Dinner Cruises on the London Thames
Watching the banks of the Thames at sunset is a magical and romantic experience that you can't miss during your trip. Check out the best Thames dinner cruises below.

Bridge Over The River In The City | ©Pixabay
A dinner cruise on the Thames is a fantastic plan to enjoy a different evening in the London night. If you have not yet crossed the most famous river in the city, this activity is an excellent way to see its monuments from another perspective and also at night, which look beautiful illuminated.
If the idea appeals to you, in this post I tell you about the most fun dinner cruises on the Thames with which you can spend a very original night in the British capital and complete your list of things to see and do in London.
1. Take the classic "afternoon tea" Thames dinner cruise

Although at first it may seem like a bit of a "cool" plan, having the classic English afternoon tea during a boat cruise on the Thames is one of the most fun experiences you have to live in London.
You'll board a boat to sail through the heart of the British capital on a 90-minute round trip from Tower Pier to Westminster.
Take a seat in the boat's cozy indoor lounge to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views on both sides of the river. Some of the most iconic London landmarks you will see are the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, London Bridge, The Shard, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, among others.
Between pictures of the scenery you can try a delicious English-style snack consisting of traditional sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, cakes and endless teas and coffees.
Who knows, maybe you will become so fond of afternoon tea that you will end up adopting this British tradition at home.
What is included in this option
- Thames River Cruise
- Afternoon tea with a variety of cakes, sandwiches and scones.
2. Take an almost private dinner cruise on the River Thames

This dinner cruise on the Thames is the ideal option if you want to experience a romantic evening with your partner in London at sunset or if you simply want to treat yourself during the trip and you feel like contemplating the monuments of London illuminated in a relaxed way. There will be no more than 9 passengers per cruise so it is a very quiet experience and seems almost private.
During the cruise you will board the River Room, which has a beautiful lounge/dining room and a large terrace outside from where you will have magnificent panoramic views of the river bank. Thanks to the layout of the lounge and the large windows you will enjoy the scenery from all angles so you will not have to worry about the location of the table, only about having a good time.
On this 3-hour round trip from the center of London you will be able to contemplate on the way such emblematic places as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament or St. Paul's Cathedral, among many others.
What is included in this option
- Glass of sparkling wine or soft drink before the cruise.
- 4-course dinner on boat.
3. Dine and listen to live jazz on a Thames river cruise

One of the most memorable memories you'll make of your trip to London is enjoying a dinner cruise on the Thames aboard a luxurious vessel as you gaze out over the illuminated city and listen to the best live jazz music.
Upon arrival at the pier, you will be assigned your seat on the cruise and once on board you will be taken to your table in the dining room, where you will have a magnificent view of the river.
You can start the evening with a drink while listening to background music and watching the lights of the buildings surrounding the Thames, such as the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, the London Eye or the Tower of London, slowly illuminate at dusk.
It is a wonderful experience that you will not forget! It will allow you to enjoy another facet of the city perhaps less known and from another perspective, so you will get a much more complete, fun and magical vision of London.
This cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and the dinner is composed of several dishes with an abundance of meats and cheeses. As with other evening cruises, the dress code passengers are advised to wear is smart casual.
What is included in this option
- Thames River Cruise
- 3-course dinner
- Live jazz entertainment
4. Enjoy a gourmet dinner during a Thames River cruise

If you feel like enjoying a gourmet experience during a dinner cruise on the Thames, the Bateaux London dinner cruise is definitely the option you were looking for.
Sailing down the river you will have the opportunity to contemplate the real magic of the Thames at sunset. From the boat's terrace there are unparalleled views of old and new London. From towering skyscrapers like The Shard to ancient fortresses like the Tower of London.
However, other monuments that you can see beautifully illuminated during the crossing are the London Eye, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, the Golden Jubilee and Hungerford Bridges or St. Paul's Cathedral, among others.
For a moment you will believe you are in a period movie while you listen to the music that enlivens the night and taste a delicious contemporary European menu prepared with seasonal products in the ship's own kitchens. On this boat cruise with gourmet dinner you can try classic dishes of British cuisine along with proposals from continental Europe. The result is delicious!
It is a fabulous plan to make in the city as a couple on the occasion of a special date, for example an anniversary or Valentine's Day, but not so recommended to do with the family because children under 12 years are not allowed to enter.
In addition, to participate in the activity, casual-elegant etiquette is recommended in the passengers' wardrobe.
What is included in this option
- Entertainment with live music
- Views of London by boat
- Gourmet dinner
Other Thames cruises that you might like

Dinner cruises on the Thames are a great plan to do as a couple or with friends during a trip to London.
However, if the schedule in which these evening cruises take place does not fit with your travel plan or if you visit the city with your family and you are looking for a daytime cruise where children can also enjoy the experience, in that case I advise you to take a look at the post The best dinner cruises on the Thames where you will find other options also very fun and with which you can make the most of your stay in the British capital.