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Do you sometimes feel difficulty in starting a conversation with someone? Read more to explore a few easy tips and strategies to help you become a good English speaker.
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Have you ever thought about discovering London from the water? The River Thames flows right through the city, offering one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to explore. Whether you’re here for a short visit or studying in London, travelling by boat is a fantastic way to see the sights and avoid the busy streets.
If you’re new to London and learning English, using public transport can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry! This guide will explain everything you need to know about getting around by boat, including ticket options, routes, and top attractions along the way.
London has different types of boats for travel, sightseeing, and fun. Here are the main options:
🚢 Best for: Sightseeing and commuting between central London and East London.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a fast and reliable boat service. It runs between Putney in the west and Woolwich in the east, stopping at key locations like Westminster, Embankment, London Bridge, and Greenwich.
Cost: The fare depends on the route, but it is cheaper with an Oyster card or contactless payment. Students can also get a discount!
Operating hours: Boats run every 20 minutes during the day, and some operate in the evening.
🚢 Best for: Easy and calm daily travel without any traffic.
The River Bus is part of London’s public transport system, operated by Thames Clippers. It is similar to the Uber Boat service and is perfect for daily travel to school or work.
Discounts: If you have a Travelcard or Student Oyster, you can get cheaper fares.
The River Bus has several routes across the Thames. Here are the main ones:
RB1: Battersea Power Station → Westminster → Tower Bridge → Greenwich → Barking Riverside
RB2: Putney → Chelsea Harbour → London Bridge → Canary Wharf
RB6: Putney → Blackfriars → Canary Wharf
Closest piers to ES London: Embankment Pier and Blackfriars Pier – perfect for a boat trip after your English class London!
🚢 Best for: Tourists to have fun days out for all photography lovers!
If you’re new to London, a sightseeing cruise is a fantastic way to learn about the city. These boats offer guided tours with fun facts about London’s history and landmarks.
Popular options:
City Cruises – Runs from Westminster to Greenwich, with amazing views.
London Eye River Cruise – A short but fun trip near the London Eye.
Cost: Prices vary, but student discounts are sometimes available.
🚢 Best for: A unique, relaxing way to explore hidden parts of London!
London has many canals, including the famous Regent’s Canal. You can use a canal boat to travel from Little Venice to Camden Market, passing beautiful parks, cafés, and houseboats.
Where to go:
Little Venice – A peaceful area with cafés by the water.
Camden Market – A lively market with street food and shops.
Cost: Around £10–£15 per person for a boat ride.
If you’re in East London, you can take the Woolwich Ferry, which crosses the Thames between Woolwich and North Woolwich. It’s completely free and offers great views of Canary Wharf.
You can buy River Bus tickets:
✔ Online (on the Thames Clippers website or app)
✔ At the pier (from ticket machines)
✔ Using an Oyster card or contactless payment
💡 Good news! If you already have a Travelcard, you get a discount!
If you’re planning to explore multiple locations in one day, the River Roamer ticket is the best option. It’s a hop-on, hop-off ticket that lets you travel unlimited times on the River Bus for the whole day. With this ticket, you can travel at your own pace and visit different areas without worrying about extra fares. The price depends on whether you buy a child, adult, or family ticket, but it’s cheaper than buying multiple single tickets. You can get it online, from ticket machines at the piers, or via the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers app.
With a River Roamer ticket, you can explore many exciting parts of London. Here are some top spots:
🚢 Stop: Greenwich Pier
📍 Visit: Cutty Sark (a famous ship), Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory.
💡 Did you know? Greenwich is where time zones start – at the Prime Meridian!
🚢 Stop: Tower Pier
📍 Visit: The Tower of London (home of the Crown Jewels) and the iconic Tower Bridge.
🚢 Stop: London Eye (Waterloo) Pier
📍 Visit: The London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
🚢 Stop: Battersea Power Station Pier
📍 Visit: A newly developed area with restaurants, shops, and parks.
At ES London, we don’t just help you improve your English – we also make sure you feel confident navigating the city. After your English classes in London, why not explore the city by boat with your classmates? It’s a great way to practise English while enjoying London’s stunning views. Plus, learning about transport and planning journeys in English is important to manage your cost of living in London!
Looking up ‘learn English classes near me’? We offer English courses in London that fit all levels – whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your fluency.
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Do you sometimes feel difficulty in starting a conversation with someone? Read more to explore a few easy tips and strategies to help you become a good English speaker.
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