
Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 1,090 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames worth booking?
Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames is a 1.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $54 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 1,090 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (1,090)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $54 per person
Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea on the Thames during a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise. With 20 years of experience as the original afternoon tea cruise provider on the River Thames, we’ve welcomed thousands of happy customers. Relax with an indulgent selection of savoury sandwiches, sweet treats, cakes and tea, with child-friendly menus available too. Perfect for all the family, kids won’t get restless with a boat to explore and constantly changing scenery. Cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster and enjoy views of London’s iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. A perfect way to unwind after shopping, museums, or theatre, with a view no restaurant can match-without the premium price. Enjoy informative, humorous onboard commentary, live or via our multilingual app.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea on the Thames during a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise. With 20 years of experience as the original afternoon tea cruise provider on the River Thames, we’ve welcomed thousands of happy customers. Relax with an indulgent selection of savoury sandwiches, sweet treats, cakes and tea, with child-friendly menus available too. Perfect for all the family, kids won’t get restless with a boat to explore and constantly changing scenery. Cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster and enjoy views of London’s iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. A perfect way to unwind after shopping, museums, or theatre, with a view no restaurant can match-without the premium price. Enjoy informative, humorous onboard commentary, live or via our multilingual app.
What's included
Included
- Afternoon tea - selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones
- Unlimited tea or coffee
- Live or recorded commentary
- Unrivalled views of riverside London
- Child menus are also available
- 1.5-Hour Cruise
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Champagne
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Board at Tower Pier, please arrive 20 minutes before you departure time
20 minutes here
Tower of London
board at Tower Pier which is within touching distance of the Tower of London
Pass by without stopping
London Eye
Head to the upper deck and get the perfect picture opportunity of the Coca- Cola London Eye
Pass by without stopping
Tower Bridge
Pass under Tower Bridge and head to the upper deck to see the bridge in all of its glory
Pass by without stopping
Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf will appear on your left as you head down to towards Greenwich
Pass by without stopping
The Shard
As you cruise along the River Thames you will be in the perfect position to see London's highest viewing platform
Pass by without stopping
HMS Belfast
Sail past the permanently moored former battleship, which is now a floating Royal Naval Museum
Pass by without stopping
St. Paul's Cathedral
Catch the peak of the St Paul's Cathedral dome where it will stand out from the rest of London's Skyline
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
situated within walking distance to Tower Hill underground Station Please go directly to the boarding gate.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
situated within walking distance to Tower Hill underground Station Please go directly to the boarding gate.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- 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.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Cruises
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,091 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,091 verified traveler reviews for Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Pleasant way to enjoy tea service
The trip could have been longer, but the tea service was excellent. We did wait for our tea and champagne as there was a kitchen accident which left the wait staff short. Overall, a very pleasant experience.
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing
We were not served in a timely manner and when it finally arrived the food was not good. I also expected the cruise to go as far as the Houses of Parliament, but it did not. Also did not realize would be charged for beverages. Strange that ticket for Afternoon Tea cruise would not include the cost for drinking tea. Not sure if the problem was our server or what.
via Viator
Amazing experience
Amazing staff was excellent and the break down between tea time and views and commentary was perfect. Highlight of the trip!
via Viator
Great way to get quick tour of London
Great was to get your of London from River Thames. Would recommend heading up to top deck when tour starts. Tour guide was awesome! Food was ok.
via Viator
Tea time on the river Thames
It was an exciting experience. The boat was elegantly decorated and the staff attended to all our needs. Strongly recommend.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $54 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 382
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Cruises, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.5.
See everything City Cruises runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames cost?
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Prices start at $54 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 1,090 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames?
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Around 382 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames?
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Included: Afternoon tea - selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones; Unlimited tea or coffee; Live or recorded commentary; Unrivalled views of riverside London; and Child menus are also available. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks, unless specified; Champagne; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames?
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situated within walking distance to Tower Hill underground Station Please go directly to the boarding gate. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames?
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Across 1,090 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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