For centuries, the River Thames has been London’s main artery. Now it is a popular tourist attraction with boat trips and fascinating places to visit – all of which are easily reached when staying at hotels near Covent Garden.

From the Regency House Hotel it is just a short underground ride to the Embankment. Cross the road to the River Thames and you are spoilt for choice as to what to do next. Try turning right and having a gentle stroll by the river. Not far away is Westminster Pier and the great statues of Boudicca and Cleopatra’s Needle with Big Ben in the background. A perfect setting for souvenir photographs.

Take a sightseeing boat tour from Westminster Pier and see 2,000 years of history while cruising during the river, past the Tower of London, through the massive Tower Bridge and down to the Royal Palace of Greenwich. This was the route taken by kings and queens, nobles and traitors in years gone by. Or if you are feeling brave, you can opt for a high speed, James Bond style journey in a Thames RIB boat where the wind will positively rush past your face as you roar down the river to the sound of the well known 007 theme tune! The journey takes you to Canary Wharf and back in less than an hour – but it is definitely a trip you will never forget.

Afterwards, why not cross Westminster Bridge and see the Thames from a very different perspective? Take a trip on the London Eye and see just what it looks like from high in the sky. A head for heights is essential as the great wheel turns slowly and the cabins contain walls of glass all around. Needless to say, the views are spectacular and cameras are definitely needed. On a clear day, you can truly see for miles.

A quick trip back to the Regency House Hotel, one of the best hotels near Covent Garden, will provide time to relax and recover before trying out evening entertainment along the Thames. The hardest part is trying to decide. Try out a guided evening walk with London Walks and find out something about the area’s history. If you are still feeling energetic, why not follow the path of London’s river and see the views from different bridges?

If you fancy some culture then Shakespeare awaits at the Globe theatre where you can see a performance just as he intended it to be seen. Or try a classical concert at the South Bank. Explore the art on display at Tate Modern, watch a film at the British Film Institute or simply meander and enjoy the buskers and street entertainment.

There are some brilliant restaurants in the area. Check out restaurants such as the Oxo Tower, Le Pont de la Tour or The Bingham. Fine dining or casual – there is plenty of choice and it is but a short journey back to hotels near Covent Garden.