Illuminated River Official Boat Tours

Launched in 2019, the Illuminated River project transformed the capital at night, bathing the bridges that cross the Thames in environmentally-friendly LED light.

This year, the project has expanded tremendously. Now Blackfriars, Waterloo, Golden Jubilee, Westminster and Lambeth bridges have joined London, Cannon Street, Southwark and Millennium bridges, which were the initial bridges to undergo vivid night-time transformations.

Back in 2019, our sell-out tours took passengers on a guided cruise beneath the first four bridges to be bathed in light. Two years later, we're delighted to be launching an expanded tour of the nine bridges which form the world's longest piece of public art; showcasing the spectacle from the river itself!

Join us for an Illuminated River Official Boat Tour, departing Tower Pier at 21:30. You'll hear from City of London and Westminster Guides as you glide beneath the newly-reborn architectural, social and historical landmarks that have shaped the capital's history.

Our first tour takes place on Thursday 2 September and they will run on either Thursdays or Saturdays until Thursday 30 December, with a special tour presented by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands (the British architectural practice behind the project) on Friday 24 September.

About the project

Internationally-acclaimed artist Leo Villareal and British architectural practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have used the latest LED technology to ‘paint the bridges with light’. Patterns subtly unfold across the bridge structures, delicately drawing attention to their unique features whilst paying attention to each bridge's heritage, wildlife and surroundings. The project is sustainable and energy efficient, creating a lasting transformation that celebrates the bridges' roles in the enduring global identity of London, and encourages people to enjoy the river and riverside at night.

Learn more

About our tours

Illuminated River Official Boat Tours are circular trips, starting and ending at Tower Pier, and sailing beneath all the bridges which have been lit as part of the project featuring commentary by Official City of London or City of Westminster Guides.

_{Click the image to expand.}

The Illuminated River Foundation commissioned students from Guildhall School of Music & Drama to produce special musical scores inspired by the unique heritage and architecture of each Illuminated River bridge. From sweeping orchestral scores to minimalist electronic pieces, the inspiring compositions will accompany all tours.

Listen to music inspired by the bridges

Guest speaker on 24 September

An extra special tour takes place on Friday 24 September as part of Totally Thames. This tour will be presented by Chris Waite, Director at Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands who are the architects behind the Illuminated River Project. Project architect Chris Waite will provide insight into the design process and technical challenges that have been overcome in delivering the world's longest public artwork.

Prices

Child fare is applicable to children aged 5-15. Children aged 4 and under travel free but you will still need to book them a ticket. 

Concession fare is applicable to passengers with a Freedom Pass or with a Disabled ID/badge. If you have a Disabled ID/badge and travel with a carer, you can add a free carer ticket when booking.

Book your tour

Totally Thames

Our tours on 2, 11, 16, 24, 25 and 30 September are part of Totally Thames, the month-long celebration of the unique history, heritage and culture of the River Thames.

Find out more