I found the BEST way to see London’s top landmarks: The bargain Thames dining cruise that’s only £38

FANCY a classic sightseeing trip to London? I’ve found the best way to take in the city’s breath-taking skyline. Us Brits are lucky to have a fantastic capital city which packs in fascinating landmarks, futuristic skyscrapers, and majestic bridges as well as historical 11th century buildings which still stand today. I found the best way to soak up London’s best sights – and enjoy a fancy meal on the Thames at the same time Credit: Jenna Stevens Book a River Thames Lunch Cruise – ON SALE for £38 (was £53) And if you’re planning a trip to London anytime soon, there’s one sightseeing experience you won’t want to miss. City Cruises have a range of Thames sightseeing cruises which let you take in the London city skyline from the water from an open-air deck or swanky indoor lounge. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! You can pick from a classic sightseeing cruise, which starts from only £15 per adult and £10.25 per child, or treat yourself to a Jazz, Elvis tribute or even a Murder Mystery cruise. I decided to try out the London Lunch Cruise on the River Thames, which is the most popular option that City Cruises offer. Not only is this the most popular experience, but it’s currently on sale – down to £38 a ticket instead of £53. That’s the cheapest lunchtime cruise on the River Thames we could find. Considering you get a fancy two-course meal, panoramic views of London’s top landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, plus expert commentary – this is one hell of a bargain. The tour starts by stepping onboard at the Tower Millennium Pier, a central spot that’s easy to get to by taking the underground to Tower Hill. I stepped onboard to find a very spacious cabin, with a sleek downstairs dining area dotted with white tablecloths, plus an upper deck that’s perfect for making use of in sunny weather. Most read in Travel Lots of guests around me were celebrating birthdays or special occasions, dressed up to the nines snapping shots for Instagram or family photos. And this is certainly the place to take pictures, with flattering golden sunlight pouring in through the windows, plus landmarks like Tower Bridge, The Shard and Big Ben as your backdrop. I cruised past landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye on my City Cruises’ lunch tour Credit: Jenna Stevens Book a River Thames Lunch Cruise – ON SALE for £38 (was £53) As it turns out, the food onboard was just as impressive as the views. I only waited around 15 minutes from being seated until my main course arrived – and the presentation of the dish was Masterchef-worthy. There are two options for your main course: a vegetarian cassoulet with oyster mushrooms and white beans, or a roasted supreme of chicken with fondant potatoes and veg. I went for the latter, and was blown away by the rich creamy mushroom sauce and the cheesy fondant potato. The decadent dish would have wowed me in a high-end restaurant, let alone on a Thames cruise. After a short rest came dessert – a baked cheesecake with a gooey white chocolate centre and a heavy drizzle of tart raspberry coulis, plus tea or coffee. Could you picture a more perfect pudding? With a full belly and warm coffee in hand, there’s nothing left to do but lean back and watch London glide past your window The route takes you from the pier across to Canary Wharf, where you can admire the futuristic skyline and spot six of the UK’s 10 tallest buildings. From here you’ll turn back around and head all the way towards Big Ben. The London Lunch Cruise on the River Thames is City Cruises’ most popular experience Credit: Jenna Stevens The sunlight pours in the huge windows onboard – perfect for taking pictures Credit: Jenna Stevens This is when the commentary begins, so you’ll soak up centuries of London history along the way. I recommend heading up to the deck for the best views. You’ll glide under nine magnificent bridges including Tower Bridge, London Bridge and – my favourite – the Wibbly Wobbly bridge (AKA Milennium Bridge). You’ll also get up-close with the bright red pillars of the lost 18th century Blackfriars Bridge which jut out from the water. Plus you’ll cruise under “Ladies’ Bridge” – the unofficial nickname of Waterloo Bridge, which was built largely by women during World War II. It was fascinating to see historic landmarks nestled in-between glossy modern offices and huge skyscrapers. One of these impressive slices of history is Cleopatra’s Needle – the oldest structure in London. The obelisk was built in 1450 BC, and made its way over to London from Egypt in 1878. Finally you’ll pass spots like the Globe Theatre and the London Eye until you reach the Houses of Parliament – stop for a quick selfie – then it’s back to the pier. Although I live in London, I left feeling like I’d learned so much about my city that I didn’t even before, thanks to the knowledgeable tour guide. Overall, the lunch cruise was a fantastic way to pack in sightseeing, fascinating history, and a delicious meal into one relaxing experience. Plus when you step off, you’ve got the Tower of London, Borough Market and more on your doorstep to continue ticking off the best of London. Click below to browse City Cruises‘ options, starting from £15 for a sightseeing cruise. The London Lunch Cruise is currently on sale, down to £38 per ticket instead of £53 Credit: Jenna Stevens Browse City Cruises’ experiences – starting at £15 per adult Prices correct at the time of publication. Comment now