9 famous landmarks on the Terrible Thames boat tour
The Terrible Thames river tour has returned for 2025, setting sail from Tower Bridge Quay for another season of gruesome facts and sinister stories. Running during the school holidays and on selected weekdays for school groups, it offers a fun-filled, fact-packed tour of London by boat - with all the nasty bits left in. Here are nine famous landmarks you’ll discover along the way.
The Tower of London
Known best as the home of the crown jewels and the Yeoman Warders, the Tower once served a darker purpose. In the Tudor period, it was where Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey spent their final days, while in the reign of James I, Sir Walter Raleigh was held there for 13 years - during which time he wrote a bestselling book!
Cleopatra’s Needle
Standing proud on the Thames Embankment, Cleopatra’s Needle is an ancient monument thought to be almost 3,500 years old. It was gifted to Britain and transported from Egypt in 1877, but a disaster at sea meant the obelisk almost didn’t survive the trip.
The Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the historic playhouse built in 1599 by the company Shakespeare part-owned. Opened in 1997, it has no roof and performances take place whatever the weather.
London Bridge
First built by the Romans, London Bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over its colourful 2,000 year history. One version had houses lining it - and the anyone living there had to pass the heads of executed traitors near the gates. Today’s construction was completed in the 1970s, connecting Southwark to the City of London.
Execution Dock
Located just offshore below the low tide line, Execution Dock was the place where notorious pirates condemned by the Admiralty courts met their end. On the Terrible Thames tour you’ll hear the story of Captain Kidd’s botched execution.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Built in 1844 after the Palace of Westminster had been destroyed by fire, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The clock tower stands at over 96 metres tall, with 334 steps leading up to the belfry where the 13-ton bell chimes the hour.
The London Eye
One of the world’s largest observation wheels, the London Eye was launched in 2000 and has since become a modern symbol of the capital’s skyline. Millions board every year to view Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace from on high.
The Tate Modern
The home of contemporary art in London, the Tate Modern holds work by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, from Picasso and Dali to Duschamp and Warhol. The site was formerly a power station, converted for its current purpose in 2000.
Waterloo Bridge
Connecting South Bank to The Strand, this Grade II listed bridge was built during World War II and is nicknamed “the ladies’ bridge” due to all the women who worked on its construction.
Don’t miss the chance to see these iconic landmarks from the river - book your Terrible Thames tour with KX Tickets today.
