River Thames on a Budget

The River Thames cuts through the heart of London and is central to views across the city from attractions such as the The London Eye or St Paul’s Cathedral. Visitors to London will no doubt be planning a trip along the River Thames to take in the sights so we’ve put together some ideas to help you explore the Thames. Why not enjoy a trip on the Thames Clipper commuter ferry as a cheaper alternative to a river cruise.  Alternatively take advantage of a cable car over, or a foot tunnel under, the river to enjoy new perspectives.

1. The Thames Clipper

Running from Battersea Power Station to Greenwich, the Thames Clipper takes in the sights along the river including the Tower of London, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament & Tower Bridge. Running at a fraction of the price of more costly river cruises, the Thames Clipper offers an alternative method to explore London on a budget.  This stop-on-stop-off service provides full flexibility for any visit to London and bypasses the need to navigate the London Underground. Although there is no commentary during your trip, if you know your sights of London, then it remains a cost effective option.

More information available within our Guide To The Thames Clipper.

Thames Clipper

2. IFS Cloud Cable Cars London

Running from Greenwich to the London Docks, the IFS Cloud Cable Cars offers a bird’s eye view over the River Thames. Reaching a height of 90 metres above the Thames, take in views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf, City Hall & the O2 Arena. This 1.1km journey across the river takes around 10 minutes each way with tickets reasonably priced. One option is to take the Thames Clipper to the Greenwich Peninsula before taking the short walk to IFS Cloud Cable Car across to London Docks.

More information available within our Guide To The IFS Cloud Cable Cars London.

3. Walk Under the River Thames; Greenwich Foot Tunnel

An unusual way to explore the river is by making use of the Greenwich foot tunnel that offers you the chance to walk under the River Thames. Running from the Cutty Sark to the Isle of Dogs, this FREE foot tunnel runs under the River Thames & originally provided workers with a passageway through to the London Docks.

Dating back to 1902, this pedestrian foot tunnel runs over 15m deep & the original 200,000 glazed white tiles as still visible today. You can take the refurbished lifts down to the entrance where you can walk under the Thames from one bank side to the other. Why not combine  a visit to the Greenwich foot tunnel with a trip on the Thames Clipper by alighting at Greenwich Pier.

FOLLOW OUR Guide To The Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel

4. Itineraries Across the River Thames

There are plenty of ways to explore the River Thames, so we’ve put together a route that gives you a chance to enjoy all 3 options.  For those that like to actively explore their environment, this works well for travellers of all ages;

• Take the Thames Clipper to Greenwich Greenwich Peninsula, (single fare or hop-on-hop-off fare).
• Walk 5 minutes to the IFS Cloud Cable Cars terminal for a return journey to the London London Royal Docks.
• Take the Thames Clipper from Greenwich Peninsula to Greenwich, (single fare or hop-on-hop-off fare).
• Opt for the return Greenwich Foot Tunnel journey to the Isle of Dogs.

FOLLOW OUR MONEY SAVING IDEAS TO ENJOY Views of London on a Budget – FREE Entry, Cheap Ticket Options!