London Thames Lunch Cruise: 2-Course Meal & Tower Bridge Views

Lunch on the Thames Without the Rush

You get a 2-course lunch, tea or coffee, and 90 minutes of Thames views from Tower Bridge to Westminster without arranging a separate meal or fighting the lunch crowds. The fixed table means you're eating with other guests nearby, which is the trade-off for having a guaranteed seat and a plate in front of you instead of a sandwich in your hand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Thames River Lunch Cruise and Sightseeing

• Arrive at Tower Pier 20 minutes early
• Board the boat at Tower Pier
• Pass Tower of London
• Pass under Tower Bridge and view from upper deck
• Sail past HMS Belfast
• See Canary Wharf on the left
• Admire The Shard from the river
• Take pictures of London Eye from upper deck
• Take pictures of Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Enjoy 2-course lunch with tea or coffee

The experience

You're thinking it might be just another boat ride, but the Thames River cruise from Tower Pier actually gives you something most London days don't: time to sit down and eat while the city moves past you. The boat departs at 11:45am after boarding opens at 11:30am, and for the next 90 minutes you're on the water between Tower Pier and Westminster, which means you see Tower Bridge from underneath, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from the upper deck, and the Shard rising up on your left as you drift past. The 2-course lunch arrives at your table. You don't have to queue for it, don't have to find a place to stand, don't have to eat standing up in a museum café. Tea or coffee comes with it.

The route itself is the point. You pass under Tower Bridge and can head topside to photograph it properly, then cruise toward Westminster where the Parliament building sits right there on the bank. The London Eye appears on your right, and as you head downriver toward Greenwich, Canary Wharf slides into view on the left. HMS Belfast, the old Royal Navy battleship now a floating museum, sits moored along the way. The boat has panoramic windows, so even if your table is below deck or tucked in a corner (tables are fixed and close to other guests, which is just how it works on a lunch cruise) you're still looking out at the skyline. Commentary runs live or recorded depending on the day, filling in what you're seeing.

Vegetarian options exist if you need them. Note any dietary requirements when you book, and give 24 hours' notice for gluten-free tea. The onboard bar sells drinks if you want something beyond what's included. Arrive 20 minutes early so you're seated before departure, and know that infants sit on an adult's lap, strollers are fine, and service animals are welcome. Your seat is assigned before you board.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Tower Pier, a 90-minute Thames River cruise between Tower Pier and Westminster, a 2-course lunch served at your assigned table, tea or coffee, live or recorded commentary on the landmarks you pass, and views of Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, Canary Wharf and HMS Belfast from the water. Drinks from the onboard bar are available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:45

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Cruises

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see London's main riverside landmarks without eating on the run, and who don't mind sharing a dining room with other guests: that proximity is what makes the fixed seating and guaranteed table possible in a 90-minute window.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What time does the cruise depart?

Boarding begins at 11:30am, and the boat departs at 11:45am from Tower Pier.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours and travels between Tower Pier and Westminster.

What landmarks will I see?

You'll pass Tower Bridge, Tower of London, HMS Belfast, the Shard, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben.

Is the lunch included?

Yes, a 2-course lunch with tea or coffee is included. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.

Can I buy drinks on the boat?

Yes, an onboard bar sells drinks if you want to purchase anything beyond what's included.

Are there dietary options?

Vegetarian meals are available. For gluten-free tea or other dietary needs, note them when booking and contact the operator after confirmation.

Will I have a good view from my table?

Tables are fixed and may be close to other guests, but panoramic windows provide views from all angles regardless of where you're seated.