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Thames River Cruise

Thames River Dining Cruises

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Last minute availability.
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Best deals & discounts
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24/7 support across the globe
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Quick overview

  • Cruise options: Choose from a 1.5-hour afternoon tea cruise , a 1 hr 45 min lunch cruise, a 2-hour evening cruise , or a 3-hour dinner cruise .
  • Menu format: Options range from British afternoon tea and a 2-course lunch to canapés on the evening cruise and a 3-course dinner (veg and non-veg). Vegetarian is catered across all four; gluten-free is confirmed on afternoon tea and lunch, and vegan only on afternoon tea.
  • Boats & seating: On the Afternoon Tea cruise, tables are fixed and pre-allocated before boarding, with window tables seating up to two.
  • Boarding hubs: Afternoon Tea and Lunch cruises depart from Tower Pier; the Evening cruise departs from Tower Millennium Pier.
  • When to book: Sunset and weekend slots tend to sell out first, especially during peak summer and holiday periods.
  • Good to know: Drinks are handled differently by cruise—the lunch cruise has a bar onboard (pay separately), the evening cruise excludes additional drinks, and the dinner cruise includes a welcome glass of Prosecco.
  • Best upgrade: Celebrating something special? The dinner cruise is the only option with a full 3-course meal, live entertainment, and dancing.

Find your best Thames River dining cruise match here

Cruise typeMenu styleDurationInclusionsAtmosphere & entertainmentDietary optionsSeating and boat typeBoarding pointBest forPrice from

Afternoon Tea cruise

Sandwiches, scones, mini pastries, unlimited tea/coffee

1.5 hours

Reserved table, traditional British tea service, great photo opportunities

Relaxed, traditional; sightseeing-focused with commentary

Vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free available on request (not vegan + gluten-free together); must be requested in advance

Shared tables, comfortable saloon, great views from all angles

Tower Millennium Pier

Fans of a classic British tradition, best enjoyed in daylight for the photos

£40

Lunch cruise

Plated 2-course meal (main & dessert) & tea/coffee

1.45 hours

Reserved table, live or recorded commentary

Calm, scenic; daytime sightseeing with a proper meal

Vegetarian on request; gluten-free with 24 hours’ notice; other allergies must be checked with operator

Fixed seating, panoramic windows; window seats available for two

Tower Millennium Pier

A midday break that fits sightseeing in without eating into your evening

£36

Evening cruise

Selection of cold canapés & a welcome glass of Prosecco or soft drink

2 hours

Live music/performer, sightseeing after sunset

Smart-casual, social; sunset/night views with live acoustic/lounge music

Vegetarian canapés only; other dietary needs not catered for on this cruise

Smart-casual, heated lower saloon with panoramic windows, open-air deck

Tower Millennium Pier

Sunset views and atmosphere, for those who'd rather skip a full meal

£35

Dinner cruise

Plated 3-course meal & welcome drink

3 hours

Reserved table, live music, dancing, welcome drink

Elegant, celebratory; live singer/performer and dancing

Vegetarian & non-vegetarian set menus; other dietary requirements must be checked with operator at booking

Shared tables, heated saloon, open-air upper deck

Westminster Pier

People celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic night out

£35

Things to know before booking a Thames River dining cruise

  • Menu formats: Each cruise takes a different approach to dining. The dinner cruise serves a full 3-course meal with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, while the lunch cruise keeps things lighter with a 2-course meal. The Afternoon Tea cruise leans into British tradition with scones and sandwiches, and the evening cruise skips a full meal in favour of a cold canapé selection.
  • Dietary requirements: The Afternoon Tea cruise caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free if needed. The lunch cruise requires vegetarian meals to be pre-ordered, with gluten-free available on 24 hours' notice. The evening cruise caters to vegetarians only. The dinner cruise offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • Seating: The lunch and dinner cruises include a reserved table. On the afternoon tea cruise, tables are fixed to the floor and pre-allocated before boarding, with window tables seating up to two.
  • Welcome drink and extras: The evening cruise includes a welcome sparkling wine or soft drink; the dinner cruise includes a welcome glass of Prosecco. The lunch cruise has an onboard bar for drinks purchased separately.

Thames River dining cruise menus and experience

Your Thames River dining cruise boarding points

When booking your Thames River dining cruise, choose the pier that is most convenient for your accommodation or other sightseeing plans. Westminster Pier is best for the West End/Southbank, while Tower Pier suits visitors near the City of London. Check directions for tube, bus, and parking details for each pier.

Sights you’ll see on a Thames River dining cruise

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament along the River Thames, London, UK.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

The Neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster looks grand from the water on any Thames River dining cruise. By day, admire its intricate stonework and scale; by night, the clock face of Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) shines as an unmistakable icon of the London skyline.

London Eye with nearby buildings, viewed during afternoon tea experience.
Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral illuminated at night, London.
Christmas lights illuminate The Shard in London at night.
HMS Belfast moored on the River Thames with Tower Bridge in the background, London.

Plan your Thames River dining cruise

Frequently asked questions about Thames River dining cruises

Unfortunately, outside food and drinks aren't allowed on board. Rest assured, you'll enjoy a delicious meal during your trip, but taking leftovers or meals to-go isn't permitted either.

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