If there is one thing, I never get tired of, it is being a tourist in my own city! Sometimes Frenchie and I are on the search for quirky and unusual things to do – and other times, we enjoy visiting the traditional top attractions!
Last time my mother came to London, I wanted to take her somewhere really nice!
As it was Christmas, crowded and cold outside, I decided that we should go on an Afternoon Tea Cruise on The River Thames with City Cruises. I have done this before with great success, so I knew, that it was going to be a really lovely experience! But before jumping on a boat, do yourself a favour and enjoy a bit of sightseeing, since you will be boarding from the Westminster Tower Millenium Pier
The Tower Millennium Pie is one of the busiest piers on the river Thames and located in front of the Tower Of London by ‘Traitors Gate’ and a stone’s throw away from Tower Bridge
The Tower of London was build on a hill in 1066 on the north bank of the Thames, where it served as a royal residence, castle and infamous prison. It has an impressive story to tell fighting off invasions, being resident to a polar bear and currently houses the crown jewels. An absolute must-see if you are visiting London. (Bonus-info: the most dramatic ice-rink in London is located here in December)
It might have a scary history – but at Christmas The Tower looks quite romantic, don’t you think?
Time to board! City Cruise’s popular sightseeing tours can be enjoyed with or without afternoon tea/ dinner. For more specific events look here
It is very cosy inside the all-weather boat – but the best part is obviously the view!
The boats have café-bars with sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, wine, beer and more. Live or recorded commentary is usually available. Bonus-info: Tea and coffee is included in the Afternoon Tea Cruise
If you choose the Afternoon Tea Cruise this heavenly sight will be waiting for you (The sandwiches were still in preparation, when I took the photo)
Probably one of the best sightseeing places in London to enjoy Afternoon Tea! It became even more cosy, when it turned darker outside for a romantic and Christmassy atmosphere!
We were served a classic selection of sandwiches, traditional cakes, pastries, scones with clotted cream and jam with “a touch” of Christmas!
Bonus-info: As well as vegetarian or gluten free, you can also select the “plain sandwiches” option when making your booking – this is for anyone who would prefer sandwiches with more basic fillings, such as just ham or cheese. (A great option for kids!)
A glimpse of our boat from the outside – with famous skyscraper “The Shard” in the background
Festive and fabulous! That’s how our trip turned out to be! Will you look at the Millennium Bridge – a fantastic steel suspension bridge for pedestrians crossing the River Thames!
Winterfestival at Southbank Centre (definitely worth a visit, if you are around!)
One of the really popular sights from the boat – The London Eye (and the Golden Jubilee Bridge!)
I took a lot of photos of the London Eye…
Not all photos are easy to take because of the reflections in the window – but there is a solution!
Go upstairs for the ultimate view!
It was getting really dark, so we did struggle a bit taking good photos – but I think you get the idea! It is truly an amazing experience standing up here and taking it all in! (A few went all “Titanic” and started shouting “I am the king of the world” – The boat luckily didn’t sink!
We had a lovely trip – and I can warmly recommend this for everyone, who would like to experience a LOT of London in a short period of time!
Bonus-info: The boat leaves at 15.30 (boarding at 15.15) from Tower Pier and returns to Tower pier at 17.00
Before taking the tube back home, we decided to visit The Tower of London Shop (it is just next to The Millenium Pier)
The shop is quite entertaining…
Basically you can get everything that your heart desires in here… How about a face mask decorated with the crown jewels?
My favourite was this cute snow globe!
But other items had my attention as well…
Especially this very glittery crown…
– that I simply had to wear (even thought I think it was meant to decorate a Christmas tree!
Oh well… We had a lot of fun taking these photos – and I did feel a bit royal with my crown!
For more information on The Afternoon Tea Cruise click here
We were guests of City Cruises, but all opinions are as always my own
Happy cruising!
Louise x
I love the idea of a luxury river cruise! Looks like you guys had loads of fun! 🙂
Can’t wait to do this in person.
We had such a lovely time – especially because it was so busy and cold outside! This way you avoid the hustle and bustle and still get to see it all 🙂
Louise x
What a lovely tour! this is definitely something Mr B and I would do, especially with the afternoon tea!
Oh Laura!
You would definitely love this! We to are one of a kind 🙂
Louise x
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I once did a summer afternoon tea on a Thames Clipper and LOVED it! Did you go all the way to the Thames Barrier? Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jeanne,
It really is such a lovely way to experience London, isn’t it! No – we didn’t go all the way to the Barrier – could have been amazing though!
Louise x
OK so I literally want to do this tour when. I’m in London! I must admit I do like the afternoon tea part of it but such a great way to see London. Another perspective on the Big smoke is always welcome. Beautiful photos Louise xx
Thank you my darling 🙂
Louise x
I’m a big fan of sightseeing in big Cities by riverboat. I’ve done it in London of course and in Paris. I didn’t know there was an afternoon tea on offer, that looks really yummy
Uh – I would loooove to do one in Paris! On my wishlist!
Louise x
Tea and a tour of London – it’s the perfect combination. I love all those stories of the Tower of London and their exotic animals. So eccentric! You look like a queen, Louise!
Haha! I should have bought the crown and wear it on a daily basis!
Louise x