Boat Trips & Tours | River Cruises & Harbour Tours

Discover some of the best boat trips, river cruises and habour tours in South East England, from relaxing river cruises and harbour tours to coastal sightseeing trips and unforgettable experiences on the water.  From Windsor Castle viewed from the Thames to wildlife spotting along the Kent coast and exploring the Isle of Wight by sea, there are plenty of ways to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

Choose Your Boat Trip and Tour

• River Cruises & Sightseeing
• Coastal Boat Trips
• Harbour Cruises
• Wildlife & Nature Cruises
• Family-Friendly Tours
• Scenic Waterways

Five Boat Trips & Tours You Should Try in South East England

1.Enjoy a Scenic River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to experience South East England. From royal residences and historic riverside towns to hidden waterways and afternoon tea afloat, there is something for everyone.

Where to try it

• Windsor, Windsor & Maidenhead, Berkshire
  Enjoy views of Windsor Castle and Eton from the river with French Brothers. Choose from sightseeing cruises, themed sailings and special events throughout the year before spending time exploring Windsor's shops, restaurants and attractions.
• Maidstone & Allington, Kent
  Cruise along the River Medway with Kentish Lady, passing through beautiful countryside and historic landmarks including Allington Castle, one of Kent's hidden treasures. Don't miss their special lunch and supper cruises.
• Caversham, Reading, Berkshire
  Join Thames Rivercruise for a journey along a quieter stretch of the River Thames whilst taking in the natural beauty of the river and surrounding countryside. With live music, Sunday lunch and disco nights there's a cruise to suit all ages.
• Henley-on-Thames, Southern Oxfordshire
  For something a little different, Hobbs of Henley offers elegant river experiences including private charters, afternoon tea and music themed cruises along with family-friendly Santa Cruises in the lead up to Christmas, all along one of the most famous sections of the Thames.

Extend Your Adventure

Combine your boat trip with a visit to Windsor Castle, or the stunning Leeds Castle a 15-minute drive from Maidstone. See the copy of the Bayeux Tapestry at the Reading Museum, or take a stroll down Friday Street in Henley-on-Thames and over Henley Bridge and take in the riverside vibes.

2. Explore the White Cliffs from the Water

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of Britain's most recognisable landmarks and seeing them from the sea provides a completely different perspective. Boat tours reveal their scale and beauty whilst also offering opportunities to spot wildlife along the coastline.

Where to try it

• Dover, Kent
  Take to the water beneath the iconic white cliffs and learn about their role as England's gateway from the sea. Stretching between 110 - 150 metres in height, these are an impressive site from sea level.
• Sandwich, Kent
  Look out for seals, seabirds and coastal wildlife, whilst exploring the River Stour towards Shellness Point. Shellness Point is a protected area with no public access as it's a vital roosting and breeding site, where the river meets Pegwell Bay.

Extend your adventure

Make a day of your visit and explore the historic streets of Sandwich or enjoy a leisurely walk along Deal's seafront. Stay for the night at the Hawthorn Farm Holiday Park, perfectly located between Deal and Dover, and just 25-minutes drive from Sandwich.

3. Discover the Isle of Wight by Boat

Surrounded by the Solent and English Channel, the Isle of Wight is one of Britain's best-loved boating destinations. Spectacular coastline, charming harbours and family-friendly attractions make it a fantastic place to explore by water.

Where to try it

• Portsmouth, Hampshire to Ryde, Isle of Wight
  Arrive into the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel, on one of the world's only year-round passenger hovercraft services, not only a thrilling way to travel, but offering a unique journey across the Solent from Portsmouth to Ryde. 
• The Needles, Isle of Wight
  View one of Britain's most famous coastal landmarks from the water. The Needles are a dramatic row of three chalk stacks rising from the sea, alongside the iconic red-and-white striped Needles Lighthouse. Experiencing them by boat provides a unique perspective on one of the Isle of Wight's most photographed locations.
• Portsmouth, Hampshire to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
  Take the whole family to explore the island, hop on the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Yarmouth and have the freedom of the car with you to explore the island during your stay.

Extend your adventure

Visit the family-friendly Dinosaur Isle, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary or spend time exploring the island's beaches and traditional seaside towns. Book a stay with Classic Cottages and find the home from home self-catering cottage that's just right for you all.

4. Experience a Harbour Cruise

Harbour cruises offer a fascinating insight into South East England's maritime heritage, working ports and waterfront attractions. Combining history, sightseeing and impressive views, they provide a unique way to discover the South Coast.

Where to try it

• Southampton, Hampshire
  Step aboard the historic SS Shieldhall and enjoy one of the most unique cruising experiences in the South East. As Britain's largest operational steamship, the vessel offers special cruises combining maritime heritage, engineering history and spectacular views of Southampton Water and the Solent.
• Portsmouth, Hampshire
  Delve into the history of one of the UK's most significant maritime cities with a harbour tour and see naval vessels, historic ships and discover Burrow island (Rat Island), a small island with a fascinating history. 
• Eastbourne, East Sussex
  Explore Eastbourne's vibrant Sovereign Harbour, where boat trips, marina life and spectacular coastal scenery combine to create a perfect day by the sea. From here it's easy to continue your adventure along the coast towards Beachy Head and the South Downs.

Extend your adventure

Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and enjoy shopping at Gunwharf Quays, both locations are departure points for a harbour tour. Visit the SeaCity Museum and Southampton City Art Gallery (F) in Southampton, or just explore Eastbourne's seafront. 

5. Step Back in Time on a Horse-Drawn Boat

South East England's rivers and canals have shaped communities, trade routes and local life for centuries. Today they provide some of the most enjoyable and distinctive boating experiences in the region.

Where to try it

• Hungerford, Berkshire
  Step back in time aboard Kennet Horse Boat, where traditional horse-drawn boat trips along the Kennet & Avon Canal leave from the charming village of Kintbury.  Recreating a historic form of transport once used to move goods around the country, this peaceful experience is just 16 minutes from the bustling town of Newbury.

Extend your adventure

Combine your trip with riverside dining, walking routes, local attractions and overnight stays across the region. Don't miss the chance to visit the The Dundas Arms pub which overlooks the River Kennet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which river cruises are available in South East England?

Visitors can enjoy a variety of river cruises including sightseeing cruises with French Brothers in Windsor, cruises along the River Medway with Kentish Lady, scenic sailings with Thames Rivercruise in Reading and Caversham, and special themed cruises and private charters with Hobbs of Henley in Henley-on-Thames.

Where are the best places for boat trips in South East England?

Popular locations include Windsor and the River Thames, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Water, the River Medway and the White Cliffs coastline around Dover.

Can I see the White Cliffs of Dover from the water?

Yes. Boat tours along the Dover coastline provide spectacular views of the famous cliffs and surrounding coastline.

How do I get to the Isle of Wight by sea?

Visitors can travel to the island by ferry or aboard Hovertravel, providing a unique crossing of the Solent.

Which boat trips are suitable for families?

Family-friendly experiences include River Thames cruises, Isle of Wight crossings with Hovertravel, habour tours in Portsmouth and Southampton, and wildlife-watching boat trips along the Kent coast.

Can I enjoy an afternoon tea or lunch on a boat trip?

Yes. Several operators offer dining experiences on the water, including afternoon tea cruises, lunch cruises and themed sailings. Options are available with providers such as French Brothers, Kentish Lady and Hobbs of Henley.