River Cruises

River Cruises

Experience the UK from the water with our River Cruises, offering a unique way to explore some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re looking to catch the sights of London, soak up the peaceful views of Scotland’s lochs, or enjoy a meal on the water, our selection of river cruises brings a fresh perspective to your adventures. Perfect for family days out, a relaxing day with friends, or a memorable date, our best river cruises let you see the UK’s beauty from a whole new angle.

London Sightseeing Cruises

See London’s famous landmarks from the river with our London sightseeing cruises, offering relaxed, close-up views of spots like the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and The Shard as you drift along the Thames. The London Eye river cruise is a great way to take in the city’s buzz without the crowds, and live commentary makes it an interesting experience as you learn about the history and stories behind these sights.

This cruise is ideal for families, couples, or solo explorers who want to take in London’s skyline and discover the city’s highlights in a unique way. These sightseeing trips are a top pick for family days out and a great way to introduce newcomers to the capital, making them some of the best river cruises in the UK.

Scotland Sightseeing Cruises

For those seeking a nature escape, Scotland’s river and loch cruises offer a peaceful experience with spectacular views. Imagine gliding over the calm waters of Loch Lomond, with rugged mountains and greenery stretching out around you. Scotland’s beautiful scenery truly shines on the water, perfect for a day of unwinding and taking it all in. From Loch Lomond to the Moray coast, each cruise offers a chance to see Scotland’s stunning landscapes from a whole new perspective.

These cruises are ideal for families looking for an outdoor adventure, couples enjoying a scenic retreat, or solo travellers looking for a quiet escape. Scotland’s waterways offer fantastic opportunities to see wildlife, from deer near the lochs to seals along the coast, making these trips especially appealing for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Oxford, York, Shropshire, and Lake Windermere

Discovering the waterways of Oxford, York, Shropshire, and Lake Windermere brings a mix of history and natural beauty. Each of these destinations has its own character, from the medieval atmosphere of York’s River Ouse to the serene beauty of Lake Windermere. York river cruises take you past sights like Clifford’s Tower and the ancient city walls, while Oxford’s river routes give you a peek at its famous colleges and surrounding countryside.

In Shropshire, winding rivers and quiet landscapes make for a peaceful day out, while Lake Windermere’s calm waters offer a perfect setting to relax and enjoy nature. These cruises are ideal for anyone who enjoys history, scenic views, or a laid-back day on the water – making them great for family days, solo trips, or relaxed outings with friends.

Dining River Cruises

Take your dining experience up a notch by enjoying a meal on the water. Our dining river cruises combine scenic views with a relaxed meal, perfect for a different kind of day out. Whether it’s a traditional afternoon tea river cruise with scones and tea, a lunch, or even a fish and chips picnic, these cruises bring the pleasure of a meal together with the beauty of a river view.

These dining cruises are a great choice for families wanting a relaxed meal, couples celebrating a special occasion, or friends looking for a unique outing. With options to suit different tastes and occasions, dining river cruises make for memorable family days out and are among the best river cruises for those who enjoy combining sightseeing with a good meal.

What Type of Person Enjoys a Scenic River Cruise With Lunch?

River cruises are favoured by those who have a keen interest in the history, architecture and culture of the regions they are visiting, as these cruises often offer guided tours and excursions in various locations along the river. The calm and scenic settings can be a significant draw for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Moreover, people who enjoy gourmet dining may find river cruises appealing, as many of these cruises offer meals prepared by high-quality chefs, sometimes including local cuisine options to immerse travellers in the regional culture.

Individuals who prefer a more intimate, peaceful, and refined travel experience, as opposed to the bustling atmosphere of larger cruise ships or busy tourist areas, will likely enjoy a London river cruise with lunch. These cruises tend to have fewer passengers, providing a more personal and tranquil experience.

Lastly, it’s an excellent option for people seeking a convenient way to travel, where accommodation, transport, and meals are all taken care of, allowing for a stress-free holiday. It suits individuals who prefer having a fixed itinerary and not worrying about organising different aspects of their trip themselves. It's a format that appeals to a wide array of travellers, including those who may have limited mobility or other accessibility concerns, thanks to the inclusive nature and convenience of river cruises.

Why Should Someone Buy an Experience Day, Such as a River Cruise, as a Gift?

Buying an experience day as a gift is a great idea for several reasons:

Memorable: Experience gifts create lasting memories and can be more meaningful than material gifts.

Personal: It shows thoughtfulness and a deep understanding of the recipient’s interests and preferences, providing them with an experience tailored to them.

Unique: Experience days offer something different and can be a surprise that stands out among other types of gifts.

Encourages Adventure: It encourages the recipient to try something new and perhaps step out of their comfort zone, fostering new hobbies or interests.

No Clutter: Experience gifts don't add to the physical clutter in someone’s home, which can be a thoughtful approach, particularly if the recipient is trying to minimise their belongings.

Flexible: Many experience day providers offer flexibility in terms of when the experience can be booked, allowing the recipient to choose a convenient time.

Wellness: Engaging in exciting and fulfilling experiences can enhance one's well-being, providing a break from the daily routine and something to look forward to.

Shared Experience: If the experience is for more than one person, it can provide a great opportunity for the recipient to share the experience with a friend or family member, fostering bonding and creating shared memories.

Supports Local Businesses: By choosing an experience day, you can support local businesses and the economy.

Educational: Many experience days, including river cruises, offer an educational element, allowing the recipient to learn something new while having fun.

Buying an experience day as a gift can offer a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate a special occasion, showing the recipient that you care about creating special memories with them.