Thames Lunch Cruises: Iconic Views & Delicious Dining

Thames River lunch cruise | Sail past and savor the views of London

A Thames lunch cruise is the London experience you crave. Imagine gliding down the river, watching iconic sights like Big Ben and the London Eye framed by the cityscape. All while you devour a delicious lunch – think melt-in-your-mouth steaks or fancy fish dishes.

It's sightseeing with a side of relaxation, a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. You'll see London from a fresh perspective, get epic photo ops, and have a story to tell your mates back home.

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Scones, sweets, and city streets

Forget the cucumber sandwiches and crustless teacakes, this is afternoon tea with a kick! Instead fill in on freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and all the tea and coffee your heart desires. All while cruising past the iconic Tower of London, no less. The Afternoon Tea Thames River cruise is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. At just 90 minutes, it's the ideal amount of time to unwind, recharge, and see the city from a whole new perspective.

Seating tips

Most cruise boats have both indoor and outdoor seating with two-by-two seats.

For the best selfie spots, pick an outdoor seat for uninterrupted views and perfect photo sessions if you don't mind the somewhat harsh weather. However, it's a good idea to wear clothes that dry quickly if you fear you might get wet.

If you are picking an indoor seat, pick a window seat, especially if you are traveling solo, for a great view. Indoor seats are also great if you think it may rain but still want to go on a cruise. These indoor spaces are also heated and most cruise boats are equipped with other amenities.

What to wear on a Thames River lunch cruise?

The dress code on most Thames river cruises is smart casual attire. However, feel free to dress more formally for any special occasion. Choose comfortable clothing that lets you move freely. It's also advisable to dress in layers as London's weather can be quite unpredictable. This way you can add on more layers if the weather gets chilly. Don't forget hats and sunscreen if you opt for a cruise during the day, especially in the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River lunch cruise

Where do Thames River lunch cruise tours go?

Thames River lunch cruise tours take you from Tower Bridge to Westminster and Canary Wharf. The exact route changes depending on the tides.

What can you see on a lunch cruise?

You can see the Tower of London, London Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the South Bank up close.

Where can you go for afternoon tea in London?

You should experience British afternoon tea, and a Thames afternoon tea river cruise is a memorable way to do it.

What should you wear on a lunch cruise on the Thames?

Wear casual clothes. Feel free to dress up if you're celebrating, but avoid flip-flops and leisurewear.

Are there window seats on the Thames river cruise?

Yes, there are window seats with tables for two. They sell out fast, so book early.

What time is the afternoon tea river cruise on the Thames?

Boarding starts at 3:15pm, and cruising begins at 3:30pm. Arrive 10 minutes early.

From happy customers

Ester

Spain

März, 2026

A very special and beautiful experience. The tickets were very easy and accessible. We didn’t have to wait long. At the scheduled time we went in, and in less than 10 minutes we were already up on the London Eye. Incredible.” 🎡✨

Christmas at the London Eye

Carey

United States

Great time! Beautiful views. The line moved quickly and the pods were not very full. We enjoyed it. The narration helped too.

Barbe

I was truly surprised by the London Eye experience—a magnificent, breathtaking view in complete safety. And what can I say about the Sky Garden? It’s an absolute must-see with a splendid view; the combination of the garden and the height feels almost unreal. Thank you for these wonderful moments.

View original review in French

Combo: London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets

Nicole

United Kingdom

We had a lovely time at the sea life aquarium today, after a ride on the London eye. We were lucky enough to see the penguins getting fed which was super cute. My son loved it!!

Combo: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise + SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets

Marc

It was an amazing experience. Everything was very well organized. We enjoyed the sunset from the highest point in London. It was fantastic.

View original review in Spanish

Christmas at The View from The Shard

Pramod

The best 360 degree view of the surrounding center of London from level 69 of Shard Tower Of London is awesome. So I recommend visiting the Share tower of london.