London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

Experience a classic English tradition aboard a scenic Thames river cruise with the London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames. For $69.25 per person, you get 1.5 hours of relaxing sightseeing combined with a traditional Afternoon Tea featuring sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes. Departing from Tower Pier, this cruise offers a wonderful way to see London’s historic and modern landmarks from a comfortable boat setting.

This tour stands out for its blend of delicious food, informative commentary, and stunning views of iconic sights like Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, the Tate Modern, and The Shard. While the food presentation and guide’s storytelling are highly praised, some reviews mention slow service and window seat allocation issues. Overall, it’s an accessible and enjoyable experience, especially suited for those eager to combine sightseeing with afternoon tea in a relaxed atmosphere.

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5-hour cruise in central London, with boarding starting 15 minutes prior
• Location: Starts at Tower Pier, near the Tower of London
• Food: Includes sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, cakes, with unlimited tea and coffee
• Additional drinks: Sparkling champagne available for purchase, bar offers soft and alcoholic drinks
• Views: Passes major landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, London Eye, and The Shard
• Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs, with fixed tables and panoramic windows for excellent viewing

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A Traditional Afternoon Tea on a Thames Riverboat

The London: Afternoon Tea Cruise offers a unique way to enjoy England’s cherished tradition of afternoon tea amid the sights of central London. The cruise, lasting 1.5 hours, departs from Tower Pier, where boarding begins 15 minutes before the scheduled start. Once aboard the boat, you’ll find a spacious, clean interior with fixed tables designed to maximize views through panoramic windows.

During the cruise, a well-curated selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes is served, with unlimited tea and coffee to accompany your meal. There is also the option to purchase a glass of sparkling champagne or other drinks at the onboard bar. Several reviews highlight the delicious food and generous portions, making this a satisfying experience for those looking to indulge.

From Tower of London to the Houses of Parliament

The cruise begins at Tower Pier, in walking distance from the Tower of London. As the boat sets off downstream, you’ll experience a close-up view of some of London’s most famous landmarks. Passengers can expect to see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a modern glass structure that adds a contemporary touch to the riverside.

One of the highlights is passing the Shard, Europe’s tallest building, with its pyramid-like design, giving a striking contrast to historic structures along the river. The boat also glides past the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, providing fantastic photo opportunities from inside with the panoramic windows.

The guided commentary, delivered via onboard speakers, shares insights and stories about the buildings and history along the river, adding an educational layer to the sightseeing.

The Food: Sandwiches, Scones, and Cakes in Style

The afternoon tea served on this cruise is noted for quality and presentation. Guests enjoy a selection of sandwiches, warm scones topped with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a variety of cakes. The food is considered beautifully served and plentiful, with reviews confirming that there’s enough to satisfy any appetite.

Unlimited tea and coffee are included, allowing for leisurely sipping as the scenery unfolds outside the windows. Some reviews mention additional drinks like champagne, available for purchase, enhancing the experience. The food and drinks are a key part of the enjoyment, making this cruise a perfect mix of culinary pleasure and sightseeing.

Friendly, Entertaining Guides & Commentary

A notable feature of this tour is the knowledgeable and witty commentary provided throughout the cruise. The guides share stories about London’s landmarks, historic events, and local anecdotes. Reviewers frequently mention entertaining narration that enhances the sightseeing experience, especially as the boat cruises back toward Tower Pier.

While some reviews suggest that starting the commentary from the beginning would be helpful, overall the storytelling is praised for being informative and fun. This makes the cruise engaging whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a relaxing way to enjoy London.

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Views of Modern and Historic London Landmarks

The cruise offers excellent views of both historic and modern architecture. Passengers see Shakespeare’s Globe, a classic wooden theatre, alongside Tower Bridge, with its distinctive twin towers and suspended walkway.

The Shard, London’s tallest building, dominates the skyline with its pyramid-shaped glass structure. The Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, provides a contrast with its modern design. The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel, also makes a prominent appearance during the cruise.

Whether cruising during daylight or sunset, the panoramic windows allow unobstructed views of these landmarks, creating beautiful photo opportunities.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Comfort

The tour departs from Tower Pier, located on Lower Thames Street. Boarding starts 15 minutes before the scheduled cruise time. The boat is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

Inside, fixed tables seat up to four people, with large panoramic windows offering 360-degree views. The interior is spacious and clean, with restrooms available. While some tables are close to each other, the overall setup is comfortable for most travelers.

Guests are advised to bring cash for tips or additional drinks, and seats are allocated before boarding. The viewing experience is consistent regardless of table location, though some reviews mention window seat frustrations due to seating arrangements.

The Balance of Food, Sightseeing, and Service

Guests enjoy plenty of food, with scones, sandwiches, and cakes receiving particular praise for their quality and presentation. The service is described as friendly and professional, though some reviews note slowness when the boat is understaffed.

The entertaining commentary and beautiful scenery compensate for minor delays. Guests value the value for money at $69.25 per person, considering the length of the cruise, food, and views.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This afternoon tea cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience that combines British tradition with city sightseeing. It appeals to families, couples, and anyone wanting to enjoy London from the water.

It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors or anyone interested in historic and modern landmarks without the hassle of walking or crowded streets. The generous portions of food and unlimited tea make it a satisfying choice, especially if you appreciate comfort and good views.

However, the 1.5-hour duration may feel short for some, and the seating arrangement might be less ideal for those wanting priority window seats. Still, the overall experience is highly valued by guests, many of whom would happily return.

London: Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames – Final Thoughts

The London: Afternoon Tea Cruise offers a charming way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying a quintessential British meal. With stellar views of landmarks like Tower Bridge and The Shard, combined with delicious sandwiches, scones, and cakes, it delivers both visual and culinary pleasure.

While service speed and seating allocation can be mixed, the overall value remains strong. It’s a great activity for relaxing and sightseeing, especially for those wanting a taste of tradition with a modern twist.

This tour is most appealing to anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic break in the city, with informative guides and great food enhancing the experience. If you’re looking for a comfortable, scenic, and tasty way to explore London’s riverside, this cruise deserves consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $69.25?
The price covers a 1.5-hour Thames river cruise, traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes, unlimited tea and coffee, and sightseeing commentary.

Where does the cruise start and end?
The tour begins at Tower Pier and finishes back at the same location, with boarding starting 15 minutes before departure.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible and designed for easy access.

Can I purchase additional drinks during the cruise?
Yes, an onboard bar offers soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and champagne for purchase.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You will see Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, The Shard, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament, among others.

How is the food quality?
Guests generally find the food beautifully served, generous in portions, and delicious, with scones, sandwiches, and cakes being particular highlights.

What should I bring?
Guests are advised to bring cash for tips or additional drinks.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the spacious, comfortable setting and family-friendly food suggest it can be enjoyed by all ages, though children should be supervised for safety.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts 1.5 hours, with a possibility that longer cruises could be preferable for a more relaxed experience, as some reviews mention.

Are there any negative aspects to consider?
Some reviews note slow service, seating arrangements that may not favor window views, and condensation on the windows during winter, which can slightly hinder sightseeing.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, particularly for those interested in a leisurely, scenic experience with good food and engaging commentary. It offers a charming slice of London life, especially appreciated during pleasant weather.

This detailed look at the London: Afternoon Tea Cruise shows it as a well-rounded activity blending delightful food, stunning scenery, and informative narration. Despite minor drawbacks, it provides a warm, memorable way to enjoy London’s riverside.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby