Review: The Tower of London River Tour on Silver Raven
There are some London experiences that feel designed for tourists, and then there are the ones that remind you why the city became iconic in the first place.
The Tower of London River Tour sits firmly in the second category.
Operating aboard Silver Raven, the UK’s first purpose-built electric tour boat, this new sightseeing experience offers a calmer, cleaner and more refined way to see London from the Thames. It is a 40-minute live-guided river journey from Tower Bridge Quay to Westminster and back, passing some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks while telling the stories of the river that shaped the city.
But what makes this tour stand out is not just the route. It is the boat itself – and the glass of Nyetimber they serve at the bar, as an added bonus.
The moment I stepped off the boat, I knew this would be my go-to experiential gift for family and friends.
Key Info
Experience: Tower of London River Tour aboard Silver Raven
Location: Tower Bridge Quay, St Katharine’s Way, London
Duration: 40 minutes
Route: Circular route from Tower Bridge Quay to Westminster and back
Best For: London sightseeing, culture lovers, history fans, couples, families, visitors to the Tower of London and anyone who wants a more refined Thames experience
Tickets: From £18.50 for adults and £14.50 for children
Good to Know: The tour has been created in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces and operates aboard the UK’s first electric tour boat
The Experience
The Tower of London River Tour begins just moments from the Tower of London, which already gives the experience a strong sense of place – and a fantastic place for a boat selfie.
There is something special about stepping onto a boat beside one of London’s most famous historic landmarks, then heading out onto the same river that has carried kings, queens, prisoners, merchants, workers and visitors for more than 1,000 years.
The tour takes you from Tower Bridge Quay towards Westminster and back, passing around twenty of London’s iconic landmarks along the way. But rather than simply pointing things out as you pass them, the experience is built around storytelling.
The live narration, written by Martha Howe-Douglas, co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts, was really engaging. It’s informative without feeling dry, polished without being stiff, and accessible enough to keep different ages and interests engaged.
The route itself is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to fit easily into a day of sightseeing. At 40 minutes, it works well as part of a larger London itinerary, especially if you are already visiting the Tower of London, Tower Bridge or the South Bank.
It is also a lovely option if you want to see a lot of London without spending hours walking or jumping between tube stations.
The Boat
Silver Raven is the real star of the experience.
Purpose-built for London, it is a 39-metre electric catamaran designed to glide quietly along the Thames. The difference is noticeable. Without the noise and heaviness you might associate with a traditional river boat, the journey feels much smoother and more peaceful.
The enclosed glass design means you still get panoramic views even if the weather is not on your side, which is always worth considering in London. You can sit indoors beneath the glazed ceiling, choose covered outdoor seating, or head into the open air when the weather allows.
It feels flexible, comfortable and thoughtfully designed for the city it is moving through.
Inside, the design pays tribute to London’s river heritage while still feeling modern and elegant. Details include bespoke House of Hackney Axminster carpet woven in Devon, eco-leather seating crafted in Scotland and a hammered English pewter bar that catches the light beautifully.
It is a small detail, but having a proper bar onboard adds to the feeling that this is not just a quick sightseeing trip. It feels closer to a premium cultural river experience, especially if you want to enjoy a drink as London passes by.
Sustainability
One of the most interesting things about Silver Raven is that it is not just a new attraction; it is also a glimpse into the future of river tourism.
As the UK’s first purpose-built electric tour boat, Silver Raven represents a significant step towards cleaner, quieter passenger travel on the Thames. Built in Cornwall by superyacht specialists Pendennis Shipyard, it is powered by a 720 kW battery bank and has been engineered for rapid charging between tours.
The project received funding through the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, delivered by Innovate UK, and has been developed alongside partners including the Department for Transport and the Port of London Authority.
What matters from a visitor perspective is that the sustainability side genuinely improves the experience. The boat is quieter, smoother and more pleasant to travel on. It does not feel like an eco feature that has been added for the sake of it; it changes the atmosphere of the entire journey.
For a city as busy as London, that quieter pace feels like a real luxury.
Accessibility
The Tower of London River Tour has clearly put thought into making the experience as accessible as possible.
Tower Bridge Quay provides step-free access from St Katharine’s Way, and complimentary carer tickets are available for those who need them. As with all Thames experiences, the tidal nature of the river means the gradient onto the boat can vary depending on the day, so it is worth checking the accessibility information before booking.
The tour will also offer regular BSL-interpreted and relaxed tours, and guests can request a printout of the tour script in advance.
These details matter. They make the experience feel more considered and more inclusive, particularly for a major new London attraction.
Why You Should Book the Tower of London River Tour
The Tower of London River Tour is a brilliant option if you want a sightseeing experience that feels elevated without being overly formal.
It is a calmer way to see London: Silver Raven’s electric design makes the journey quieter and smoother than a typical river cruise.
The storytelling is genuinely engaging: The narration blends heritage, humour and warmth, bringing the Thames and its landmarks to life without feeling like a history lesson.
The boat is beautifully designed: From the panoramic glass views to the heritage-inspired interiors, Silver Raven feels more premium than a standard sightseeing boat.
It works in all weather: With indoor, covered and outdoor seating options, it is a strong London activity even when the forecast is unpredictable.
It is an easy addition to a London day out: At 40 minutes, the tour is long enough to feel memorable but short enough to pair with the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks or a wider day exploring the city.
It has a strong sustainability roots: As the UK’s first electric tour boat, Silver Raven feels like a meaningful step forward for London tourism.
Final Thoughts
The Tower of London River Tour aboard Silver Raven is one of those experiences that manages to feel both classic and new.
It gives you the iconic London river views, the history, the landmarks and the drama of the Thames, but in a much quieter, cleaner and more comfortable way. The result is a sightseeing tour that feels less rushed, less crowded and more considered than many of London’s big-ticket attractions.
Whether you are visiting the city for the first time, planning a London day out, or simply want to see the capital from a different perspective, Silver Raven offers a beautifully designed way to experience the river.
It is London sightseeing with polish, purpose and a genuine sense of place. I can’t wait to go again.
Book the Tower of London Tour on their website.
Review by Pippa Moyle
Disclaimer: This experience was gifted in exchange for a review.