Aboard · SIGHTSEEING CRUISES IN THE UK
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 5 sightseeing cruises in the UK worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you step aboard.
Board a traditional Mersey Ferry at Liverpool Pier Head for a 50-minute cruise past the Three Graces, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, and Wirral. Use free digital commentary in 11 languages, buy snacks at the onboard café, and bring headphones and a warm jacket.
“We loved it Great to see closer the sight’s also loved the commentary”
Use a 24-hour City Cruises ticket to ride between Westminster, the London Eye, Tower Pier, and Greenwich. Expect all-weather boats, open-deck views, onboard snacks and drinks, and lively commentary with historical facts and British humor.
“Great experience good value for money and the guys on board running it was excellent very informative and amusing much better than an audio recording”
Travel east from Westminster Pier to Greenwich in about an hour, passing Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Choose an open-air or indoor deck, listen to live commentary or multilingual audio, then explore Greenwich on foot before returning by boat if you book the round trip.
“Loved the boat ride. Particularly loved the commentary along the way. Made the ride a lot of fun, but also revealed interesting facts.”
Join City Cruises York at King’s Staith for a 45-minute daytime ride along the River Ouse. An English-speaking captain points out York’s walls, bridges, and riverside landmarks while you relax in the heated saloon or on the upper deck. The bar serves drinks and snacks.
“Perfect trip and funny at times well worth the money.”
From South Queensferry, cruise beneath the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing. Expect English commentary, a heated lounge, outdoor decks, a bar, and chances to spot seals, seabirds, porpoises, and puffins. Add a paid landing at Inchcolm Island for its medieval abbey.
“We were pleasantly surprised that the tour exceeded our expectations. It was only a 1.5 hour ride, but the recorded narrative provided interesting information about the area we were seeing, and the crew made a point of talking to people individually and elaborating on it. Also, it was very windy, and we were worried that it would be a rough ride, but the boat was very stable. It was fun to get out on the water and get a good view of the three bridges from a different perspective.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
