City Cruises offers a traditional afternoon tea aboard a London sightseeing cruise on the Thames, with tickets starting from £46. The experience includes freshly prepared sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and unlimited tea or coffee, all while passing iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.
What to Expect from the Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
The cruise departs from Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT, with boarding at 3.15pm and departure 15 minutes later. The journey lasts 90 minutes. Passengers are greeted by welcoming staff at the pier, and certain tables are allocated beforehand, though there is enough room to secure a good spot overlooking the river.
Once aboard, guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries. Unlimited tea or coffee is available, and passengers can take their drinks upstairs to enjoy 360-degree views of London's riverside landmarks. Live or recorded commentary is played throughout the journey, providing historical insights into the sights.
Food Highlights and Menu Options
The scones were the standout item—light and buttery, making it difficult to resist going back for seconds. The sandwiches were generously filled and packed with flavour, catering to those who prefer savoury options. The main menu includes fish sandwich (smoked salmon and cream cheese on light rye and caraway bread), egg sandwich (egg mayonnaise and watercress on basil and spinach bread), chicken sandwich (coronation chicken on brown bread), and chipotle sandwich (vegan, with chipotle and sweetcorn on beetroot and dill bread).
Desserts include a chocolate brownie, mango pebble, lemon tart, and strawberry macaroon, all marked as vegetarian. A vegan menu is also available, featuring avocado sandwich (spiced avocado and tomato on basil and spinach bread), baba ganoush sandwich, beetroot sandwich (roasted beetroot and hummus on white bread), and chipotle sandwich. The vegan dessert is a zesty citrus sponge slice. Both menus include plain scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
Overall Experience and Booking Information
The experience was thoroughly enjoyable, offering a brilliant opportunity to admire the capital's stunning views away from the chaos of the city streets. The staff were warm and welcoming, the food was excellent, and the commentary was an added bonus. The cruise is particularly well-suited for tourists planning to explore London.
Guests can book City Cruises Afternoon Tea online, with prices varying depending on the chosen day and how far in advance the booking is made. The experience provides a memorable way to combine traditional afternoon tea with sightseeing on the Thames.
