Fancy exploring London landmarks in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere? Perhaps with live piano playing on the background? With yummy treats to enjoy? Afternoon tea on the Thames is for you!

Afternoon tea on the Thames – step-by-step

Get your friends, family or a lucky partner to have a lovely 1.5 hr river cruise, departing from the beautiful Embankment Pier. You will start boarding at 15:15, with the boat departing at 15:30. You’ll then be served the afternoon tea while enjoying beautiful live piano music and your guests’ company.

The cruise will take you all the way East, turning back just before Canary Wharf. It will slowly pass by lots of wonderful landmarks, giving many picture-perfect opportunities! Among many, you’ll see Tower Bridge and Tower of London, the Shard, city of London, Somerset House and St Paul’s Cathedral to name a few.

While passing all those landmarks, you’ll be treated to a traditional British afternoon tea. Whether you tried it before or not, it’s an authentic experience that makes any afternoon a tad more special. Get ready for 3 layers of treats to enjoy: finger sandwiches (that you can also ask to top up!), small cakes and desserts, such as macaroons and, of course, scones. Haven’t tried scones before? Those are famous British baked goods that people enjoy with cream and jam, a must-try when you visit the UK! On top of everything above, you’ll also get a pot of tea to wash it all down with. If you fancy making this afternoon tea extra special or celebratory, there’s a selection of wine and bubbly that you can top your experience up with.

Few things to note

The wonderful thing about the afternoon tea on the Thames is that you can really enjoy it in any weather, as the boat is fully covered. As you can see from the pictures, it was grey on the day of my cruise, however it didn’t stop me from savouring it. In fact, I feel it might be best to experience it on a day that’s not too sunny and hot. That way you’d avoid getting too hot while sitting inside and sipping your tea. If the day is worth being outside, there is an open deck at the top of the boat where you can hang around.

Seats are pre-allocated, so if you have special requirements, mention them during the booking. The afternoon tea on the Thames lasts 1.5 hours, so it’s perfect to enjoy as a part of your day out in London and doesn’t require you to book half day off unlike many experiences. The dress code is smart casual, so fancy dress and swimwear might result in your entrance to be rejected.

Want more?

Afternoon tea on the Thames is an ultimate British experience to enjoy, whether you’re a tourist or a local. It’s a great way to observe the capital and catch-up with your dearest ones or celebrate a special occasion. This great opportunity was given to me by Virgin Experience Days and if you fancy to book this or similar experiences, below are few links I prepared for you to explore. Check out more photos and videos on my Instagram to see what the atmosphere is like. Let me know how you get on, you know I love hearing from you!

Find out more:

• Bateaux London Classic Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise for Two
• The View from The Shard and Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise for Two
• Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The Ritz
• Premium Sparkling Afternoon Tea for Two at a Brasserie Blanc
• B Bakery Vintage Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for Two