Thames Party Boats

Thames Party Boats: private boat hire for events on the Thames

Thames Party Boats is a London-based company that specialises in private boat hire for celebrations and corporate events on the River Thames. Its approach is based on exclusivity: every booking means full use of the vessel, with no shared decks with other groups. The company states it has over 30 years of experience sailing the Thames and has worked with clients such as the NHS, L'Oréal and Four Seasons, according to its own presentation.

A fleet of three vessels for different group sizes

The company has three boats with capacities ranging from small groups to large celebrations:

• MV Viscount: with capacity for up to 195 guests, it is the largest vessel. Built in 1908, it is one of the boats known as Dunkirk Little Ships. It was rebuilt in 1964 and refitted for events in 2019. It has three decks, two bars and space for dancing. Recommended for company parties and large celebrations.
• The Clifton Castle: holds up to 120 people. It has open front and aft decks, a licensed bar and a single level that keeps the whole group together. It is designed for corporate events, birthdays and mid-sized parties.
• The Windrush: is the smallest vessel, with capacity for 12 guests. It is aimed at family gatherings, intimate celebrations and private sightseeing cruises.

Onboard services and staff

The boats have licensed bars on the upper and lower decks, offering premium drinks at moderate prices. The company indicates that if the menu does not meet the client's needs, they can get in touch to discuss preferences. They also offer a bespoke service to suit each event's requirements.

The crew is made up of professionals trained and qualified to carry out their duties, available to assist guests throughout the event. The company also provides catering services, entertainment (such as a DJ) and coordination of boarding and disembarkation piers.

Types of events they cover

Thames Party Boats organises a wide variety of celebrations, including:

• Birthday parties (18th, 21st, 30th or beyond), with tailored decor and setup.
• Weddings and engagements, with the London skyline as a backdrop.
• Stag and hen parties.
• Corporate events: company parties, conferences, networking and ticketed events.
• Christmas and New Year's Eve parties.
• Anniversaries.
• Sightseeing cruises on the river.
• Ash scattering.
• Filming and photoshoots.

The company announces that it is now taking bookings for Christmas 2026 and New Year's Eve dates.

Booking process

The booking process has four steps: the client shares their plans (date, number of guests and occasion) by phone or online; they receive a free, no-obligation quote, with a recommendation of boat, menu and extras; the events team works on the catering, drinks, music and piers details; and finally the event is enjoyed on board while London's landmarks glide by.

Client recognition

The company displays customer reviews on its website, with an average rating of "GOOD" based on 72 Google reviews. Comments highlight the team's attentiveness, the quality of the catering and the overall experience. Some clients mention specific staff names, such as Charlie, Chris, Grace, Hannah, Aaron and DJ Richard, and praise the organisation of events such as weddings, company parties and proms.

Location and contact

Millbank Millennium Pier, Millbank, London, GB · Phone: 020 7118 1908 · Email: bookings@thamespartyboats.co.uk