Picture this: you’re gliding down the majestic River Thames, with the iconic landscapes of London unfolding before your eyes. As you appreciate the sights, you’re treated to a quintessential British experience – an elegant afternoon tea served onboard a luxury cruise. UK cruises offer this unique experience, blending the traditional pleasure of afternoon tea with the thrill of travel on water.
A Quintessential British Experience: Afternoon Tea on a Cruise
The afternoon tea cruise is an iconic British tradition that’s been reimagined for the water, offering a unique way to experience England and its culture. It’s a charming blend of travel, food, and tradition that has become a must-do activity for visitors to England.
Afternoon tea, a truly quintessential British ritual, has been a part of the culture since the early 19th century. It’s a charming, decadent affair that typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries. All are served alongside a pot of hot, fragrant tea.
Experiencing this onboard a cruise, while admiring the picturesque views of the River Thames or other waterways, is a blissful experience. The tranquility of the water, the gentle sway of the boat and the uninterrupted views of London’s landmarks make this experience even more indulgent.
London Afternoon Tea Cruises: A Gourmet Experience on the River Thames
The River Thames flows through the heart of London, flanked by the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. A cruise on this river, especially in the afternoon hours, is an excellent way to explore these sights.
Naturally, an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames is a popular choice. You will enjoy the food, ambiance, and sights, all at once. Many companies offer this service, but two of the best are Bateaux London and City Cruises.
Bateaux London’s Afternoon Tea Cruise is a 90-minute journey that starts from Embankment Pier and sails past London’s most famous sights. The tea, accompanied by a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and scones, is prepared fresh onboard by their chefs. Guests are also treated to live music, lending a festive atmosphere to the trip.
City Cruises, on the other hand, offers a more leisurely two-hour tea cruise. Their menu includes the traditional sandwiches, cakes, and scones, but they also add a fun twist with a variety of hot and cold seasonal savoury finger foods.
The Royal River Tea Cruise: A Regal Experience
For those seeking a more regal afternoon tea experience, the Royal River Tea Cruise is a perfect choice. This cruise takes its guests on a tour of London’s royal landmarks, including the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and Hampton Court Palace.
As you glide past these historic buildings, you will enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea served on fine china, with sandwiches, scones, and pastries laid out on a three-tiered stand. The menu also includes a selection of fine teas from around the world, making it a truly royal affair.
Furthermore, the Royal River Tea Cruise offers insightful commentary about the city’s royal heritage and landmarks, enhancing the overall experience.
Exploring England: Afternoon Tea Cruises Beyond London
While London offers an exceptional array of afternoon tea cruises, England has many other waterways to explore. From the serene waters of the Lake District to the bustling Bristol Harbour, these cruises offer a different but equally delightful experience.
Lake District’s Ullswater Steamers offers a ‘Steam and Cream’ afternoon tea cruise on the serene Ullswater Lake. This cruise allows you to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea while taking in the stunning views of the Lake District’s fells and mountains.
In the vibrant harbor city of Bristol, Bristol Packet Boat Trips offers an afternoon tea cruise along the city’s historic waterways. As you navigate the bustling harbor and the peaceful Avon River, you can indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea spread.
Hotels Offering Afternoon Tea Cruises
Several hotels in England have paired up with boat companies to offer their guests the delightful experience of an afternoon tea cruise. The famed Ritz London, for instance, partners with Thames River Sightseeing to offer an afternoon tea cruise package.
Guests of The Ritz will enjoy a luxurious traditional afternoon tea at the hotel, followed by a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames. This package truly offers the best of both experiences – the opulence of The Ritz and the excitement of a river cruise.
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of the traditional British afternoon tea or a travel enthusiast eager for a unique cruising experience, an afternoon tea cruise in the UK offers an unforgettable experience. So, the next time you’re in England, be sure to include an afternoon tea cruise in your itinerary. It’s a delightful British tradition you won’t want to miss.
Afternoon Tea Cruises and P&O Cruise Lines
For those who are looking for something extra special, perhaps for a special occasion or celebration, P&O Cruises, one of Britain’s top cruise lines, offers an incredible afternoon tea cruise experience. P&O Cruises promise to take the traditional British afternoon tea to a whole new level.
As you set sail on one of their luxury ships, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the views of the sea as you sip on hot, fragrant tea, and indulge in a wide range of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delectable cakes and pastries. P&O’s afternoon tea is not only about the food, but also about the ambiance. The tea is served in the ship’s elegant dining rooms, with live piano music playing in the background, enhancing your overall afternoon tea experience.
P&O Cruises also offer a unique twist on the traditional afternoon tea with their themed teas. You could enjoy a ‘Chocoholic’s Afternoon Tea’, where you indulge in a variety of chocolate cakes and biscuits, or a ‘Gin and Tonic Afternoon Tea’, where you pair your tea with a selection of gin-based beverages.
Furthermore, P&O Cruises offer a variety of cruise routes, allowing you to explore different parts of the UK while enjoying your afternoon tea. Whether you want to sail down the River Thames, or venture further afield to the beautiful coastlines of Cornwall or Devon, P&O Cruises have you covered.
Fred Olsen Cruises: Traditional Afternoon Tea with a Scandinavian Twist
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, a UK-based, Norwegian-owned cruise line, provides another unique afternoon tea experience. With their Scandinavian heritage, Fred Olsen brings a distinct Nordic touch to the traditional British afternoon tea, blending tradition with innovation.
Their afternoon tea cruise comes with a menu that includes the usual selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries, along with some Scandinavian favourites like Danish pastries and Swedish cakes. This unique combination of British and Scandinavian treats provides an exciting twist to the traditional afternoon tea experience.
Fred Olsen’s afternoon tea cruise also offers a spectacular viewing experience. Their ships sail on various routes, allowing you to admire the beauty of the British coastline or the stunning landscapes of the Norwegian fjords. Whichever route you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable afternoon tea voyage.
In conclusion, if you appreciate the tradition of afternoon tea and love to explore, an afternoon tea cruise in the UK is a match made in heaven. Whether you prefer a cruise along the famous River Thames, exploring other waterways like the Lake District or Bristol Harbour, or even venturing out to sea with P&O or Fred Olsen cruise lines, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
There’s a sense of serenity and indulgence that comes with sipping tea and enjoying delicate pastries while gliding along quiet waters, with stunning views unfolding before your eyes. The tradition of afternoon tea has been wonderfully reinvented on these cruises, combining the elegance of this quintessential British experience with the thrill of exploration.
So, the next time you find yourself in the UK, be sure to set aside some time for an afternoon tea cruise. It’s a delightful British tradition that’s perfectly blended with the excitement of a river cruise – a unique experience you won’t want to miss!
