Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take afternoon tea on the Thames during a 1.5-hour river sightseeing cruise in London. While enjoying the oh-so-British tradition of tea with cakes and sandwiches, cruise through the heart of central London on a round-trip route from Tower Pier to Westminster to see several of the city’s best-known sights. Gaze out at the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and more!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Your seat on board is guaranteed and will be allocated to you before the cruise takes place. When you board you will be shown to your table. Please note tables are fixed and within close proximity. Our panoramic windows provide great views from all angles of the passing sky-line, regardless of your table location.
We do not guarantee that products are free from nuts or traces of nuts. For gluten-free tea give at least 24 hours’ notice. For any special dietary requirements please call us after booking.
Please note that as part of the relaxed atmosphere of this cruise experience, your table may be situated in close proximity to other guests.
Please ensure you arrive 20-minutes prior to departure time
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Board at Tower Pier, please arrive 20 minutes before you departure time
Tower of London
board at Tower Pier which is within touching distance of the Tower of London
What‘s Included
Afternoon tea - selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones
Unlimited tea or coffee
Live or recorded commentary
Unrivalled views of riverside London
1.5-Hour Cruise
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks, unless specified
Champagne
Gratuities
Options
Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea
Reviews
879 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing views of London!
Tracey R,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience. Just so relaxing to have tea with more food than you can imagine eating. And then when the sun sets and you’re seeing these amazing views out the window, you realize just how wonderful London really is. Highly recommend!
Afternoon Tea on the River Thames
Kenneth S,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Took the Cruise on Boxing Day. Upon arrival at the docks, I was a little skeptical. The queue seemed very long, but the crew did a fantastic job getting everyone on board and seated in a timely manner. It was nice being able to see London w/o all the crowds. Did not actually have tea myself, but there is a great selection of other beverages, and the food was great. Especially the scones, best I have ever had. The staff was very friendly and did a superior job. Definitely recommend!
Outstanding!!
Pendrysig,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our crew loved this. Mom, dad, Two kids (10 and 8) and 76yo grandmother. We were on line early. Great seats. Tea and snacks. Wonderful commentary from the crew. Bring some cash for tips. Bring a camera. It was December when we went so bring a jacket. Loved it!!
Pleasant surprise
Kevin J,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I honestly did not have high expectations for this tour (frankly, there weren’t a lot of options on Boxing Day, so that’s why I picked it) but it turned out to be pretty fabulous. We were served some excellent tea-tine food (finger sandwiches, scones, the like) at white table cloth tables, with a full bar if you wished to purchase alcoholic drinks. It was surprisingly nice and a great way to see the city from the river, especially as the sun sets early in the winter and we saw monuments like Big Ben all lit up. Highly recommend.
Poor quality food and the boat broke down.
Hill C,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Such a shame to pay over £300 for a family cruise with a cream team which didn’t live up to expectations. The food was very poor quality for a cream team and we didn’t eat much of it. We asked to take what we hadn’t eaten away in a box as it felt wasteful to leave. We were not allowed but were told we could put it into disposable coffee cups. Sadly that didn’t really work and everything ended up squashed. The boat broke down, which I’m sure is just one of those things. Once it got started again, after 35 minutes we ended up whizzing through the tour. I was surprised a partial refund was not offered to passengers. We left feeling pretty ripped off. In the plus side the staff were nice and friendly.
Timing isnt good
Hiba A,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00The timing isnt ideal at winter. It should be earlier to enjoy the sights. Other than that the staff was friendly The engine wasnt working so we were delayed and the sun set and we didnt move
Lazy tea-time cruise along the River Thames
Mayer B,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Large, clean boat with giant windows, attentive staff and delicious food. The boat had a mechanical problem but the staff continued to serve and soon we were on our way. The sights along the river were beautifully lit and I was able to take a lot of pictures.
The worst afternoon tea...
Jason T,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00The worst afternoon tea we ever attended. The desserts were not fresh. The level of service was very low. The cruise was not good either. It was very poorly run
Afternoon tea for those who want a boat trip!
tonjeh571,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00If you are looking for an exclusive afternoon tea with a super taste experience, this is not for you. I myself was quite disappointed with the food itself, the bread in the sandwich was dry, and the sweets were just that, sweetie. Missed any traces of acidity and explosive flavors. Feel a bit that if you had snagged one, then you'd have tasted all. The Scones were tip top! Had of course done with fresh jam and not the small jar you otherwise get on a BnB. The boat trip itself was very nice, the crew was nice and the captain was intriguing and fun to listen to when he told about the history along the river. We traveled in December, which means it became dark outside on departure, but the sharp light inside made it almost impossible to look out the window, had been very nice with a little more dimmed lighting inside so you could easily look out! An alternative, and recommended, is to take a walk up on deck, then you get a really nice view with plenty of Christmas lights! Overall, it was a very simple experience. For me who am very interested in food it was a little disappointment, but for my partner who is very interested in boat this was a fantastic experience.
Pleasant trip, but too short for afternoon tea.
Jill T,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Do the trip in the daytime. A bit stressful to manage the whole tea in the time. Excellent scones. Impossible to hear commentary du to engine noise and people talking .
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Operated by City Cruises