Boat trips · SIGHTSEEING CRUISES IN THE UK
Good sightseeing cruises in the UK fill up weeks ahead and the calm mornings go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of London’s Tootbus hop-on hop-off tour, with routes, Thames cruise, app, audio guides, prices, timing, and practical tips.
“We really enjoyed the trip and all of the sites along the way. The guide was easy to use with many opportunities to hop on/off. The recorded guide was informative and entertaining.”
See London by bus, sky, and river with the London Eye, Thames cruise, and flexible Big Bus ticket. Practical tips, value, routes, and drawbacks.
“Pickup and drop-off from the motels would be great. Also bus schedule app was confusing for us which ended up with our group 1.5 miles from the motel and had to find an alternative way back.”
Review of Liverpool’s 50-minute Mersey River cruise, with Beatles stories, skyline views, practical tips, accessibility, and honest value advice.
“I enjoyed the river cruise, the commentary and you could sit/stand where you want, it just went too quickly. Also an on board cafe for drinks and snacks. You could also get off at the other side. I don't know if I could have done that with my ticket or if you have to purchase a different one. Would have been nice to have that explained. Also when you book a time slot you can actually board any time in that day.”
Tootbus London review covering routes, landmarks, Thames cruise, app, wait times, audio, value, and practical tips before you book.
“Excellent service, will do again, top tier customer service and the buses are on time and clean. The stops was easy to find”
Review of Tootbus London, a flexible hop-on hop-off tour with open-top buses, Thames cruise, audio guides, walking tours, and 46 stops.
“Protesters in London caused all Tour Buses lots of problems on our trip. But the staff that greeted us at The Aldwich were professional and efficient. Once the bus arrived Shane took over and he was fantastic. What a great asset to your company. He apologised many times for events that were totally out of his control (protesters/diversions) We were on the bus much longer than we intended and missed a few things due to the diversions. The weather changed in an instant from blue skies and sunshine to heavy rain but my friends and I stayed put with Shane on the top deck, he stood up throughout. He entertained…”
Review the London Thames hop-on hop-off cruise, with landmark views, live commentary, Greenwich access, prices, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Really lovely activity. Good value for money. We stayed on the boat to Greenwich and then got it back after a walk around there. Signage when we arrived to Westminster Pier was a bit poor but there were enough staff there to ask which queue we needed to be in. Would recommend!”
Review of the Westminster to Greenwich Thames cruise, with London sights, live commentary, practical tips, value advice, and Greenwich stops.
“Captain provided interesting commentary on way to Greenwich. Greenwich a fun town to visit if you have an extra day in London.”
Review of York’s 45-minute River Ouse sightseeing cruise, with live commentary, historic views, onboard bar, practical tips, and value advice.
“A delightful and relaxing tour up & down the river Ouse with interesting commentary from the captain through out. We were lucky to have gorgeous weather the day of the tour and that was really the cherry on the top of the cake of the experience. Would recommend to anyone visiting York!”
Review of the Firth of Forth Three Bridges cruise from South Queensferry, with Inchcolm Abbey, wildlife, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“We liked the boat and the staff were friendly and helpful. The views were great and the weather was perfect.”
Review of Loch Lomond’s one-hour sightseeing cruise from Balloch, with Ben Lomond views, live commentary, onboard bar, and practical tips.
“I really enjoyed the trip and would be happy to continue riding indefinitely.”
Explore Liverpool by Mersey Ferry and open-top bus, with live guides, flexible stops, two-day bus access, and strong value at $33.
“A great way to explore Liverpool, very informative and fun.”
Cruise Oxford’s Isis on a quiet electric boat, passing Folly Bridge, Christ Church Meadows and Iffley Lock with a local skipper.
“Host very amiable and informative. Lovely experience. Would definitely go again.”
Review of the Maid of the Forth cruise from Queensferry, with bridge views, wildlife, Inchcolm Island, practical tips, and value advice.
“Myself and my dad loved the experience from start to finish. Luckily we got a flat calm day so it made the trip perfect. Very informative talk and friendly staff on board. I had my dad over from N.Ireland and he loved every minute”
Review of Oxford’s 40-minute Thames cruise from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock, with practical tips on scenery, guides, boats, price, and value.
“We had a lovely boat ride today. Highly recommended!”
Cruise from Queensferry to Inchcolm Island for abbey ruins, wildlife, bridge views, and 1.5 hours to explore this Forth classic.
“I had perfect weather for the trip to Inchcolm Island - we saw a couple of dolphins on the way out. Seagulls were nesting and getting a little territorial. The Abbey was great - lots of rooms and stair to explore. Great way to spend a few hours.”
River hour, cave run, whale ground or a deck with lunch on it.
