WE OPEN TOWER BRIDGE
ON EVERY LONDON CRUISE

STOP LONDON IN ITS TRACKS!

Our signature, certainly. You could call it our superpower!

Indeed, this is something that very few vessels in London can organise. All our London cruises with Sailing Barge Will involve something most boats can only dream of: the opening of that most iconic of bridges, Tower Bridge. This is a highlight of our Sunset BBQ cruises in particular. Heading west into London with the sun setting behind the bridge is a sight to remember.

Because of her tall masts, towering at nearly 30 metres, Will requires Tower Bridge to raise its world famous bascules between the distinctive towers, all to let Will and her guests take passage through. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

How do you open Tower Bridge?

In short you can just leave it to us! As long as you either start or finish (or both) at Tower Pier, you will get a Tower Bridge lift on your cruise. We’ll arrange everything. Tower pier is very close to Tower Bridge and so typically, allowing for manouevering and embark/disembark your bridge lift will take place 30 minutes after the start of your event, or c.30 before the end. Or both!

Given the choice we’d recommend our Sunset Cruise events – perhaps with a deck BBQ – to experience the sky beyond the bridge and over London as you approach and pass through. It’s just perfect timing!

It’s a special feeling sensing the bridge preparing to open, hearing it’s sirens first. London stills as we hang mid-river, slowly cruising towards the bascules as they open, crowds on the bridge gather to watch. Treat yourself, contact us and prepare for your own taste of the best part – sailing through.

An example itinerary - The Sunset Cruise

16.00 Guests embark at Tower Pier
16.30 Heading east, Tower Bridge opens up for you
17.30 Deck BBQ is served
18.00 You turn back upstream at O2 Arena
19.30 Once again Tower Bridge opens for you
20.00 Disembark at Tower pier

Times are approximate, and all start times are flexible for your needs. A 4-hour event is recommended.

Questions? Hop over here to our FAQs.

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This could be your next event, and probably one of your best ever - we'll take care of everything.

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"30 of us were on board and were treated to a delicious 3 course dinner, a roaring fire and beautiful views of Christmassy London with drinks in hand. We even stopped the traffic when Tower Bridge was opened for us, twice! .....A night to remember and definitely one to recommend.”

"During the trip we went on both the outside and lower decks and it was fine to move around meaning we got to the sights we wanted. The best bit for me was seeing London come to a halt as Tower Bridge was raised just for us. I did smile – a lot"

“Going through Tower Bridge on the boat was spectacular. The staff went beyond their duty to be helpful and we felt the catering was really well done. The boat is delightful downstairs and they were very accommodating when it came to us decorating the tables. I would fully recommend using sailing Barge Will for your special event.”

Clay Shoots

Open to everyone, all instruction given, a little bit of friendly competition - a great day!

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Day Sails

Sailing out of Gravesend. This is the best change of scene, and wonderful team-building fun.

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Wonderful Food

We take real pride in producing what we think is the best food available on the river Thames.

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WE OPEN TOWER BRIDGE
ON EVERY LONDON CRUISE

STOP LONDON IN ITS TRACKS!

How do you open Tower Bridge?