Accessibility on the Tower of London River Tour
See London from the Thames – an accessible experience for everyone
We want as many people as possible to enjoy the Official Tower of London River Tour and have designed Silver Raven to provide a comfortable and inclusive experience for visitors with a range of access requirements.
Silver Raven is wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilet facilities and dedicated wheelchair spaces offering some of the best views onboard. Our team is also available to assist with boarding and throughout your visit.
If you have specific access requirements or would like to discuss your visit before booking, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to help you plan your experience.
Wheelchair access onboard Silver Raven
Silver Raven has been designed with wheelchair users in mind.There are four dedicated wheelchair spaces available onboard, two on the interior and two on the exterior, and they also happen to be some of the best positions from which to enjoy the tour with excellent views of London as you travel along the Thames.
There is an accessible toilet onboard and we have a ramp available, our team can also provide assistance when boarding if required.
The Bar area has four tables that wheelchair users can access, and we can comfortably seat 4-6 guests in this space. We also have a safe, under shelter storage space on the pier where accessibility chairs/aids can be left for those users who wish to have the freedom without them while onboard.
Because the River Thames is tidal, access to Tower Bridge Quay itself can vary throughout the day, so we recommend checking the pier accessibility information below before choosing your sailing.
Step-free access to Tower Bridge Quay
Tower Bridge Quay provides step-free access from St Katharine’s Way. However, the Thames is a tidal river and the gradient of the access ramp changes depending on the tide. The ramp is steepest at low tide and may not be suitable at these times for some wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility.
Tour times taking place around low tide are indicated when booking so you can take this into consideration when selecting your sailing.
You can also check predicted tide times before your visit on the Port of London Authority website. If you are unsure whether a particular sailing will be suitable for your access requirements, please contact us before booking and our team will be happy to advise.
Boarding the River Tour
We have a ramp available for access onto the boat. Our team is available to assist visitors with boarding and finding a suitable position onboard. If you think you may require assistance, you are welcome to let us know in advance. Alternatively, speak to a member of the team when you arrive at Tower Bridge Quay.
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to give you plenty of time to board.
Accessible toilets
Yes. Silver Raven has an accessible toilet onboard. If you have any questions about the facilities or space available onboard before your visit, please contact our team.
Essential Companions and Carers
If you require the assistance of an Essential Companion or Carer to visit, we provide one complimentary companion ticket when you purchase your own ticket, either online or from our ticket office.
Please bring proof of eligibility with you on the day of your visit, such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter.
If you require assistance from more than one person, please contact us before purchasing your tickets so that we can discuss your requirements.
Support for D/deaf and hearing-impaired visitors
Our live commentary is delivered by our expert guides throughout the tour. Hearing loops are not currently available onboard.
We can provide a complimentary printed copy of the tour script and route map for visitors who are D/deaf or hearing impaired, allowing you to follow the stories and sights as you travel along the Thames. Please let our team know in advance or speak to us when you board and we will provide a copy.
We also plan to offer BSL-interpreted tours. Details and dates will be published here when confirmed.
Support for blind and visually impaired visitors
Our team is happy to assist blind and visually impaired visitors with boarding and seating where required. The tour’s stories are delivered live throughout the journey, so you can hear about the people, places and events associated with the London landmarks and locations around you.
Please let a member of our team know when you arrive, or contact us before your visit if there is anything we can do to make your experience more comfortable.
Is the commentary available in other languages?
Our live commentary is currently delivered in English. If you have a particular communication or access requirement, please contact us before your visit and our team will be happy to discuss how we may be able to help.
Planning an accessible visit?
We know that everyone’s access requirements are different, so if there is anything you would like to check before booking, please ask.
Our team can help with questions about:
- Wheelchair access and spaces onboard
- Pier and boarding access
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Essential Companion and Carer tickets
- Hearing or visual assistance
- Choosing a sailing around the Thames tides
- Any other access requirements that may affect your visit
Please contact us before booking if you would like to talk through your visit.
