Thames River Cruise

Thames River Lunch Cruises

Gourmet dinner
Gourmet dinner
Onboard beverages
Onboard beverages
Sightseeing & Onboard Entertainment
Sightseeing & Onboard Entertainment
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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

CruiseCruise typeMenu styleDurationOther inclusionsSeating/Boat typeBoarding pointPrice

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

What to expect on a Thames River lunch cruise

Evening cruise on the Thames with view of the London Eye and riverside buildings.
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Seamless boarding and welcoming ambience

Board your vessel, often from Tower Pier, and be guided to your reserved table. The friendly crew provides a warm welcome as you prepare for a scenic Thames River lunch cruise through the heart of London.

Comfortable dining with panoramic views

Enjoy the cosy, climate-controlled saloon featuring large windows, ensuring a clear view of the cityscape from any seat. An open-air top deck offers fresh air and the best vantage points on your Thames River lunch cruise.

Savour a delightful 2-course meal

Indulge in a hearty, freshly prepared seasonal set meal, which typically includes a main course and dessert. This midday treat is served directly to your table, complete with tea or coffee, enhancing the Thames River lunch cruise experience.

Unrivalled views and insightful commentary

Glide past London’s landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Live or recorded commentary enriches your journey, blending sightseeing with a relaxing Thames river lunch cruise.

A British Afternoon Tea alternative

For a lighter option, consider the 90-min Afternoon Tea cruise, swapping the hot lunch for classic finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, alongside unlimited tea/coffee as you sail the Thames.

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.

Thames River lunch cruise menus and dining experience

Sights you’ll see on a Thames River lunch cruise

Thames 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.

Thames Lunch Cruise
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

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.