UK City Breaks with Kids: Top 5 Things to Do on the Thames

by Tracey Davies

As the opening credits of EastEnders show, London’s mighty waterway – and England’s longest river – winds and wends its way through the city, past some of the world’s most recognisable monuments. We’ve looked at some of the best ways to explore the Thames with children in tow.

Thames Clippers
Used by commuters but also by savvy tourists, this fast boat service is a cheaper but no less impressive alternative to the more traditional river cruises available, stopping off at all the important sights between Millbank (Tate Britain) and the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. Ideal for families with younger children, the boats even have decent café-bars on board.
 
HMS Belfast
This gargantuan grey beast of a ship has dominated the Thames for the past 40 years. Once an integral cog of WWII, it's now owned and operated by the Imperial War Museum and offers a fascinating insight into life at sea. With nine steel floors to explore, it’s also one of London's best-value attractions, with free entry for under-16s. Hands-on activities include dressing in the captain’s livery and learning to successfully mount a swinging hammock.

London Duck Tours and Meridian Duck Tours
London Duck Tours and the more recently launched Meridian Duck Tours (in Greenwich) are two of the quirkier ways to see the city. This eye-catching fleet of bright yellow WW2 amphibian vehicles whizz past the sights of Greenwich or SW1, the latter taking in the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square, before rolling down a strategically placed ramp into the Thames for the second (soggy) leg of the tour.

Thames RIB Experience
One for slightly older kids (6+), these exhilarating high-speed boat rides take you from Embankment to Canary Wharf and beyond. Made famous by Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace, the rigid inflatable boats buzz along to the Bond theme before opening up to full throttle in the wider waters of Wapping for some thrilling high-speed turns in a cross between a rollercoaster ride and a sightseeing tour.

Lighterman’s Walk
Forget stuffy old hotels and bunk down for the night on this spacious houseboat on the Thames at Putney, sleeping up to six in three bedrooms (from £239/night). Just one of many stylish places available from unhotel company, onefinestay, it also has a roof terrace, underfloor heating and a power shower. One room is a kids’ bunk room, and children’s toys and pirates’ outfits are available.

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