Every now and then I love to play tourist in London and see all the popular landmarks. However, I had never experienced the sights whilst tucking into tea, scones and pastries and cruising along the River Thames before! When an opportunity arose to go on a relaxing cruise along the Thames whilst participating in one of England’s best traditions I was so excited!
We embarked on City Cruise’s Afternoon Tea Cruise at Tower Pier and I was really impressed with all the precautions and measures in place with regards to social distancing. I had a lovely seat by the glass windows of the boat and decided to treat myself to a glass of bubbles, because why not?
The cruise went up to Canary Wharf and back, seeing The London Eye, Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and so much more along the way. I learned so much whilst on the cruise too! Did you know that women built the Waterloo Bridge?
I also didn’t know that each of the 32 capsules on the London Eye represent the 32 London boroughs, and each one weighs as much as 1,052,631 pound coins! I found the commentary so interesting and informative and there were adequate silent periods too during the cruise so that you could enjoy indulging in the Afternoon Tea.
The Afternoon Tea experience itself was wonderful – three tiers of delights! I have to admit it blew my expectations as the offering was brilliant.
I always like to start with the sandwiches, and as I don’t eat Salmon or Beef we were given a lovely selection of Vegetarian sandwiches, my favourite being the cheese and chutney ones.
Then on to the raisin scones which came with jam and clotted cream. I am a cream first jam second kind of girl!
Finally, the sweet tier, a plate full of gorgeous pastries! Personal favourites were the mini eclair and the mini brownie, though they were all sublime!
You can have unlimited refills of either tea or coffee during the experience too.
Something worth highlighting is that the boat itself is completely weatherproof so this is something you can enjoy no matter what the weather is like and it is such a lovely way to spend an afternoon out, either with friends, family or even as a date idea. We were warm and comfortable on the boat.
Along with the Afternoon Tea Cruise they also have other options such as a Showboat Dinner Cruise, Evening Cruise, Thames Jazz Cruise and even an Elvis Dinner Cruise!
The cruise lasts 1hr 30 mins and departs from Tower pier at 3.30pm (boarding 3.15pm) and returns to Tower pier at 5pm.
To book visit: https://www.citycruises.com/
Disclaimer : I was a guest of City Cruises but all photos and opinions are my own.
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