Experiences

The 5 Best Boat Parties in London

Silent discos, luxury river yachts and summer cruises: London's best parties on the Thames.

In short: our top picks are Silver Sturgeon, Dutch Master and Thames Party Cruises. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

There is something about a party on the Thames, the skyline sliding past while the music plays. London does them at every level, from budget silent-disco cruises to black-tie nights on a proper river yacht. The Silver Sturgeon is the glamorous end, the Dutch Master keeps it cheap and cheerful with three-channel silent discos, and summer and New Year bring a rush of ticketed cruises. It is a novelty that genuinely delivers. Book ahead, since the popular dates sell out early.

Place Area
Silver Sturgeon Embankment
Dutch Master Temple
Thames Party Cruises Central London
Glitz Events Summer Boat Party Blackfriars
Silent Disco Boat Party Central London
  1. Editor’s choice

    Silver Sturgeon

    • Embankment

    Why we pick itA 61-metre river yacht for glamorous Thames parties, resident DJ, dance floor and fine dining as London slides past.

    luxury river yacht

  2. Dutch Master

    • Temple

    Why we pick itA two-deck party boat running silent discos from around £27.50, three channels from retro disco to house.

    silent-disco party boat

  3. Thames Party Cruises

    • Central London

    Why we pick itTicketed Thames party cruises across the year, from summer boat parties to New Year's Eve.

    party boat operator

  4. Glitz Events Summer Boat Party

    • Blackfriars

    Why we pick itPopular ticketed summer boat parties from Blackfriars Pier, DJs and dancing on the open Thames.

    summer boat party

  5. Silent Disco Boat Party

    • Central London

    Why we pick itA cult silent-disco cruise on the Thames, headphones handed out for a floating dance floor.

    silent disco cruise

Before you book

Boat parties are ticketed events rather than fixed venues, so check listings for the date you want and book early for summer and New Year. Cruises usually run two to four hours from a central pier, and most have a bar aboard. Confirm the boarding pier and time carefully, since latecomers miss the boat, literally.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

Silver Sturgeon is our editor's choice: A 61-metre river yacht for glamorous Thames parties, resident DJ, dance floor and fine dining as London slides past. Silver Sturgeon, Dutch Master and Thames Party Cruises lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.