three top to cruise

by Jon Massey

City Cruises has a long tradition of hosting Londoners and tourists on the Thames, offering them the chance to see the capital and its iconic buildings from the river. The company offers myriad ways to get on the water including jazz, Elvis tribute and murder mystery voyages. Here we feature three of its top offerings.

Sightseeing City Cruises’ trips feature commentary from its boats’ captains, informing and entertaining sightseers as they travel.

Passengers can choose to sit protected from the elements in an indoor saloon or experience London and the river on an open-air top deck.

Ideal for families with kids, activity books are provided for younger customers aimed at enhancing the trip.

Boats come equipped with a fully-stocked bar for those in need of refreshment while they’re drinking in the views and landmarks passing by.

Flexible and timed tickets cost £13 per adult or £9.90 for kids aged 5-15. A 24-hour pass is £23 for adults and £15.45 for children.

Family passes cover two adults and three children for £49.

Evening River Cruise

This two-hour cruise departs from Tower Millennium Pier at 6.30pm and, if booked in July, includes an Aperol Spritz or Crodino on arrival.

Guests can expect chilled out live music and cold canapes served throughout as London slips by.

Book Monday to Wednesday in July and take advantage of City Cruise’s offer of two drinks for £12 on board. Prices start at £36

Thamesjet

Perhaps the most thrilling of all, City Cruises also offers speedboat rides through central London all the way out to Canary Wharf and the Isle Of Dogs.

After boarding at Westminster Pier, passengers in waterproof clothing (provided as standard) can expect a sedate, scenic trip past Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s and The Shard.

Then, once through Tower Bridge, there’s no speed limit anymore and it’s time for some white knuckle ‘aquabatics’ as the boat twists and turns at breakneck velocity. Just do it.

A thrill ride on the Thames costs £49 for 50 minutes of action. Go to cityexperiences.com or scan the QR codes for more information

>> At the time of writing, the water temperature in Middle Dock is 17.8ºC – perfect for chilling out. Love Open Water run supervised sessions from a purpose build pontoon to help swimmers enter the eight-metre deep pool. Participants must be NOWCA members for safety and swims cost £8.50 thereafter.

>> There’s also a FREE session scheduled for July 22 to help introduce people to the sport. Participants will need a membership and to be able to swim at least 400m in a pool without stopping. Swimmers at the Canary Wharf venue, which is just south of Cabot Square, will also receive 25% off food and drink at nearby Humble Grape in Mackenzie Walk. The discount is valid for groups of up to six people provided one person has a wristband. Go to loveopenwater.co.uk for more information

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