About Westminster Pier
Westminster Pier (also called Westminster Millennium Pier) is a modern river pier on the Thames in central London. It was built for the millennium regeneration of the Thames and officially opened around 2000 as part of London’s Thames 2000 project under the Millennium Commission (landmarklocation.com ). Today it serves as a key hub for river transport, operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (the Thames Clipper river bus service) (www.premiertickets.co ). The pier is located on the north bank of the Thames beside Westminster Bridge, directly across from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster (www.premiertickets.co ). Its sheltered waiting area and modern floating pontoon make boarding easy, and it was rebuilt and modernised in 2016 to improve passenger facilities (www.thamesclippers.com ). The iconic bronze statue of Boudicca (Queen of the Iceni) in a chariot stands at the pier entrance, overlooking the river (www.thamesclippers.com ) (www.flickr.com ). This landmark location is within a short walk of Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret’s Church and many other UNESCO heritage sites (www.viscountcruises.com ) (www.flickr.com ), and offers excellent views of the London Eye and County Hall across the water (www.viscountcruises.com ) (wanderlog.com ).
Westminster Pier itself is a simple floating dock with a covered waiting area and ticket office. There is no fixed seating on the pier – visitors typically queue by a railing or lean against provided benches. Railings and ramps ensure the pier is fully wheelchair accessible (the Uber Boat timetable notes that there are ramps for mobility scooters and designated spaces for wheelchairs) (concerts.consequence.net ) (www.thamesclippers.com ). Onboard the boats, seating ranges from lounge seats in the heated salon to standing room on open decks; typically each river bus can carry around 200–230 passengers (www.thamesclippers.com ) (www.thamesclippers.com ). The pier’s design is unadorned and functional, aiming to blend into the riverside setting. What makes Westminster Pier special is its setting and history: built for the new millennium, overlooking Parliament and the London Eye, and serving as one of London’s “50 best views” (wanderlog.com ) (www.flickr.com ). Visitors enjoy the mix of historic architecture (Big Ben, Abbey) and modern river traffic at this lively transport hub.
Events and Programming
Westminster Pier is best known for river cruises and events rather than fixed shows. Day and evening cruises depart regularly for sightseeing, and the pier doubles as a gathering point for themed boat parties and special celebrations. Agencies like Thames River Sightseeing and City Cruises run hop-on hop-off ferries between Westminster and places like Greenwich, Tower, St Katharine’s and Hampton Court (landmarklocation.com ) (www.viscountcruises.com ). These sightseeing services run daily (often every 40 minutes or so in peak season (www.viscountcruises.com )) and include on-board commentary in multiple languages (www.viscountcruises.com ). In addition, Westminster Pier is a popular boarding point for one-off parties and cruises. For example, Bollywood-themed “boat party” club nights (Desi music, DJs and dancing) depart from here, especially on Diwali or summer weekends (www.designmynight.com ) (www.designmynight.com ). There are often weekly or monthly “Skylines” or disco boat parties on Saturdays. Seasonal events are common: on New Year’s Eve the pier hosts fireworks cruises (party boats with champagne and DJs) to view London’s fireworks from the river (www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk ). Christmas and Diwali cruises are marketed as family cruises or parties. Thames Clippers even notes festive walks and events (for example, a December 2023 “Westminster Abbey Family Day – Christmas at the Abbey” was promoted as a pier-adjacent event) (www.thamesclippers.com ).
Recent event listings show many “boat party on the Thames” nights in summer and autumn (e.g. Bollywood & Bhangra boat parties in August 2023) (fixr.co ) (www.flickr.com ). The vendors usually advertise tickets and whether an afterparty is included. Accompanied by live DJs, the boats feature multiple decks (e.g. design sites note that event boats have “two dynamic decks” for dancing) (www.designmynight.com ). Thames-based concerts or daytime talks occasionally start here (e.g. some Thames Clippers “Summer Concert Series” departures), but mainly the programming is tourism and dance/party oriented. In short, Westminster Pier functions as a departure point for all kinds of Thames cruises – from weekday commuter boats to late-night party cruises – rather than a traditional theatre-style venue.
Tickets and Booking
Most river services and events have their own ticket systems. For regular sightseeing or commuter boats, tickets are not sold at a box office on the pier (except by Thames Clippers staff 10am–6pm (www.thamesclippers.com )). Instead, passengers typically use contactless payment or Oyster cards at automated gates. The Uber Boat Thames Clippers website notes that you can “touch in and out with your Oyster or contactless card” for convenience, and you can also buy tickets online or via their app (www.thamesclippers.com ). Many visitors will board with a London River Pass or similar hop-on/hop-off ticket (for example, a 2-Day River Pass is available from about £23.90 (www.viscountcruises.com )). If travelling across London on the river as transport, Tap-in fares are roughly in line with other public transport (a Westminster-to-Greenwich single is advertised around £15.80 per adult (www.viscountcruises.com )).
For themed cruises and private events, tickets are sold by the event promoters (websites of Thames Party Boats, City Cruises, or ticket platforms). Prices vary by event: casual hop-on cruises might be under £20 per adult, whereas full ‘dinner cruise’ or gig-boat tickets can be £50+. For example, a Diwali boat party in late 2025 had tickets from £10.94 to £38.44 depending on booking tier (www.designmynight.com ). A premium New Year’s Eve party cruise advertised £295 adult tickets (including dinner and drinks) (www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk ). Event sites advise early booking for popular dates and often offer a cheaper “flash sale” of pre-launch tickets (www.designmynight.com ). Generally, official event tickets sell out quickly, so fans use the promoter’s site or local box office. Note that ticket desks on the pier are generally only for cruise company staff – there is no general “box office” selling party tickets at Westminster.
For anything requiring a printed ticket, there is a will-call booth by the pier entrance. For example, one venue listing notes: “Will Call located at main ticket booth near pier entrance – ticket collection available 1 hour before departure” (concerts.consequence.net ). If your cruise or event has reserved seating, you collect here on arrival (bring photo ID). For walk-up sightseeing or commuter boats, you simply tap your Oyster/contactless at the gate or pay at the machine. As a helpful tip, peak-season river boats fill fast – aim to board at least 15–30 minutes before departure if possible (www.designmynight.com ).
Seating and Layout
Westminster Pier itself offers little in the way of fixed seating or amenities. It’s essentially a floating dock. The most comfortable seats are found aboard the boats (the pier only has benches and railings for waiting). In general admission boat tours and river buses, seating is first-come, first-served: there are indoor saloons with bench rows around windows, plus open-air upper decks with standing room and some bench seating. For sightseeing cruises, it’s best to pick a window seat or the open front deck for views of landmarks. For party boats, the layout is often two dance decks – promoters note that “Deck Two” is an open-format dance area (www.designmynight.com ). On these boats there are typically no assigned seats – people mingle or dance.
If you need a good view of the action, try to board early and stake a spot on the upper deck or foredeck. For viewlines, being toward the front of the boat gives an unobstructed view of Big Ben and Parliament; the rear deck can feel loud from the engine. Keep in mind that a windy night might be chilly on deck, so there are usually heated indoor areas too. All boats have safety briefings – lifejackets under seats and crew instructions in case of emergency – so follow those before departure. If you have a wheelchair or pushchair, crew will guide you; Thames Clippers vessels have ramps and designated spaces (concerts.consequence.net ) (www.thamesclippers.com ). Finally, avoid standing where crew need access (near the gangway) when boarding.
Getting There and Parking
Westminster Pier’s address is **Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2JH, London**. The nearest Tube station is **Westminster** (District, Circle and Jubilee lines), whose exit is opposite the pier (www.thamesclippers.com ). In fact, the Uber Boat site notes “Westminster Pier is] located beside Westminster Bridge, across the road from the Houses of Parliament” ([www.thamesclippers.com ). From the underground station it’s just a 2-minute walk (forward out of the station on Bridge Road to the river, or through the public square). Numerous London bus routes stop by the pier as well – TfL buses 148 and 211 are often listed near Westminster Pier (www.viscountcruises.com ). Buses run frequently along Victoria Embankment, including night buses after Tube closure. Taxis and ride-shares routinely access the Embankment, with a drop-off point on Spur Road by the Golden Jubilee Bridges.
If driving, note there is almost no free parking by the pier. On-site parking is very limited (concerts.consequence.net ). Paid car parks nearby include Q-Park Westminster (on Bridge Street) and Q-Park Trafalgar (near Trafalgar Square) (www.thamesclippers.com ). Be aware that the area lies within the London Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones (www.thamesclippers.com ). Valet or multi-storey parking can cost £30+ per day in Westminster, so locals strongly recommend public transit. For cyclists, there **is** a Santander (oBike) docking station on Victoria Embankment by the pier (www.thamesclippers.com ). The Thames Path is also cycle-friendly through this area (part of Cycle Superhighway 3).
Inside the Venue
Upon arriving at Westminster Pier, you’ll enter by going down a gentle ramp onto the floating platform. There is a small ticket kiosk/office on the pier (open roughly 10:00–18:00 (www.thamesclippers.com )) where the Thames Clippers staff can assist with fare enquiries. Otherwise, look for the electronic ticket gates or machines. Once your ticket (or Oyster card) is validated, staff will direct you to line up for your specific boat. For large events, check signage or ask staff which boat is yours. Staff will check photo IDs for age-restricted cruises (most party boats are 18+ (www.designmynight.com )). Plan to be at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure – staff often call people by groups for boarding, and once at capacity the boat may leave without stragglers.
Onboard, expect simple comforts. Vessels have heated indoor saloons with bench seats and tables, and plenty of handrails for standing passengers. Weekends often see an onboard bar or café service on these boats – Thames River Sightseeing notes that on Saturdays and Sundays the café bars are open, serving hot drinks, snacks and even alcoholic drinks (www.viscountcruises.com ). On weekdays you may find limited refreshments (some sailings offer drinks, especially during busy seasons). All Thames Clippers boats include toilets (www.viscountcruises.com ), and some large party boats also have small bar counters.
One important note on policies: Westminster Pier enforces basic transport rules. **No outside food or drink** is allowed on the pier or boats (concerts.consequence.net ). Don’t smoke anywhere on site (boats have no-smoking strictly) (concerts.consequence.net ). Pets are only allowed if they are registered assistance animals (concerts.consequence.net ). Photography for personal use is generally permitted, so feel free to snap pictures of the scenery and boat interior (concerts.consequence.net ). However, refrain from using large tripods or professional gear without permission. For safety, handle luggage carefully and follow crew instructions (for instance, keep aisles clear). If you have a large coat or hat, country rules say some boats won’t let you wear bulging backpacks once the boat is in motion.
A nice feature is that most sightseeing boats broadcast live commentary. Thames River Sightseeing and Clippers often provide free onboard Wi-Fi that streams a recorded audio guide in multiple languages (www.viscountcruises.com ). You can listen via your own headphones or phone, so you learn about the sights as you cruise. Lastly, ask the friendly staff – they often share local tips (e.g., which deck to stand on for the best photos).
Nearby Amenities
The area around Westminster Pier is packed with options for food, drink and lodging. Immediately adjacent (across the road or up Parliament Square) are several historic pubs and cafes. For example, The Red Lion and The Clarence are classic Westminster pubs a short walk away. National chain cafes and quick bites (Pret a Manger, Starbucks) line Victoria Street nearby. If you want a nice meal, the Marriott County Hall Hotel (100m along the river) has the upscale Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar or Belvedere Bar with views of Big Ben. The Southbank Centre restaurants (Oxo Tower, Gabriel’s Wharf) are 10 minutes’ walk across Westminster Bridge (post-show dining). Hotels are plentiful: you’ll find the five-star Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, CitizenM London Westminster, and historical inns like the Horse Guards Inn within easy reach. Most attendees suggest arriving at least 30–60 minutes early to grab a snack or drink before boarding, or plan dinner in the area (just don’t be late – boats leave on time (www.designmynight.com )).
Late-night options are also good: after an evening event, the local taxi rank and ride-share points are usually active, plus night buses run frequently. There’s little to no 24-hour parking nearby, so most visitors either walk to a Tube station or flag down a cab. If your event finishes late, bear in mind the last Tube trains are around midnight on weekdays (so London Black Cab or app-cab may be the best bet). Many recommend pre-booking a taxi/drivers service for big New Year’s events, as the area can get busy.
What Makes This Venue Special
Westminster Pier’s unique charm comes from its setting and history. It was one of five London ferry piers funded by the Millennium Commission (thus its historic “Millennium Pier” name) (landmarklocation.com ). Sailors and tourists alike prize it as a launch point for river exploration – one source even calls it “the most popular starting point” for Thames sightseeing tours (www.flickr.com ). Architecturally it’s modest, but culturally it sits at the heart of British civic life. You literally stand beside Parliament and the Boudicca statue as you board. The juxtaposition of chattering tourists, the sound of boat engines, and views of Big Ben all contribute to its vibe. Art installations or special lighting often appear on nearby bridges (the recent “Illuminated River” project lights up Westminster Bridge at night), giving riders a memorable backdrop.
Over the decades, Westminster Pier has seen several national celebrations. It’s a favorite photo spot – pedestrians often pause to snap Big Ben framed by the pier. It has witnessed royal events (the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flotilla passed close by) and even film shoots (London Thrills often use it to film river scenes). Locals love it as a steady yet scenic commuter link – as Thames Clippers’ CEO notes, the river bus service (with Westminster Pier as a core stop) now carries millions of passengers and is “an integral part of London’s transport mix” (www.thamesclippers.com ) (www.thamesclippers.com ). This pier marks the crossing between two “zones” of London – the historic city on one bank and the modern gallery/cultural zone on the other – so riders often feel like they’re travelling through London’s timeline.
Visitor Tips and Information
- **Accessibility:** Westminster Pier is fully accessible. There are wheelchair-friendly ramps onto the platform (www.thamesclippers.com ), and Thames Clippers vessels have dedicated wheelchair spaces (concerts.consequence.net ). If you need assistance, arrive a few minutes early and staff will help board you. The tube station is step-free at Westminster, and there are lifts available.
- **What to Bring:** A valid travel card or Oyster/contactless payment is crucial if you plan to use tourist river buses (you cannot use Tube/Bus Travelcards on the river). Bring a charged phone/camera for photos of Big Ben and the Eye (wanderlog.com ). For evening cruises, dress warmly; even in summer it can get chilly on deck. If you’re attending an event, carry ID (events enforce 18+ and may require passports or driving licenses (www.designmynight.com )). Don’t bring your own alcohol or food on boats (staff will ask you to discard it) (concerts.consequence.net ).
- **Arrival:** Always give yourself extra time. The promenade by Elizabeth Tower can get crowded, and if you’re not already at the embankment, be prepared for queues at the security gate for large events. Specifically for ticketed cruises, aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure (www.designmynight.com ). This allows time to collect any will-call tickets and board calmly. Boats often depart exactly on schedule.
- **Common Mistakes:** Don’t confuse Westminster Pier with Westminster Underground or the Whitehall ferry terminal. Always double-check the boat route (some City Cruises boats also pick up from London Eye Pier next door). Check whether the cruise is “hop-on hop-off” or a round-trip – ticketing differs. Many first-timers underestimate London’s Tube fares and congestion charge for driving, so public transport is usually easiest.
- **Age Restrictions:** Party boats are usually 18+. Family sightseeing cruises welcome children, but check the finish time (some late-night cruises are unsuitable for little kids) (www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk ). New Year’s and pantomime cruises may allow family seating, but confirm at booking.
- **Dress Code:** Regular daytime river trips have no dress code. For parties, smart casual is a safe bet. Some premium events (New Year’s Eve, dinner cruises) enforce “no trainers or sportswear” (www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk ). Bring a light jacket or shawl for evening.
- **Photography:** Loved by photographers for its views, the pier allows casual snapshots (wanderlog.com ). Tripods or commercial shoots normally require permission from the river service operator.
- **Miscellaneous:** There is no cloakroom on site, so carry only what you need. Restrooms are on the boats, not on the pier. Wi-Fi and power outlets are not guaranteed on every vessel (only sightseeing boats have complimentary Wi-Fi for commentary (www.viscountcruises.com )). Weekdays are quieter; weekends (especially summer evenings) see more party crowds. Always listen to the safety briefing on every cruise – even if you ride Thames Clippers as an Oyster commuter, they give the same pre-departure instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of Westminster Pier?
Westminster Pier is at Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH. It stands under Westminster Bridge next to the Houses of Parliament. The pier is also adjacent to Westminster Underground Station (District, Circle and Jubilee lines) (www.thamesclippers.com ).
How do I reach Westminster Pier by public transport?
The nearest Tube is Westminster station (lines: District, Circle, Jubilee) which exits right onto the Embankment by the pier (www.thamesclippers.com ). Buses 148 and 211 also stop nearby on Victoria Embankment (www.viscountcruises.com ). Many local buses and tourist red Mastercards pass the pier, and it’s a short walk from Charing Cross or Waterloo stations across the bridge.
Is there parking near Westminster Pier?
Parking at the pier is extremely limited (concerts.consequence.net ). For drivers, nearest paid car parks are Q-Park Westminster (behind County Hall) and Q-Park Trafalgar (Strand) (www.thamesclippers.com ). Be aware the area is in the Congestion Charge zone (www.thamesclippers.com ), so plan accordingly. Street parking is metered and scarce. Public transit is usually more convenient.
What river bus routes serve Westminster Pier?
Westminster Pier is served by Uber Boat Thames Clippers river buses RB1 and RB6 through central London (www.thamesclippers.com ). In practice, this means you can catch Thames Clippers to destinations like London Eye (Waterloo), Canary Wharf, Greenwich and Battersea from Westminster. Check the Clippers timetable; on weekdays eastbound the first boat is ~07:43 and westbound ~10:48 (later on weekends) (www.thamesclippers.com ).
How much do boat tickets cost at Westminster Pier?
For Thames River buses (Clippers) use cashless payment: pay-per-ride is around £15-20 one-way to central piers (a Return to Greenwich is ~£15.80 adult (www.viscountcruises.com )). 2-day hop-on passes are offered (e.g. from £23.90 (www.viscountcruises.com )). The easiest way is to use an Oyster/contactless card on board. Themed cruises vary widely: simple sightseeing tickets might be under £20, whereas full-party or dinner cruises can be £50+. For example, some advertised party tickets were from £11 to £38 (www.designmynight.com ), and a premium NYE cruise was ~£295 (www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk ).
How do I buy tickets for cruises at Westminster Pier?
For Thames Clippers river buses, just tap in with your Oyster or contactless card on the pier’s gates (www.thamesclippers.com ) (there are ticket machines if needed). Tours and parties should be booked through the cruise operator or event promoter (their websites or box office). There’s a staffed ticket booth on the pier (open ~10–6) if you need help. For reserved events, arrive early to pick up any pre-purchased tickets at will-call (ticket pickup starts ~1 hour before departure (concerts.consequence.net )).
Are there seats or good viewing areas on the boats?
Yes. Sightseeing boats have bench seating in the indoor saloon and open decks. For the best views, sit up front in the lower cabin or stand on the forward open deck. Party boats typically have two decks: an enclosed lower level and an open upper deck for dancing (www.designmynight.com ). Early boarding gives first choice. Keep a low-profile for big photo ops (no flash inside). All passengers get clear views from deck or cabin windows if you pick a spot promptly.
What are Westminster Pier’s accessibility and family-friendly features?
Westminster Pier is fully wheelchair and pram accessible via ramps (www.thamesclippers.com ) (no steps). The boats have designated wheelchair spaces (concerts.consequence.net ) and toilets on board (www.viscountcruises.com ). Promotions often note “assistance available on request”. Service dogs are allowed. Families are welcome on daytime sightseeing cruises; some evening cruises allow children too (e.g. Christmas). Do check age restrictions for any party event (most dance cruises are 18+ (www.designmynight.com )). For kids’ safety, keep them seated when the boat is moving.
Can I bring food, drink or pets on Westminster Pier boats?
Where can I find restrooms and food on site?
There are no public restrooms at the pier itself. All boats (sightseeing and party yachts) include toilet facilities (www.viscountcruises.com ). For food and drink, many tourist boats run a café/bar (especially on weekends) (www.viscountcruises.com ). Otherwise you must purchase food or drinks in advance and leave them behind at boarding. If you need a snack or coffee before departure, walk 1–2 minutes along the embankment to find cafés and pubs. For anything more substantial, nearby County Hall and Westminster have many restaurants (be ready to pay a premium for riverfront views).
What is the best time to visit and are bookings necessary?
For sightseeing, boats run roughly from about 8am to late evening. Summer and holiday weekends are busiest – for popular cruises (like evening party boats) book in advance to secure a spot. Midweek and off-season are less crowded. In any case, arrive 15–30 minutes early. If you’re just hopping on a river bus spur-of-the-moment, you can usually buy or tap and we’re loaded (they run around every 40 minutes) (www.viscountcruises.com ). Special events (NYE, festivals) should definitely be booked ahead.
Is there a dress code or ID required at Westminster Pier events?
For casual river trips, there is no dress code beyond everyday clothes. For themed events, dress tips depend on the quiz: nightclub cruises may suggest stylish clubwear. High-end cruises (especially New Year’s Eve) enforce smart attire – “no trainers or sportswear” is common (www.thamesdinnercruise.co.uk ). Always carry photo ID on party boats, as they check age (most are 18+ (www.designmynight.com )). They’ll refuse boarding if underage or without ID.
Can I use a travel card or Oyster card on these river boats?
River bus fares (Thames Clippers) accept Oyster and contactless for regular service routes. For hop-on/hop-off passes, you can purchase River Day Passes (which accept Oyster zones) (www.viscountcruises.com ). However, special party boats and sightseeing cruise companies do not accept London travelcards or Oyster – you must buy their tickets separately. Always double-check with the specific operator. Note: The standard London travel zones (1–2 travelcards) are not valid on Thames Clippers – you pay the Clipper fare per trip or use their river pass products (www.viscountcruises.com ).
Why was Westminster Pier called “Millennium Pier”?
The “Millennium” name comes from its origin: the pier was built with Millennium Commission funds as part of a 1999–2000 Thames regeneration project (landmarklocation.com ). It was one of five new “Millennium Piers” opened in 2000 along the River Thames to boost transport and tourism. Over time it has often just been called Westminster Pier, but its official name is still Westminster Millennium Pier.
Is the London Pass valid at Westminster Pier?
Yes. Uber Boat Thames Clippers is included in the London Pass (Go City) as one of the Hop-on Hop-off attractions. If you have a London Pass with “Thames Cruise” included, you can activate it at the pier desk and get an all-day river ticket. In practice, London Pass users receive a Hop-on Hop-off ticket that you can use from Westminster Pier to other piers on Clippers’ routes (www.thamesclippers.com ).
