The View from The Shard and Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise for Two
About this experience
See the sights of London spread out before you as you look out from over 800ft above the city streets, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea from the water with The View from The Shard and Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise for Two.
Almost twice as high as any other viewing platform in the city, The View from The Shard offers unbeatable views that stretch out up to 40 miles into the distance. You can take in all of the city’s sights, and with handy smart telescopes on hand to teach you more about what you’re looking at, you’d struggle to find a more informative sightseeing spot.
You’ll also enjoy afternoon tea on a calming sightseeing cruise. Board a boat in London for an unforgettable ride along the River Thames, passing iconic sights and tucking into scones with cream and jam, cakes and sandwiches with your choice of tea or coffee.
SKU: PSHTTC SP30
For 2
participants5 Months
ValidityFlexible
BookingFree
ExchangesInstant
Delivery
“Great experience up the Shard”
We had an amazing time visiting the Shard. It wasn’t crowded and the weather was fine so views were fabulous. The staff were so nice and helpful.
What's Included
- Entry to The View from The Shard for two adults
- 1 hour 30 minute cruise along the River Thames
- An afternoon tea of cakes, scones with cream and jam and sandwiches served with tea or coffee
- The cruise must be pre-booked, please note that vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available but must be requested at time of booking
- Fully licensed bar on board
- Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
What happens on the day?
The View from The Shard
At 800ft above London, The View from The Shard is almost twice as high as any other vantage point in the city, so visitors will be able to experience one of the greatest cities in the world like never before. The View from The Shard has 360° views stretching out to 64km with state of the art telescopes on hand to bring it all to life. On floors 68, 69 and 72, it is almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London. Prepare to embark on a multi-sensory journey to 800ft above one of the greatest cities on earth. On arrival at Level 00, you will be drawn into the tapestry of London with glimpses of the city laid out before you. Travelling skyward in two high-speed ‘kaleidoscopic’ lifts, you’ll swiftly reach Level 68 - a cloudscape above the world. Then journey to Level 69 where the view is revealed and London opens out before you. Here, in the sky above London, you’ll experience an astonishing 360°, 64km view over the city and beyond.
For the best view in town, ascend to Level 72, at 800ft, the highest public level of The Shard. You’ll be exposed to the elements with sounds of the city from below you. Looking up, you’ll see the shards of glass that form the top of this skyscraper as they disappear upwards into the sky.
Afternoon Tea Cruise
On arrival at Tower Pier in time for your designated boarding, you’ll be welcomed by the crew and shown to your table. Then it’s time to head out onto the water as you embark on your 1 hour 30 minute cruise along the River Thames.
Along the way you’ll pass such famous sights as the first Roman crossing of the River Thames; the tallest building in Europe, The Shard; a full-size reconstruction of the Golden Hinde, Sir Francis Drake’s 16th century warship; the glistening skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, London’s financial district; and a close-up of HMS Belfast. As part of this experience you’ll also receive a delicious afternoon tea to share onboard which includes cakes, scones with cream and jam, sandwiches and your choice of tea or coffee.
Location
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
London
- London Bridge, London
- Tower Pier, London
Participant guidelines
The View from The Shard
- Minimum age: 16
- There is disabled access to The View - please check for full details at the time of booking
Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
- Under 18s must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Please note that under 18's will not be served alcohol
- Any disabilities must be disclosed at the time of booking. All passengers on dining cruises must be physically able to walk on to the boats with an able bodied helper and unfortunately no electronic wheelchairs are permitted
- If a child from 0-4 years would like to have a seat and be served a meal, child rate will be charged
- Seating is pre-allocated before the cruise takes place – your voucher entitles you to a standard seat on board. Window seats can be requested at the time of booking at an additional charge direct with City Cruises
The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary according to location
Availability
Your vouchers are valid for five months. Kindly note that you must have booked and taken BOTH of your experiences before your expiry date. These vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please note - each voucher can be treated separately and you don’t have to take both elements on the same day.
The View from The Shard
Tickets can be booked Wednesday to Sunday at an allotted time.
To reduce queues and ensure the best possible visitor experience for everyone, admission to The View will only be valid on the date and time stated on your ticket once a booking has been made with Virgin Experience Days Ltd.
Tickets for The View are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Last entry varies depending on the time of year - please check for exact timings when booking. Bookings can be made between 24 hours and 4 months in advance, subject to availability, with a valid voucher.
The Voucher has a voucher number and a pin number which needs to be quoted when booking. Your e-ticket which will be sent as confirmation of your booking will include a multi-digit order number to gain access into the attraction or The View from The Shard ticket.
Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
You can use your voucher on selected days throughout the year, please see below. Excluded dates include 25 December, 1 January, Valentines (13 and 14 February), UK Mother's day, Good Friday to Easter Monday, UK Father's day and Bank Holiday Mondays.
20 May to 31 May 2021 - Available Thursday to Monday
1 June to 12 September 2021 - Available Daily
13 September to 30 December 2021 - Available Thursday to Sunday
We recommend you book at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. This is only a guideline and we advise you to book as early as possible to ensure that dates are available before the expiry date listed on your voucher. All bookings are subject to availability.
A standard visit to The Shard lasts approximately 1 hour, allowing ample time for you to relax and enjoy the city skyline at your leisure as there is no time restriction on your visit.
Thames Afternoon Tea Cruises last 1 hour 30 minutes and leave at 15.30 (boarding at 15.15) from Tower Pier and return to Tower Pier at 17.00.
What about insurance?
The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.
Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the experience.
How it works
Customer Reviews
“Great experience up the Shard”
We had an amazing time visiting the Shard. It wasn’t crowded and the weather was fine so views were fabulous. The staff were so nice and helpful.
“Amazing view from the loo !”
Fantastic views from the Shard, slightly disappointed that we were hassled for drinks & I wasn't allowed to sit , even though i'm disabled ! Tower Pier tricky to get to as from Tower bridge, the access was closed so had to walk a lot further
“Picture perfect experience ”
September 18 2020 and despite Covid ruling the news and devastating the economy, my birthday trip to London with another birthday friend was just amazing. Gorgeous weather meant the view from the Shard was exceptional- we could see for miles and beachside number of people allowed in was managed, we had no trouble enjoying the panoramic view & celebrating with champagne. Wish there’d been more chairs to sit & chill on . The Thanes cruise was fabulous, beautifully narrated & again quietly perfect