What to Expect on a Thames Rockets Adventure

Published by Thames Rockets 10 days ago

 

The Best Way to See London

If you are looking for the best way to see London, forget slow queues, crowded pavements and predictable sightseeing routes. The River Thames has always been London’s original highway, and there is no more exciting way to experience it than onboard a Thames Rockets speedboat adventure.

With almost 20 years of experience on the river, Thames Rockets has been redefining what a London boat tour can be since 2006. Departing from the iconic London Eye Pier, our high-speed Thames experiences combine iconic landmarks, live comedy commentary and heart-racing speed. This is not a traditional river cruise. This is London sightseeing at full throttle.

Whether you are visiting the capital for the first time, rediscovering your own city or planning a standout day out, Thames Rockets offers a unique London experience that shows the city from a completely different angle. One minute you are soaking up world-famous views, the next you are flying downriver at up to 35mph with music pumping and smiles all round.

Guided Commentary

What truly sets Thames Rockets apart is our live guided commentary. There is nothing pre-recorded here. Every single trip is led by one of our expert onboard guides, delivering commentary in real time, shaped by the day, the guests onboard and the mood on the river.

Our guides are storytellers, comedians and river experts rolled into one. Each brings their own personality, humour and energy, meaning no two trips are ever the same. Expect fascinating history, quirky facts, sharp observations and plenty of laughs along the way. This is guided sightseeing in London that feels personal, engaging and refreshingly unscripted.

Because our commentary is live, guides can react to what is happening around you. From pointing out hidden details along the riverbanks to responding to questions and crowd favourites, the experience feels spontaneous and human. It is one of the reasons guests consistently rate Thames Rockets as one of the top things to do in London.

Combined with our highly trained skippers, who know the Thames inside out, you are in safe hands from start to finish. Safety briefings are clear and efficient, allowing you to relax, strap in and enjoy the ride with complete confidence.

The Sights You’ll See

A Thames Rockets adventure delivers some of the most recognisable views in the world, all from the unique perspective of the river.

Your journey begins at the London Eye, one of London’s most famous landmarks and the perfect launch point for your adventure. From here, you will glide past the Houses of Parliament before the city opens up around you.

As you continue downriver, you will pass Shakespeare’s Globe, a striking tribute to the playwright whose works shaped British theatre. Seeing the Globe from the water offers a wonderful sense of how London’s cultural life has always been tied to the Thames.

Further along, you will encounter the imposing presence of the Tower of London. Once a royal palace, prison and fortress, it remains one of the most historically significant buildings in the UK. From the river, its scale and drama are impossible to miss.

Beyond Tower Bridge, the pace increases and the skyline transforms. Glass towers rise ahead as you approach Canary Wharf, a modern contrast to the historic heart of the city. This stretch of the Thames is where you truly feel the power of the speedboats, with wide open water and uninterrupted views creating the ultimate adrenaline moment.

Together, these sights make Thames Rockets one of the most complete London sightseeing tours, blending old and new London in a single unforgettable journey.


What To Do After 

Once you return to the pier, the adventure does not have to end. Thames Rockets is perfectly placed on the South Bank, surrounded by some of the capital’s best attractions, bars and restaurants. We are proud to work alongside a number of fantastic partners nearby, making it easy to build a full day out around your speedboat experience.

London Eye

If you want to see London from yet another perspective, stepping into a pod on the London Eye is the perfect follow-up. After racing along the Thames at speed, the gentle rotation of the Eye offers a calm, breathtaking overview of the city skyline. It is a brilliant contrast and an ideal way to spot landmarks you have just passed at water level.

BrewDog Waterloo

For a relaxed, social vibe after your ride, BrewDog Waterloo is a great choice. Just a short walk from the pier, it is ideal for post-ride drinks, casual food and lively conversation. Whether you are celebrating, unwinding or simply replaying your favourite moments from the trip, it is a popular stop for Thames Rockets guests.

London Steakhouse Company

If you are marking a special occasion or fancy something more indulgent, London Steakhouse Company offers a more refined dining experience. Known for quality steaks and polished service, it is perfect for turning your Thames Rockets adventure into a full evening out. Many guests choose this option for birthdays, anniversaries or memorable London dates.


Whether it’s your first time in London or your hundredth, this is one adventure that never gets old. 🚀

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