The 16 Best Party Boats for Hire in London

Q: How much does it cost to book party yachts in London?

The cost of party boats averages around £2302 minimum spend per event. The final price will depend on location, size, amenities, and demand. Some venues also offer additional packages that include catering, AV equipment, or additional services. Take a look at the usual price ranges in London, based on Tagvenue data: - From £1200 to £5500 minimum spend per event - From £1200 to £7000 hire fee per day - From £500 to £3000 hire fee per event

Q: What are some affordable party yachts in London?

Cheap party boats in London start from £500 minimum spend per event or £150 hire fee per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026: - The Lower Deck at Tamesis Dock, from £500 minimum spend per event (up to 120 guests standing). Our user said: ‘Quirky and unique venue Decent menu Reasonable prices V responsive and helpful staff...’ - Indoor Middle Deck at Battersea Barge, from £150 hire fee per event (up to 70 guests standing). Venue said: The Indoor Middle Deck offers a perfect balance between the vibe of a vintage vessel and the comfort of a modern event space. With large windows overlooking the Thames, it provides a light-filled setting that feels both cosy... - Radio & DJ Studio at The BoAt Pod, from £75 hire fee per hour (up to 4 guests standing). Venue said: Stunning view of Little Venice while you record all inclusive! This space could also be used for interviews, intimate listening parties etc.

Q: How long does a boat party usually last?

Basic boat hire will last around 3-5 hours, however, longer options are available and should be discussed with the venue manager during the booking process. Most boats operate somewhere between 10.00-00.00 every day so you can expect to schedule your party during these hours.

	Entire Ship at The Golden Hinde	Whole Venue at Tamesis Dock	Lower Deck at Battersea Barge
Space type	Boat	Boat in a Bar	Lounge on a Boat
Venue	A faithful replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde, docked in central London, with period details and a unique historic setting. Perfect for themed parties, lively celebrations, or corporate events with onboard bars, PA systems, and DJ-friendly spaces.	Floating bar on a 1930s Dutch barge moored on the Thames, with striking views of Parliament and eclectic décor. Perfect for parties with dancing, DJs, or live music in a casual, upbeat setting.	A floating venue on a refurbished 1930s Dutch barge in Nine Elms, the Battersea Barge offers indoor and outdoor decks with stunning city skyline views. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and lively parties with its dance floor, own music options, and live performance capability.
Booking costs	from £3000 hire fee / per session	from £5500 minimum spend / per session	from £500 minimum spend / per session
Capacity	40 guests seating, 120 standing	100 guests seating, 260 standing	100 guests seating, 120 standing
Location	Southwark, London	Vauxhall, London	Battersea, London
What users say	‘An absolutely awesome venue that I was shocked could even be hired out, let alone on New Year's Eve!’	‘The venue was great, the views are great and the boat is spacious.’	‘The sound system at the venue was perfect and I played music from my phone.’

FAQs about Top Party Yachts in London

How much does it cost to book party yachts in London?

The cost of party boats averages around £2302 minimum spend per event. The final price will depend on location, size, amenities, and demand. Some venues also offer additional packages that include catering, AV equipment, or additional services. Take a look at the usual price ranges in London, based on Tagvenue data:

Prices of party boats in London as of September, 2026
From £1200	to £5500	minimum spend per event
From £1200	to £7000	hire fee per day
From £500	to £3000	hire fee per event

What are the top party yachts available in London?

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

Whole Boat at The Boathouse London - Paddington West in Paddington - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Ideal place for a big dinner party and has a perfect kitchen for a private chef! Recommend booking!’
Entire Ship at The Golden Hinde in Southwark - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Excellent venue and support staff, we had an amazing party aboard this wonderful boat.’
Whole Venue at Tamesis Dock in Vauxhall - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘The venue was great, the views are great and the boat is spacious.’

What are the typical capacities of boats for parties in London?

You'll find party boats in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in London, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):

Small	up to 25 guests	prices average £210 hire fee per hour
Medium	between 60 and 150 guests	prices average £1200 minimum spend per event
Large	over 200 guests	prices average £7000 hire fee per day

What are some boats for parties close to Central London?

These are the venues within 0.5 mi from Central London, available to book on Tagvenue:

MV Viscount at Thames Party Boats on Millbank pier - 0.2 mi from centre.
Venue said: This versatile event venue is perfect for private parties, corporate events, birthdays, networking events, dining, evening receptions and special celebrations.
Whole Venue at Tamesis Dock on Albert Embankmemt - 0.3 mi from centre.
Our user said: ‘The venue was great, the views are great and the boat is spacious.’
BAM BAM Bar at BAM Karaoke Box on Zig Zag building 74 Victoria Street - 0.5 mi from centre.
Our user said: ‘Great venue with a great team.’

What are some affordable party yachts in London?

Cheap party boats in London start from £500 minimum spend per event or £150 hire fee per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

The Lower Deck at Tamesis Dock, from £500 minimum spend per event (up to 120 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Quirky and unique venue Decent menu Reasonable prices V responsive and helpful staff...’
Indoor Middle Deck at Battersea Barge, from £150 hire fee per event (up to 70 guests standing)
Venue said: The Indoor Middle Deck offers a perfect balance between the vibe of a vintage vessel and the comfort of a modern event space. With large windows overlooking the Thames, it provides a light-filled setting that feels both cosy...
Radio & DJ Studio at The BoAt Pod, from £75 hire fee per hour (up to 4 guests standing)
Venue said: Stunning view of Little Venice while you record all inclusive! This space could also be used for interviews, intimate listening parties etc.

Are there any tips to organise affordable boat parties in London?

The peak season for cheap party boat rentals in London typically falls between May and September, when the weather is warm and sunny. During these months, the availability might be limited, especially on weekends. So, if you’re organising a party on the water in summer, we recommend you secure your chosen vessel at least 3 months in advance. In addition, if you want to stay within your budget and avoid peak times, consider hiring party yachts in shoulder seasons like April and October, when prices dip slightly and the weather remains pleasant.

How long does a boat party usually last?

Basic boat hire will last around 3-5 hours, however, longer options are available and should be discussed with the venue manager during the booking process. Most boats operate somewhere between 10.00-00.00 every day so you can expect to schedule your party during these hours.

Is food included in a party hire on a boat?

Most boat venues offer in-house catering with accommodation for different specialty requirements. However, unless you have booked a per person package which includes food and drinks, you will need to pay separately for catering and beverages. And if you’re picking a BYO option, keep an eye out for extra fees!

Am I allowed to bring my own alcohol on the boat?

You should ask the owner whether you can BYOB. Some venues allow it, and for others you will have to purchase it on the boat or will not be allowed to drink at all. Keep in mind that some London boats might charge corkage fees in the case of providing your own alcohol while others, like The Tattershall Castle, don’t.

Can I bring my own food and drink onto a party boat?

On some boats, yes, but never assume it. Tagvenue’s guidance for London boats is that unless you have booked a per-person package covering food and drinks, catering and beverages are paid for separately, and BYO options can carry extra fees. Corkage varies: some London boats charge it on your own alcohol, while others such as The Tattershall Castle do not. Filter by External catering allowed, BYO alcohol and I will bring my own drinks to see only the vessels that permit it. The Golden Hinde, The Canary Yacht and Golden Jubilee Party Boat all allow external catering; Tamesis Dock and West End on the Thames do not.

How long can I hire a party boat for?

Basic boat hire in London lasts around three to five hours, with longer bookings arranged directly with the venue manager. Most boats operate between 10:00 and 00:00. Licences can run later on individual vessels: Golden Jubilee Party Boat holds an alcohol licence until 1:00, and Elizabethan – Thames Luxury Charters lists an extension as available on its 18:00–22:00 evening charter. Confirm whether set-up and pack-down count inside your hire window.

Is a party boat private, or shared with other guests?

Both exist on Tagvenue, and the venue page states which. The area-type filter separates the whole venue, private space within the venue, semi-private area and private outdoor space. Within a single boat the answer can differ by deck: at Battersea Barge, the Lower Deck is listed as a private space while the Indoor Middle Deck is listed as shared. If you need the whole vessel to yourself, filter for the whole venue and check the exclusivity wording before enquiring.

What happens if a guest is late for a cruising departure?

They miss the boat — which is the single practical argument for a moored venue if your group is likely to straggle. A charter leaves its pier at a set time, so late arrivals cannot join once it has departed. A moored vessel has no departure at all: Tamesis Dock, Battersea Barge and the Floating Garden all stay in place, so guests arrive whenever they like. If you are set on a cruise, pick a pier next to a station — Temple, Westminster and Westferry are all within 0.1 miles of one.

Tagvenue team

Your Guide to Hiring Party Boats in London

What size party boat do you need for your group?

Check both seated and standing capacity when comparing party boats. A vessel that works for a large standing reception may accommodate far fewer guests for a seated meal.

Current Tagvenue size-band averages are:

Tagvenue capacity band	Current average	Example
Up to 25 guests	£645 hire fee per hour	Floating Garden — 12 seated / 24 standing, from £120 per hour
60–150 guests	£1,200 minimum spend per event	Battersea Barge — 80 seated / 150 standing, from £1,000 minimum spend
Over 200 guests	£7,000 hire fee per day	Golden Jubilee Party Boat — 89 seated / 240 standing, from £2,302 combined hire fee and minimum spend

For a seated event, use the seated capacity as your starting point. The difference can be substantial: The Golden Hinde lists 40 seated versus 120 standing, while Tamesis Dock lists 100 seated versus 260 standing.

For smaller groups, browse small party boats in London.

Which type of boat works for your event?

Choose the boat around how you want guests to use the space, not just the occasion. A seated dinner, drinks reception and dance party can require very different layouts even with the same guest count.

Event	Boat type to consider	What to check
Birthday party	Cruising charter or moored party boat	Music, dancing, bar service and finish time
Wedding reception	Larger cruising vessel or moored floating venue	Seated capacity, catering, accessibility and weather backup
Corporate event	Cruising charter or private deck	AV, catering, boarding logistics and seating
Hen or stag party	Party boat or smaller private charter	Music, drinks packages and entertainment rules
Dinner or reception	Boat with dedicated dining space	Seated capacity, menu options and service
Small private party	Yacht, barge or smaller charter	Minimum hire time, catering and boarding location

The key distinction is often seated versus standing capacity. Golden Jubilee Party Boat, for example, lists 89 seated versus 240 standing, while Battersea Barge lists 80 seated versus 150 standing.

Where do London party boats board?

The boarding point depends on the vessel. Cruising charters use designated Thames piers, while moored floating venues have a fixed location that guests travel to like any other venue.

Common locations include:

Pier or mooring	Boat and capacity	From
Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment	Golden Jubilee Party Boat — up to 240 standing, cruising	£2,302 min spend
Westminster Pier	West End on the Thames — up to 250 standing, cruising	£7,000 per day
Butler’s Wharf Pier, Shad Thames	Elizabethan – Thames Luxury Charters — up to 200 standing, charter	£8,200 + £5,400
Albert Embankment, Vauxhall	Tamesis Dock — up to 260 standing, moored	£5,500 min spend
St Mary Overie Dock, Southwark	The Golden Hinde — up to 120 standing, moored	£1,380 hire fee
Nine Elms Lane, Battersea	Battersea Barge — up to 150 standing, moored	£1,000 min spend
Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf	The Canary Yacht — up to 50 standing, moored	£1,200 + £25 pp
St Katharine’s Way, Wapping	Britain’s Biggest Houseboat — up to 30, moored	£160 per hour
Merchant Square, Paddington	The Boathouse London – Paddington West — up to 20, canal, moored	£795 hire fee
Regent’s Canal towpath, King’s Cross	Floating Garden — up to 24, canal, does not sail	£120 per hour

For a cruising charter, confirm the boarding pier, boarding time, departure time and return point before sending invitations. For a moored venue, check the nearest transport options and the exact access point to the vessel.

Does the time of day affect party boat prices?

It can. Some London party boats charge different rates or minimum spends for daytime, evening and weekend bookings.

Slot	What it gives you	What to confirm
Daytime	Daylight views along the route. Suits family gatherings, networking and corporate sessions.	How much deck is covered, and whether set-up sits inside the hire.
Sunset	Golden-hour light on the skyline; strongest on vessels with open top decks.	Sunset time on your date against your slot, and outdoor deck access.
Evening	City lights, dance floor and a late licence.	Finish time, alcohol licence end, and how guests get home.

For example:

Golden Jubilee Party Boat lists daytime hire from £1,552 plus £750 minimum spend, compared with evening hire from £1,816 plus £1,000 minimum spend.
Battersea Barge lists lower starting rates for some daytime and Sunday–Wednesday bookings than for Friday and Saturday events.

If your date is flexible, compare daytime and evening options as well as different days of the week. Use the quote for your actual date and session, rather than the lowest advertised starting price.

What is included in party boat hire?

Inclusions vary considerably between London party boats. Depending on the vessel, your price may cover only the boat or venue hire, while catering, drinks, staff and entertainment may be charged separately.

Before comparing quotes, check:

Item	What to confirm
Food	Whether catering is included, provided in-house or can be arranged externally
Drinks	Whether there is a bar, drinks package, minimum spend or BYO option
Staff	Whether bar, waiting, security or event staff are included
Music and AV	Speakers, microphones, DJ equipment and entertainment rules
Furniture	Tables, chairs and the setup available for your event
Additional charges	Staffing, cleaning, security, corkage, overtime or other mandatory costsCatering rules vary even between similar vessels. For example, Canary Yacht allows outside catering, while Battersea Barge and Tamesis Dock list in-house catering.

Ask for the total amount payable for your guest count, date and requirements before comparing boats.

What happens if it rains?

Rain does not necessarily prevent a boat event, but the amount of covered or indoor space varies by vessel. Before booking, check whether your full guest list can be accommodated indoors if outdoor decks cannot be used.

Ask:

how much indoor or covered space is available;
whether the stated capacity changes in poor weather;
whether outdoor areas remain accessible in rain or strong wind; and
what happens if weather conditions affect a scheduled cruise.

For events where outdoor space is important, get the vessel’s weather arrangements in writing before booking.

Are London party boats wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by vessel and boarding location. If anyone in your group has mobility requirements, check the complete route from the pier or entrance onto the boat rather than relying only on a general accessibility label.

Confirm:

step-free access to the vessel;
wheelchair-accessible toilets;
lifts between decks where required;
accessible boarding arrangements; and
whether all event areas your group will use are accessible.

For a cruising charter, also confirm accessibility at the boarding and return piers before booking.

What should you check before booking a London party boat?

Before paying a deposit, confirm these ten points:

Total cost. Add the hire fee, minimum spend and any mandatory staffing, catering, security or other charges.
Cruising or moored. Confirm whether the boat sails during your event or remains at a fixed location.
Capacity. Check both seated and standing capacity for your planned layout.
Boarding. For cruising charters, confirm the pier, boarding time, departure time and return point.
Food and drinks. Check catering, bar and BYO rules and what counts toward any minimum spend.
Music and entertainment. Confirm DJ, live-music and AV rules and what equipment is included.
Weather arrangements. Check how many guests can be accommodated indoors and what happens if weather affects the cruise.
Accessibility. Confirm access to the vessel, toilets, decks and boarding or return piers where required.
Timings. Check setup access, event duration, music cutoffs and when guests must leave.
Payment and cancellation. Confirm the deposit, payment schedule, cancellation terms and any weather-related conditions in writing.

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Verified Reviews of Party Boats in London

Elizabeth A.

Verified review

Booked Riverside Rooftop at Barge East

4.9

Fantastic location and venue; highly attentive service and fantastic roast lunches for a big group in one go. We loved the flowers on the table, the quality of the wine and the fact the set up was exactly as we asked. The children had space to enjoy being on a boat and on the water - albeit with close supervision. We'll definitely be back. Also v well connected to Stratford, or via cabs from East London.

Claudia M.

Verified review

Booked Christmas on the Thames at West End on the Thames

5.0

We recently had the pleasure of hosting our annual Christmas celebration at West On Thames, and it was an absolute delight! 🌟 Venue: The venue provided a fantastic ambiance, blending the festive spirit with elegance. The beautiful décor and festive touches truly set the mood for a memorable evening. 🥂 Hospitality: The staff at West On Thames were exceptional! Their warmth, attention to detail, and professionalism added a special touch to the event. The service was impeccable, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and catered to throughout the evening. 🍽️ Cuisine: The food was an absolute highlight! From delectable appetisers to the mouthwatering main courses and delightful desserts, every dish was a culinary delight. The variety and quality left everyone thoroughly impressed. 🎶 Entertainment: The music and activities perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere, ensuring everyone had a fantastic time. 🤝 Networking & Atmosphere: The event offered a wonderful opportunity for networking and bonding among colleagues. The vibrant atmosphere and positive energy made it a truly enjoyable experience for all attendees. 🙌 Overall Experience: Our Christmas party at West On Thames was a resounding success! It was a fantastic evening filled with laughter, great conversations, and wonderful memories that will be cherished. A huge thank you to the entire team at West On Thames for their impeccable service and for contributing to a memorable celebration. We highly recommend this venue for anyone planning their next event!

Henriette

Verified review

Booked Whole Boat at The Boathouse London - Paddington West

5.0

Such an amazing boat and lovely team! Honestly couldn’t have asked for better communication and service from them. The venue itself is breathtaking, the attention to detail is astounding and nothing can be faulted. Definitely will be planning to use this boat for another event soon, worth every penny and surpassed all my expectations. Ideal place for a big dinner party and has a perfect kitchen for a private chef! Recommend booking!

Kayleigh

Verified review