The Tower of London River Tour - the UK’s First Electric Tour Boat Is a Story of Tourism

A new chapter is unfolding on the Thames as the official Tower of London River Tour is unveiled, introducing a voyage through London’s past aboard the UK’s first electric tour boat.

Operated by Woods Tours and in official partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the Tower of London River Tour is set aboard the purpose-built Silver Raven, a state-of-the-art electric vessel designed to glide cleanly and quietly along the Thames, offering panoramic views as London’s stories unfold.

This 40-minute live-guided experience artfully blends heritage and humour, inviting passengers to explore the capital from the very river that shaped it. The only tour created in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, it brings more than 1,000 years of history accurately to life, as passengers journey past twenty of London’s most iconic landmarks on a circular route from Tower Bridge Quay to Westminster and back.

The live narration, written by Martha Howe-Douglas, co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts, brings London’s stories to life with wit, warmth and wonder, revealing the river’s role as both lifeline and legend.

“I’ve been on a deep dive through the Thames’ murky past (thankfully not literally!), unearthing the stories that have shaped London,” says Martha Howe-Douglas. “To see the Silver Raven set sail from the Tower, carrying those tales into the future, is very special.

It’s such an honour to be part of the brilliant team who are bringing the past to life, on a boat designed for the future.”

Purpose-built for London, the Silver Raven cuts a sleek silhouette on the River Thames, beautiful to behold both inside and out. Its enclosed glass design offers a shield from the elements while revealing uninterrupted panoramic views that frame the magic of the river from every seat. Paired with smooth electric propulsion and elegantly detailed interiors, it offers a quietly luxurious way to experience the river in all conditions.

The UK’s first electric tour boat

The tour is operated aboard the Silver Raven, a 39-metre electric catamaran designed by the Woods family, in collaboration with leading naval architects. Built by superyacht specialists Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, it is powered by a 720 kW EST-Floattech Octopus Series battery bank and engineered for rapid charging between tours, marking a significant step in the decarbonisation of the UK’s domestic maritime sector.

The Silver Raven project received funding through the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), delivered by Innovate UK, underscoring its role as a pioneering example of sustainable British shipbuilding.

Constructed to the rigorous standards of Lloyd’s Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Silver Raven combines advanced technology with British craftsmanship. The arrival of the vessel precedes new electric charging infrastructure at Tower Bridge Quay, to be developed in partnership with the Department for Transport and the Port of London Authority, which aims to allow fully renewable grid charging in 2026.

“The Silver Raven is the product of years of development,” says Chris Kangis, CEO of Woods Tours. “It showcases the strength of British shipbuilding and innovation, offering a quiet, clean and beautiful way to experience the Thames and is the future of river tourism.”

Designed for comfort, crafted with heritage

Interiors by Kate Woods, fifth-generation of the Woods family of Thames Watermen, pay homage to London’s river heritage, echoing the heyday of city river cruising.. The design subtly connects the Tower of London and the River Thames through sustainable British materials and thoughtful detailing, including:

panoramic single-deck views with awning-shaded decksbespoke House of Hackney Axminster carpet woven in Devoneco-leather seating crafted in Scotlanda hammered English pewter bar, reflecting light like ripples on waterGuests can choose from open-air or covered outdoor seating, or stay indoors beneath a glazed ceiling, ensuring a spectacular visual experience whatever the weather.

A symbolic ‘due’

In a ceremony that bridged centuries of Thames tradition, the Silver Raven was officially welcomed to London on Monday, 13th October by the Governor of the Tower of London and the Yeoman Gaoler.

Reviving a custom that dates back to 1381, the vessel’s captain presented a ceremonial keg of Verdant Brewing Co. Dry Irish Stout to the Governor, a symbolic “due” once paid by ships for safe passage past the Tower. The gesture marked the Silver Raven’s journey from its Cornish shipyard to its new home on the River Thames, uniting heritage and innovation as the UK’s first electric tour boat.

Plan your visit

The Tower of London River Tour departs at regular intervals throughout the day from Tower Bridge Quay, just moments from the Tower of London. The 40-minute round-trip cruise offers panoramic views, live storytelling, and a fully accessible experience for adults and families alike.

Tickets start from £18.50 for adults and £14.50 for children. Guests can enhance their day with a Tower + River combined ticket, or toast their journey with a glass of English sparkling wine served onboard.

Book now at www.toweroflondonrivertour.com

Accessibility

The Tower of London River Tour aims to provide a great experience for all ages, abilities and backgrounds and to make it as accessible as possible for everyone. When purchasing ticket, if a carer is needed, a complimentary ticket is provided. Tower Bridge Quay provides step-free access from St Katharine’s Way. However, the River Thames is a tidal river and the gradient for access to the boat is dictated by daily tides. Please see the tour’s accessibility page for further information.

The Tower of London River Tour will run regular BSL-interpreted and relaxed tours, and a printout of the tour script is offered to guests if requested - ideally in advance. Please get in touch for further information.