickets start from £18.50 for adults and £14.50 for children. Guests can enhance their day with a Tower + River combined ticket or toast their journey with a glass of something special from the beautiful saloon bar onboard.
Check availability on www.toweroflondonrivertour.com
Accessibility for all
The Tower of London River Tour aims to provide a great experience for all ages, abilities and backgrounds and to make it as accessible as possible for everyone. When purchasing tickets, a complimentary ticket is provided for those requiring a carer. Tower Bridge Quay provides step-free access from St Katharine’s Way. However, the River Thames is a tidal river, and the gradient for access to the boat is dictated by daily tides. Please see the tour’s accessibility page for further information.
The Tower of London River Tour will run regular BSL-interpreted and relaxed tours, and a printout of the tour script is offered to guests if requested – ideally in advance. Please get in touch for further information.
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