By Martin Banks

London has a brand new tourist attraction: The Tower of London River TourTower of London.

Visitors to the UK capital can now board the country’s first purpose-built electric tour boat to enjoy some of the city’s famous sights from the river Thames.

Created in official partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the attaction offers a 40-minute live-guided cruise, combining British heritage, expert storytelling (scripted by the BBC’s Martha Douglas-Howe) and a quietly luxurious electric-boat experience.

To mark its recent launch, the tour is offering a limited-time 20% discount on tickets for all tours booked and taken by 23 February, making it an ideal half-term activity for families and visitors to the capital.

A spokesman said, “It is a a refined, all-weather way to enjoy panoramic views of 20+ iconic London landmarks.”

The tour brings more than 1,000 years of history accurately to life, as passengers journey past twenty of London’s most iconic landmarks on a circular route from Tower Bridge Quay to Westminster and back.

 The live narration, written by Howe-Douglas, co-creator of BBC’s Ghosts, “brings London’s stories to life with wit, warmth and wonder, revealing the river’s role as both lifeline and legend,” said the spokesman.

Howe-Douglas said, “I’ve been on a deep dive through the Thames’ murky past (thankfully not literally!), unearthing the stories that have shaped London.

“To see the Silver Raven set sail from the Tower, carrying those tales into the future, is very special. It’s such an honour to be part of the brilliant team who are bringing the past to life, on a boat designed for the future.”

The spokesman added, “Purpose-built for London, the Silver Raven cuts a sleek silhouette on the River Thames, beautiful to behold both inside and out. Its enclosed glass design offers a shield from the elements while revealing uninterrupted panoramic views that frame the magic of the river from every seat. Paired with smooth electric propulsion and elegantly detailed interiors, it offers a quietly luxurious way to experience the river in all conditions.”

The tour is operated aboard the Silver Raven,a 39mt electric catamaran designed by the Woods family, in collaboration with leading naval architects. Built by superyacht specialists Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, it is powered by a 720 kW EST-Floattech Octopus Series battery bank and engineered for rapid charging between tours, marking a significant step in the decarbonisation of the UK’s domestic maritime sector.

The Silver Raven project received funding through the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), delivered by Innovate UK, underscoring its role as a pioneering example of sustainable British shipbuilding. Constructed to the rigorous standards of Lloyd’s Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Silver Raven combines advanced technology with British craftsmanship.

The arrival of the vessel precedes new electric charging infrastructure at Tower Bridge Quay, to be developed in partnership with the Department for Transport and the Port of London Authority, which aims to allow fully renewable grid charging in 2026.

 “The Silver Raven is the product of years of development,”  Chris Kangis, CEO of Woods Tours, told this site, adding, “It showcases the strength of British shipbuilding and innovation, offering a quiet, clean and beautiful way to experience the Thames and is the future of river tourism.”

The interiors pay homage to London’s river heritage, echoing the heyday of city river cruising. The design subtly connects the Tower of London and the River Thames through sustainable British materials and thoughtful detailing, including:

• panoramic single-deck views with awning-shaded decks
• bespoke House of Hackney Axminster carpet woven in Devon
• eco-leather seating crafted in Scotland
• a hammered English pewter bar, reflecting light like ripples on water

Guests can choose from open-air or covered outdoor seating, or stay indoors beneath a glazed ceiling, ensuring a spectacular visual experience whatever the weather.

 Discounted tickets start at £11.20 for children and £14.80 for adults.

• Further info: www.toweroflondonrivertour.com