The Thames has always fascinated me: sunsets, sunrises, and all those iconic London buildings make it feel magical. But I’d always taken photos from the riverbanks, and being on the Thames for the first time was something else!

Floating along on City Cruises, enjoying a delicious lunch while soaking up the views, made for the perfect afternoon. A perfect little treat for tourists and Londoners alike!

Come along with DOYOUSPEAKLONDON on my City Cruises adventure with great food, amazing views, and all the London vibes!

City Cruises: exploring London from the Thames

I’d often seen City Cruises’ boats floating along the Thames, and sure, I knew they gave river rides, but I had no idea about all the different cruises they offered until I experienced it myself.

Turns out, they’ve got loads of options. Everything from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises with lunch, afternoon tea, or even dinner.

If you’re looking for something a little different, they also run themed cruises: Jazz nights, Elvis tributes, Murder Mystery evenings, and even fireworks cruises, which give each trip a fun, unique twist.

So whether you just want the views, a relaxed afternoon, or something a bit more fun, there’s something for everyone!

The boats feel simple but cosy, with seats both inside the cabin and up on the open deck, and big windows so you can see everything as you drift past Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Canary Wharf and more.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy it. Locals love hopping on too, it’s a nice way to take a break, relax, and see the city in a new way!

On a bright Saturday morning, my family and I arrived at Tower Millennium Pier at 11:30 am for a lunch cruise. The boat would set off at 11:45 am and be back by 1:30 pm. Perfect for a leisurely lunch with amazing riverside views.

London from the Thames: a relaxed lunch cruise experience

As soon as we hopped on board, it already felt like a mini escape from the London buzz. We grabbed our seats and got ready for the cruise.

A delightful lunch

As we set off from Tower Millennium Pier, we had a moment to order drinks before lunch arrived, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the views as we drifted past London’s most iconic buildings.

The menu showcased classic British flavours, and everything was cooked with care, simple and tasty, perfect for a relaxed afternoon on the Thames.

We had roasted chicken served with a creamy mushroom sauce, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. The chicken was juicy, full of flavour, and cooked just right.

For dessert, there was a rose water and strawberry cheesecake, light, fruity, and a nice sweet finish.

London sightseeing from the river

The route was fantastic: we cruised from Tower Bridge to Westminster, then back past Tower Bridge again and onwards toward Greenwich before returning to our starting pier. 

Upstairs on the open deck, we could soak up the fresh air and get an up-close view of the landmarks, while downstairs in the cabin, the large panoramic windows made it easy to snap photos and videos as we went.

The views from the Thames are truly something else.

Gliding under Tower Bridge gives you a whole new perspective on its architecture, and seeing the London Eye and Houses of Parliament up close is just amazing.

Every bend of the river feels like a new photo moment, making sightseeing in London feel fresh, fun, and totally unforgettable!

Making the cruise extra enjoyable

The staff at City Cruise were friendly and attentive, helping everything run smoothly without making it feel formal.

There was also a guide on board, and he was genuinely funny, sharing lots of interesting anecdotes about the landmarks. It made spotting places like the Shard, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge even more enjoyable.

And for anyone who prefers exploring at their own pace, the City Experiences app lets you listen to commentary in other languages.

With tasty food, a relaxed vibe, and those incredible Thames views, it felt like the perfect way to see London from a whole new angle.

Whether you’re a local or visiting London for the first time, it’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on the river, just soaking up the city and enjoying a sunny Saturday.

Thank you City Cruises for inviting me and my family, we had such a blast and will remember this experience for a long time!

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I hope you’ve found inspiration in this post. If you decide to try City Cruises yourself, come back and tell us all about it on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!

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Want more London adventures? Check out my other favourites here!

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All the information you need about City Cruises:

Website here.

What the experience includes:

Delicious 2-course meal, with added drinks an optional extra

VIP packages available

Scenic capital views

Dress code: casual attire

Groups discounts available for 20+ guests