Known as the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London offers many things for visitors and locals to do. There are renowned museums, majestic palaces, amazing restaurants, and other fascinating attractions to check out while in town. One thing for certain, the home of the monarchy is not short of things to do. Discover the best of London, England from a fresh perspective with City Cruises, where iconic landmarks meet the beauty of the river Thames for an unforgettable adventure. Cheers, Londoners! Let’s explore the city in a whole new way!
Discover London, England: Iconic Sights, Bites, and Delights
There is so much to see and do in London, England, and some spots you cannot miss while in town. Amble down storybook village streets, fancy a cuppa or two, take in the iconic cityscape, and follow the trail of malt vinegar to one of the many chip shops.
Buckingham Palace
If you have ever wondered if visiting Buckingham Palace is worth it, yes! Whether you’re a fan of the Royal Family or just interested in seeing one of Britain’s biggest historical landmarks, you will find something fascinating. Looking for a memorable afternoon tea experience that combines sightseeing? Why not enjoy this most British of meals while gliding past London’s iconic riverside attractions with Afternoon Tea on the River Thames & Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard? Relax with a nice cup of tea while admiring Big Ben, take your pick from the sandwich selection on your way to the London Eye, and enjoy scones, clotted cream, and jam as you cruise past the Tower of London on your afternoon tea river cruise of London. Perfect for birthday celebrations, to show your visitors the best of London, or just for something a bit special and unique. Head upstairs to take in the 360˚ views of London’s riverside landmarks from our open deck. It’s a great way to combine a leisurely sightseeing trip with a delicious meal — a most memorable way to see the city.
Don’t just watch the Changing of the Guards; get as close as possible to the action. On this exclusive Buckingham Palace tour, you’ll discover the best vantage points and most secluded spots for a close-up peek at London’s most popular spectacle. Witness two different ceremonies from four different angles and listen to an in-depth background on the history of the iconic tradition. This tour takes you away from the crowds and over to St. James Palace to witness the guards preparing to make their famous march. These are real soldiers with real weapons carrying out their daily duty of protecting the Palace. Hear about their duties and the significance of their highly symbolic uniforms. March alongside the soldiers and head to a special vantage point near the Wellington Barracks, home to all the Foot Guard’s Bands, that lets you get as close as possible to the action. Stroll across St. James’s Park and learn the history of this royal green space. Arrive at the Horse Guards Parade. Watch the equally impressive Changing of the King’s Life Guard, which features mounted, armor-clad soldiers and their immaculately groomed steeds. It’s a wonderful experience you do not want to miss.
Tower of London
You’ve seen it from the river, now experience it up close. In contrast to the majestic palace, the Tower of London can seem grim or unimpressive but don’t
be fooled. With bustling activity indoors, this complex has a long history as a fortress, a palace, and a prison where you can explore the history of each. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the famous crown jewels exhibition. Yeoman Warders, known as Tower Guards, will guide you on an entertaining tour with tales of the tower’s bloody past. If you’re lucky you may spot one of the famous ravens that are said to guard the structure. Join the VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys and gain once-in-a-lifetime access on a private tour. Experience London’s greatest landmark on a rare Tower of London night tour. After the public has left for the day, join a Yeoman Warder, who lives within the castle walls, and let them take you through the silent site that’s usually buzzing with visitors. Be amazed as you watch them perform the traditional and stoic Ceremony of Keys, which has taken place every night for over 700 years. This exclusive Tower of London after-hours tour is truly an unforgettable experience.
Dinner Cruise
City Cruises brings you THE London Dinner Cruise on the Thames, operating since 2010 and carrying thousands of happy passengers, this is London’s only dinner cruise with City Cruises, where every moment is a symphony of exquisite dining, breathtaking views, and iconic landmarks. Glide along the River Thames aboard our flagship vessel, the Millennium Diamond, and immerse yourself in the magic of London’s skyline as it sparkles under the night sky.
Indulge in a sumptuous four-course meal of traditional British flavours, meticulously crafted by our skilled chefs to tantalize your taste buds. As you savour each dish, enjoy uninterrupted views of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Houses of Parliament.
Our fully stocked bar offers a selection of beverages to complement your meal, with upgrade options available to make your evening extra special.
Looking to enhance your dinner cruise experience? Step into luxury with our VIP Package! For just £45 per person, indulge in a glass of Champagne while enjoying premium seating at the front of the boat with unbeatable views and priority boarding. Be sure to choose the ‘VIP Package’ when booking.
Our London Dinner Cruise is extremely popular and is sold out for many upcoming dates. If your choice of date is not available, we may still have spaces on our Evening Cruises. Click here to view the full info….
House of Parliaments
Walk amongst halls where history was made as you visit the British House of Parliaments. Both the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords convene in the sumptuous House of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster. This magnificent neo-Gothic structure, built in the mid-19th century, will captivate you with its striking architecture, intricate details, and centuries of political legacy. As you explore its grand chambers, you will learn how the building endured a catastrophic fire in 1834 and was later reconstructed to become the iconic landmark it is today. From the famous Big Ben clock tower to the historic debating chambers, every corner of the palace echoes with the voices of leaders who shaped the nation’s history. You will uncover compelling stories of British democracy, tradition, and governance, gaining a deeper appreciation for the role this institution plays in shaping the country’s past, present, and future.
Big Ben
Perhaps the palace’s most famous feature is its clock tower, known as Big Ben, named after Benjamin Hall, the first Commissioner of Works when the tower was completed in 1859. Standing at an impressive 316 feet (96 meters), this iconic landmark has become a symbol of London and British resilience. The tower’s Great Bell, which weighs over 13 tons, produces the deep, resonant chimes that have marked the passage of time for generations. Its four clock faces, each spanning 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter, are illuminated at night, creating a breathtaking sight against the London skyline. Despite damage sustained during World War II and various restorations over the years, Big Ben continues to stand as a testament to British engineering and heritage, drawing millions of visitors who marvel at its timeless grandeur.
Westminster Hall
Originally built in 1097 by King William II, Westminster Hall is the oldest surviving part of the complex and one of its most historically significant spaces. With its vast wooden hammer-beam roof, added in the 14th century, the hall is an architectural marvel that has withstood centuries of political and social change. In medieval times, it hosted grand coronation banquets for monarchs, serving as a place of celebration and power. For centuries, it also functioned as a major courthouse, where some of the most famous trials in British history took place, including those of Guy Fawkes, King Charles I, and William Wallace. Today, Westminster Hall continues to play a vital role in British democracy, hosting state events, ceremonial addresses, and the lying-in-state of notable figures. Stepping into this historic space, you will feel the weight of history and the echoes of momentous events that have shaped the nation.
The House of Commons and the House of Lords
Parliament is split into two houses: the House of Commons, or lower house, and the House of Lords, known as the home of hereditary blue bloods and appointed life peers. The House of Commons is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public, representing constituencies from across the United Kingdom. It is the primary legislative body, where government ministers, opposition leaders, and backbench MPs debate policies and propose new laws. The House of Lords, on the other hand, consists of life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers who review, amend, and provide expertise on legislation. While the Lords cannot veto bills outright, they play a crucial role in scrutinizing laws and suggesting revisions. Once both houses have debated and passed a bill, it is then presented to the King for royal assent, a formal but essential step in transforming proposals into law. This centuries-old process ensures that legislation is carefully examined before becoming part of the UK’s legal framework.
Sailing Through London, England with City Cruises as Your Guide
As one of the world’s oldest cities, London, England is a must-see city on your travel bucket list. Explore history, art, culture, and gastronomical delights in the capital city. With a history stretching back to Roman times, view iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and more from the best seat in the house on the water with City Cruises as your guide. London, England is an amazing destination for history and architecture enthusiasts and is home to many museums and historical sites, many of them free to visit! With its diverse culture, London’s culinary scene is a pleasure for foodies and extends far beyond fish and chips. One thing is certain, London, England is charming, and your biggest challenge will be leaving!
Original Post Date: November 24, 2024