Is seating assigned or first-come, first-served on the Thames River lunch cruise?

Seating is pre-allocated before boarding your Thames River lunch cruise. You will be shown to your reserved table upon arrival.

Is the seating private or shared?

Seating is at individual tables, but they are often fixed and situated in close proximity to other diners as part of the relaxed atmosphere of the Thames River lunch cruise.

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

The dress code for a Thames River lunch cruise or Afternoon Tea is generally "casual" and comfortable, although many guests choose smart casual attire for a celebratory feel. However, avoid flip-flops and leisurewear.

Is live entertainment included on all lunch and Afternoon Tea cruises?

Live or recorded sightseeing commentary is always included on a Thames River lunch cruise and afternoon tea cruise. Full live musical entertainment is generally reserved for evening dinner cruises.

Can I access the open deck for sightseeing on a lunch or Afternoon Tea cruise?

Yes, all vessels used for the Thames River lunch cruise and Afternoon Tea experience feature an open upper deck, perfect for taking photos of the London skyline before or after your meal.

Are vegetarian/vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and sometimes vegan options are available for the Thames River lunch cruise and Afternoon Tea, but dietary requirements must be communicated when booking (usually 24–72 hours in advance).

Is alcohol included or available for purchase?

Alcohol is not typically included in the standard Thames River lunch cruise or Afternoon Tea ticket price. However, a fully licensed bar is available onboard for you to purchase drinks.

Thames River Lunch Cruises

Gourmet dinner

Onboard beverages

Sightseeing & Onboard Entertainment

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Thames River Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal, Coffee & Tea

1 hr 30 mins - 1 hr 45 mins

Board at Tower Pier

Two course meal with tea and coffee

Recorded commentary about the sights you'd see

View popular sights like London Eye, Big Ben, The Shard +5 more

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Check availability

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Thames River Afternoon Cruise with British Tea & Scones

1 hr 30 mins

Board at Tower Pier

Afternoon tea and british snacks like scones and sandwiches

Live or pre-recorded commentary

View popular sights like London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral +3 more

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Check availability

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Weekend Brunch Cruise on the River Thames

1 hr 30 mins

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Board at Butler's Wharf Pier

Pastries, tea, coffee and fruit juice

Live commentary packed with stories and local insights.

View popular sights like Tower Bridge, South Bank, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament. +4 more

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Check availability

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Quick overview

Cruise options: Choose a 1 hr 45 min lunch cruise with a 2-course meal or a 1 hr 30 min afternoon tea cruise with British tea, scones, and sandwiches.
Menu & format: Lunch includes a 2-course meal with tea and coffee; afternoon tea includes British snacks. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options vary by cruise.
Boats & seating: Afternoon tea tables are pre-allocated, with window tables for up to 2 people available.
Boarding: Both cruises depart from Tower Pier.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian lunch must be pre-ordered; gluten-free meals on the lunch cruise require 24 hours' notice. Afternoon tea can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Commentary: The lunch cruise has recorded commentary, while the afternoon tea cruise offers live or pre-recorded commentary.
Tip: Choose the afternoon tea cruise for a traditional British experience with tea, scones, and sandwiches.

Find your best Thames River lunch cruise match here

Cruise	Cruise type	Menu style	Duration	Other inclusions	Seating/Boat type	Boarding point	Price
2-course Thames River lunch cruise	Lunch cruise	Plated 2-course meal (main & dessert) + tea/coffee	1 hour 45 mins	Live or recorded commentary	Indoor saloon with panoramic windows, open-air upper deck	Tower Millennium Pier	From £36
Classic Afternoon Tea cruise	Afternoon Tea cruise	Finger sandwiches, scones, mini-pastries + unlimited tea/coffee	1 hour 30 mins	Live or recorded commentary	Indoor saloon with panoramic windows, open-air upper deck	Tower Millennium Pier	From £40

Why opt for a lunch cruise on the Thames?

1/5

A relaxed midday escape

Lunch cruises on the Thames call for leisurely dining while cruising along the city's most famous river comfortably. Step aboard at Tower Pier and settle into your reserved table — no rushing, just a couple of hours to slow down over lunch on the water.

Comfortable dining with panoramic views

Tuck into a 2-course meal, finished with tea and coffee, served right at your table as London drifts by outside the window. It's a proper plated lunch rather than something grabbed on the go, so there's no need to squeeze in a meal before or after your cruise.

Comfort with a view, whatever the weather

Settle into the climate-controlled saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows, or step out onto the open deck when the sun's out — either way, the skyline stays in view.

London's landmarks, without the legwork

Glide past the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, St. Paul's, and the London Eye. It's the kind of sightseeing that takes no effort at all — no maps, no walking between stops, just landmark after landmark drifting past while you eat.

Recorded commentary to fill in the gaps

While you munch, an audio guide runs through the history behind each landmark as you pass, so you're not just looking at the skyline. You know what you're looking at.

Things to know before booking a Thames River lunch cruise

Menu formats: Choose a 2-course lunch with tea and coffee, or a British Afternoon Tea experience with sandwiches, scones, snacks, and tea or coffee.
Dietary options: The lunch cruise offers vegetarian meals with advance notice and gluten-free meals with 24 hours' notice. The Afternoon Tea cruise can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets but cannot provide a meal that is both vegan and gluten-free.
Duration and timings: The lunch cruise lasts 1 hr 45 mins, while the Afternoon Tea cruise runs for 1 hr 30 mins. Both depart from Tower Pier.
Seating: Afternoon tea tables are pre-allocated and fixed in place, with some tables close to other diners. Window tables are available for up to 2 people, making them a better choice for couples seeking a riverside view.
Commentary: The lunch cruise includes recorded commentary about the sights along the Thames. The Afternoon Tea cruise offers live or pre-recorded commentary, depending on the sailing.
Drinks: Tea and coffee are included with both experiences. The lunch cruise also has an onboard bar, with other drinks available to purchase separately.
What you'll see: Both cruises pass major London landmarks including Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London, combining dining with sightseeing.

Stuffed chicken breast with spinach, mushrooms, and gorgonzola sauce on a white plate.

Dining style: A plated 2-course lunch, served at your table.
Signature dishes: Thyme, rosemary and lemon roasted supreme of chicken, served with a creamy leek, tarragon and mushroom sauce, Dauphinois potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed by a baked rose water and strawberry cheesecake with basil and lime coulis.
Drinks: Tea and coffee are included. Wine, beer, cocktails and other beverages are available to purchase from the onboard bar.
Live entertainment: Recorded commentary details the landmarks you pass along the way.
Ambience: Relaxed and comfortable, with seating often at tables of four. Head up to the open top deck after lunch for unobstructed views.

View the full Thames cruise lunch menu.

Afternoon tea with sandwiches and pastries at the British Museum.

Dining style: A traditional British afternoon tea, served at your table.
Signature dishes: A selection of finger sandwiches — smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise and watercress, coronation chicken, and a chipotle and sweetcorn option — alongside a plain scone with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and a dessert selection of lemon meringue, mango pebble, pink macaron, and chocolate fudge cake.
Drinks: Unlimited tea and coffee are included. Sparkling wine or champagne is available to purchase from the onboard bar.
Live entertainment: Live or recorded commentary highlights the sights as you sail.
Ambience: Quintessentially British and relaxed — a lighter daytime treat, lasting around 90 minutes.

View the full Thames Afternoon Tea menu.

Fancy something a bit more special?

If a 2-course lunch or a light afternoon tea isn't quite the occasion you're after, our Thames dinner cruise swaps daytime views for a full 3-course meal, live music, and London's landmarks lit up after dark — a well-rounded evening built around the meal itself.

Which Thames cruise is right for you? Lunch vs Afternoon Tea vs dinner

Factor	Lunch cruise	Afternoon Tea cruise	Dinner cruise
Duration	1 hr 45 mins	1 hr 30 mins	3 hours
Timing	Daytime	Around midday	Evening, boarding around 7:15pm
Boarding point	Tower Pier	Tower Pier	Westminster Pier or Tower Pier
Food & drink	2-course plated meal with tea and coffee	Finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, with unlimited tea and coffee	A welcome drink, plus a full 3-course plated meal (veg and non-veg menus available)
Commentary/entertainment	Recorded commentary on the sights	Live or recorded commentary	Live performer and singer, with a dance floor later in the evening
Dress code	Casual	Smart casual	Smart casual
Accessibility	Ramps and accessible restrooms are available, but accessibility features vary by boat.	Varies by vessel; ramps available but not all boats fully wheelchair accessible	Generally wheelchair and pram accessible — worth confirming with the operator at booking
Best for	First-timers who want a filling meal squeezed into a half-day of sightseeing, without booking out their evening	Visitors after a quintessentially British ritual — a lighter bite paired with sightseeing, over in an hour and a half	An evening centred entirely around the meal itself — birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a proper night out on the water

Sights you’ll see on a Thames River lunch cruise

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

As your Thames River lunch cruise glides past Westminster, the Palace of Westminster, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece, comes into view. You'll enjoy a unique, unobstructed daytime perspective of its façade and the Elizabeth Tower, home to the Great Bell, Big Ben.

St Paul's Cathedral exterior with iconic dome, London.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London with a thatched roof and blue sky.

HMS Belfast moored on the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the Tower of London in the background.

Plan your lunch cruise in London

Sightseeing cruise passengers view the Tower of London from the Thames River.

Thames River lunch cruise: Boarding is typically around 11:30am for departure at 11:45am daily, and Afternoon Tea cruises board around 3:15pm and depart at 3:30pm.
Duration: Lunch cruises are approximately 1 hour 45 mins while Afternoon Tea cruises are usually 1.5 hours.
Best time to cruise: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) have pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer, making your Thames River lunch cruise more enjoyable.

Timings

Two people enjoying tea on a Thames River cruise with cityscape view.

Dining area: Comfortable indoor salons for seated dining. Tables are fixed and may be in close proximity to other diners.
Viewing options: Large panoramic windows in the indoor saloon for excellent views, and an open upper deck for 360-degree views and photos.
Food & beverages: A 2-course lunch or a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries for afternoon tea. Unlimited tea/coffee is included with the meal/tea. A fully licensed, fully stocked bar is available for purchasing drinks (additional charge).
Restrooms: Toilet facilities are available.
Climate control: Indoor saloons are heated/air-conditioned.
Commentary: Live or recorded commentary is provided, highlighting the landmarks and history.

Wheelchair user boarding bus via accessible ramp.

While many piers and large boats are accessible, wheelchair accessibility on a Thames River lunch cruise can vary.

Boarding: Ramps are used at most piers, and the crew is trained to assist. However, certain vessels used for a Thames River lunch cruise may have limitations.
Onboard: Larger boats have accessible restrooms and open spaces. Guests are advised to contact the operator directly when booking a Thames River lunch cruise to confirm specific vessel features for their date.

Sightseeing cruise on River Thames passing under Millennium Bridge, London.

Arrival time: Please arrive at the pier at least 15 mins before your scheduled Thames River lunch cruise departure time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Outside food/drink: No outside food, drinks, or alcohol may be brought onto the Thames River lunch cruise vessel.
Baggage: Large bags, suitcases, bicycles, and scooters are generally prohibited for safety reasons.
Attire: The dress code for the Thames River lunch cruise is typically smart casual; flip-flops and leisurewear are usually discouraged.
Accessibility: Guests must be able to walk onto the boat; electric wheelchairs are often not permitted on dining cruises. Guide dogs are welcome.

Lunch setting on Thames River Cruise with chicken dish, vegetables, and menu.

Casual is fine, smart-casual photographs better: There's no dress code for a daytime lunch cruise, but if you're planning photos against the skyline, a slightly polished look tends to stand out more than gym wear.
Layer up, even in summer: The open deck catches more wind than you'd expect off the water, so a light jacket or cardigan is worth having even on a warm day.
Skip anything you can't sit in for two hours: Seating is at fixed tables for the full cruise, so comfort matters more than style—this isn't the day for anything too restrictive.
Flat, closed shoes for the open deck: Heels and sandals can be tricky on a moving boat, especially heading up to the top deck for photos.

Tips & guidelines

Best views: For the best photo opportunities on your Thames River lunch cruise, secure a seat near the window or head to the open upper deck. Landmarks like the Tower of London and the London Eye are visible from both sides, but the open deck gives unobstructed, 360-degree views.
Seasickness: The Thames is generally calm and motion sickness is rare, but if you're concerned, opt for a mid-boat seat on the main deck rather than the bow.
Dietary needs: For special meals like vegan or gluten-free, notify the operator at least 72 hours before your cruise so your custom meal can be prepared.
Book ahead for weekends: Saturday and Sunday sailings fill up fastest, particularly around midday, so book a few days out if you have a specific time slot in mind.
Audio commentary, not a live guide: The lunch cruise runs on recorded commentary rather than a live narrator, so bring your own headphones if you'd rather tune out engine noise and hear it clearly.
Pack light: Storage on board is limited, so stick to essentials — large suitcases and oversized bags aren't permitted.

Other types of Thames River cruises

Frequently asked questions about Thames River lunch cruises

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

Thames River Lunch Cruises

Thames River Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal, Coffee & Tea

Thames River Afternoon Cruise with British Tea & Scones

Weekend Brunch Cruise on the River Thames