River Thames on a Budget

No doubt visitors to London will be enjoying the view via top attractions such at The London Eye but there are plenty of alternative ways to explore the Thames that you may not have considered.  Why not try out a lesser-known commuter ferry, or take advantage of a cable car over the Thames or even a foot tunnel that runs under the river!

1. The Thames Clipper; Budget Trips Along the Thames

The Thames Clipper offers both workers & visitors to London a trip down the River Thames at a fraction of the price of more costly river cruises.  Running from London Eye 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. Whilst there is no commentary during your trip, if you know your sights of London this is a great way to enjoy the Thames on a budget. Opt for a daily river roamer ticket that gives you full flexibility for the day along the River Thames or , alternatively select a single ticket for a one-way journey along the Thames.

FOLLOW OUR Guide To Greenwich – money saving ideas to enjoy a visit to Greenwich!

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 at IFS Cloud Cable Cars London.

3. Walk Under the River Thames; Greenwich Foot Tunnel

An unusual way to explore the River Thames is by making use of the Greenwich foot tunnel that offers you the chance to walk under the Thames.  This FREE foot tunnel runs under the River Thames, (from the Cutty Sark to the Isle of Dogs), and originally provided workers with a passageway through to the London Docks.  The foot tunnel runs over 15m deep & the original 200,000 glazed white tiles as still visible dating back to 1902.

Although the foot tunnel has seen better days, it is currently undergoing a £11.5 million refurbishment that began back in 2009.  The refurbished lifts are looking great & it is fun to walk under the Thames from one bank side to the other.  Why not combine the Greenwich foot tunnel with a trip on the Thames Clipper by alighting at Greenwich Pier.

More information available at Greenwich on a Budget.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel

4. Itineraries Across the River Thames

Here’s a route that gives you a chance to explore under, over & across the River Thames in one day;

• Take the Thames Clipper to Greenwich Greenwich Peninsula, (single 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.
• 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!