Dinner Cruises in London

Watching the banks of the Thames at sunset is a magical and romantic experience not to be missed. Take a look at the best dinner cruises
Dinner Cruises in London

More about: Dinner Cruises in London

A dinner cruise on the Thames is a fantastic way to enjoy a different kind of evening in London. If you haven't yet sailed down the city's most famous river, this activity is an excellent way to see its monuments from a different perspective, especially at night when they are beautifully lit up.

If you like the idea, in this post I'll tell you about the most entertaining dinner cruises on the Thames, where you can spend a very original night in the British capital and tick off another item on your list of things to see and do in London.

The most comprehensive option

Thames River Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Experience an evening of dreams with this romantic cruise featuring a gourmet dinner.

If you're looking for something special, don't miss this cruise with dinner and live entertainment. A dream experience that you won't want to miss, with wonderful views of the city.

On this dinner cruise on the Thames, which lasts approximately three hours, you'll enjoy a gourmet dinner that starts at the Thames riverbank in Westminster. The tour departs at sunset, so you can enjoy the lights of this wonderful city, and you'll pass by iconic landmarks such as Westminster Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London.

The exquisite dinner consists of three to five courses, depending on the menu, and is paired with wine. And, best of all, you can enjoy background music and a live show.

Recommended if... you want to treat yourself and someone special.


Other dinner cruises on the Thames

Big Ben from the River Thames| ©Doug Kerr
Big Ben from the River Thames| ©Doug Kerr

A cruise on the Thames is an experience not to be missed. And if it's at night, even better, as you'll be able to enjoy dreamlike views while savouring an exquisite dinner to remember. For a moment, you'll think you're in a period film as 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 sample classic British dishes alongside continental European offerings. The result is delicious!

Enjoy a gourmet dinner on a cruise along the Thames

If you fancy a gourmet experience during your dinner cruise on the Thames, Bateaux London is definitely the option you've been looking for. As you sail down the river, you'll have the opportunity to witness the authentic magic of the Thames at dusk. From the boat's terrace, you'll enjoy unbeatable views of old and modern London. From imposing skyscrapers such as The Shard to ancient fortresses such as the Tower of London.

This is a fabulous plan for a special occasion with your partner, such as an anniversary or Valentine's Day, but it is not recommended for families as children under 12 are not allowed. In addition, casual-elegant dress is recommended for passengers participating in the activity.

Take an almost private dinner cruise on the River Thames

This dinner cruise on the Thames is the ideal option if you want to enjoy a romantic evening with your partner in London at dusk or if you simply want to treat yourself during your trip and admire London's monuments illuminated in a relaxed atmosphere. There will be no more than 9 passengers per trip, making it a very peaceful experience that feels almost private.

During the cruise, you will board the River Room, which has a beautiful lounge-dining room and a large outdoor terrace from where you will have magnificent panoramic views of the riverbank. Thanks to the layout of the lounge and the large windows, you will enjoy the scenery from all angles, so you won't have to worry about the location of your table, just about having a good time.

On this 3-hour round trip from central London, you'll see such iconic sights as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul's Cathedral, among many others.

Dine and listen to live jazz on a cruise along the River Thames

One of the most memorable experiences of your trip to London will be enjoying a dinner cruise on the Thames aboard a luxurious boat while you admire the city lights 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 shown to your table in the dining room, from where you will have magnificent views.

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 Westminster Palace and Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London, gradually light up at dusk.

This cruise lasts approximately 3 hours and dinner consists of several courses featuring meat and cheese. As with other evening cruises, the recommended dress code for passengers is smart casual.

Enjoy classic afternoon tea on a cruise along the Thames

Although it may seem a bit touristy at first, enjoying classic English afternoon tea on a boat cruise along the Thames is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have in London. You will 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 cosy interior lounge of the boat and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views on both sides of the river. Some of the most iconic London landmarks you'll see include the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, London Bridge, The Shard and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, among others.

Between photos of the scenery, you can enjoy a delicious English-style afternoon tea consisting of traditional sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, cakes and a wide selection of teas and coffees. Who knows, you might become so fond of afternoon tea that you end up adopting this British tradition at home.

Book a dinner cruise on the Thames

Other cruises on the Thames that you might like...

Other cruises on the Thames that you might like

Night cruise on the Thames| ©Graham Hobbs
Night cruise on the Thames| ©Graham Hobbs

Dinner cruises on the Thames are a fantastic plan for couples or friends during a trip to London.

However, if the schedule of these night cruises does not fit in with your travel plans, or if you are visiting the city with your family and are looking for a daytime cruise where children can also enjoy the experience, then I recommend you take a look at the post on the best cruises on the Thames, where you'll find other fun options that will help you make the most of your stay in the British capital.

Book a dinner cruise on the Thames

Tips for taking a dinner cruise on the Thames

Tower Bridge from the cruise| ©Victor Ochieng
Tower Bridge from the cruise| ©Victor Ochieng

If you are going on a cruise on the Thames, here are some tips to keep in mind before you set off:

  • It is essential that you remember to bring warm clothing, as the temperature on board the boat is lower than when walking around the city.
  • Bring a camera with a tripod to capture all the beauty in your snapshots.
  • The dress code is casual, so check your wardrobe and choose your outfit for this special occasion.
  • In the event that the booking is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, don't worry! You will be offered a change of date or a full refund of the amount paid.

Book a dinner cruise on the Thames

Why is a dinner cruise on the Thames worth it?

London Eye from the cruise| ©Gail Frederick
London Eye from the cruise| ©Gail Frederick

It's a wonderful experience you'll never forget! It will allow you to enjoy another, perhaps lesser-known side of the city from a different perspective, giving you a much more complete, fun and magical view of London.

It's not just about seeing the city's main landmarks as you sail along the River Thames, but also about the fact that the city changes at sunset and is bathed in a colour that leaves no one indifferent.

Book a dinner cruise on the Thames

What are dinners on Thames cruises like?

The Shard seen from the cruise| ©bryan
The Shard seen from the cruise| ©bryan

If you're wondering what dinner on a Thames cruise is like, you should know that it's flexible, as you can choose between 3 and 5 courses. The menu features meat and cheese dishes and is paired with wine.

And most importantly, if you follow a special diet, have any intolerances or allergies, or are vegan, you can indicate this when booking and you will be provided with a menu tailored to your requests and preferences.

Book a dinner cruise on the Thames

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 2079 Reviews
  • S
    S. M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Really nice and relaxing evening, and especially the singer (Zoe?) made the evening special
  • M
    M. W.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Great activity!
  • D
    D. D.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The boat dropped us off at the wrong pier - very disappointing
  • G
    G. H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Brilliant experience! Great food, great service and very relaxing
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The food was much better than we expected, and the views are beautiful. Too bad the camera ran out of battery, I didn't manage to take as many pictures as I would have liked.