The Thames afternoon tea cruise serves a full British afternoon tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes, with unlimited tea and coffee, during a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise departing from Tower Pier. The operator has run it for 20 years as the original afternoon tea cruise on the river, making it one of the more established dining experiences on the Thames.

Is the Thames afternoon tea cruise worth it?

Yes, if you want to combine a sit-down meal with sightseeing rather than choosing between the two. At around 58 euros, it costs more than a standard sightseeing cruise, but it replaces a cafe stop and includes a 1.5-hour tour of the river at the same time, past Shakespeare's Globe, The Shard, and toward the London Eye.

What's on the Thames afternoon tea cruise menu?

Guests are served a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of traditional cakes, plus unlimited tea and coffee. A child menu is available, and an onboard bar sells alcoholic and soft drinks, including a glass of sparkling champagne, for those who want something extra. The VIP upgrade adds priority boarding, front-row seating, a welcome glass of champagne or water, and an extra savoury item.

Who should book this cruise?

This suits celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or a special day out with family, and anyone who wants a sit-down meal built into their sightseeing rather than squeezed in separately. If you want a lighter, cheaper experience with just the view, the Westminster to Greenwich cruise costs less. If you would rather dine in the evening with live music, the dinner cruise is the better match.

What's included and how much does it cost?

Tickets start at around 58 euros per adult and include the 1.5-hour river cruise, the full afternoon tea menu, and unlimited tea and coffee. Additional drinks, including champagne outside the VIP package, cost extra. Cancellation is free up to 3 days before departure, which is longer notice than most standard sightseeing cruises require.

Where do you board, and what should you wear?

Boarding is at Tower Pier, Lower Thames Street, a short walk from Tower Hill Underground station and the Tower of London. Look for the boat with the City Cruises logo and arrive 15 minutes before departure. There is no strict dress code, though most guests dress smart-casual for the occasion.

How does this compare to other Thames dining cruises?

This is the daytime, lighter alternative to the river's dinner cruises: shorter, cheaper, and built around tea rather than a full meal. If you want a hot lunch instead of tea and cakes, compare it against the lunch cruise. If you want an evening meal with wine and live entertainment, look at the dinner cruise. Afternoon tea itself has a long British history, and the tradition's origins make an interesting read before you board.