The View from The Shard and Thames Lunch Cruise for Two
- Flexible Booking
- Instant Delivery
- Free Exchanges
Overview
Take your lunch with a sightseeing twist and see London from the river and above the rooftops on The View from The Shard and Thames Lunch Cruise for Two.
The View from The Shard offers views of London that you won’t find anywhere else, sitting as it does 800ft above the city streets. On floors 68 and 69 you can try and find all of the capital’s famous spots with the help of The View’s smart telescopes and multimedia displays, looking out up to 40 miles in every direction. Just a few floors up the sights will stretch out before you as you’ll be on The View’s open-top viewing platform, exposed to the elements with the sounds of the city floating up towards you.
Your lunch will be served aboard a vessel cruising along the River Thames, where you can each enjoy a two-course set menu while looking out at London’s waterfront sights including the HMS Belfast, Golden Hinde and of course the ever-visible Shard.
- SKU
- PSHTL2 SP39
- Locations
- 2 in the UK
- People
- For 2
- Validity
- 9 Months
- Rating
- 4.7 (180)
What's Included
- Entry to The View from The Shard for Two
- 1 hour 45 minute cruise along River Thames
- Two-course lunch
- Tea or coffee
- 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 multimedia displays and 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 where the past, present and future of London will be unfurled beneath you, brought to life in multimedia displays.
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.
Thames Lunch Cruise
On arrival at Tower Pier, you and your guest will board your river boat at the previously arranged time and commence your 1 hour 45 minute cruise along the River Thames. During this time you will enjoy a two-course lunch from a set menu whilst taking in the sights of London.
Your delicious meal will be rounded off with a choice of tea or coffee. Then you and your guest may head up on to the deck for an even better view of the London riverside. Enjoy good company as you take in the great landmarks such as The Shard, the Golden Hinde reconstruction and Sir Francis Drake’s warship.
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 Lunch 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
- 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 nine months. Kindly note that you must have booked and taken BOTH of your experiences before your expiry date as vouchers cannot be extended. 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 Lunch 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
You must pre-book and take your experience before the voucher expiry date. Please note that summer dates may have limited availability due to demand. Please note: All bookings are subject to availability and operational changes. There is a set allocation for voucher holders on each date and it is not always possible to fulfil specific date requests.
We recommend you book at least four to six weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. All bookings are subject to availability.
A standard visit to The View from 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.
Cruises last 1 hour 45 minutes and leave at 11.45 (boarding at 11.30 prompt) from Tower Pier and return to Tower Pier at 13.30.
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
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Paul
05/10/2020
The shard
Great views , fast entry ,and space to move around and enjoy the views
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Pat
19/09/2020
Great day out !
Had perfect weather on the day we went and the lunch cruise was well organised with social distancing. The 2 course lunch was excellent! We then went across the river to visit The Shard and experienced amazing views all around London. The souvenir photo album of your visit contained lovely photos/info if you wanted to purchase it. Great day out and I would recommend this experience to anyone.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Darren
05/09/2020
Fantastic
Really enjoyed the boat ride. We went on this at 11:30 on Thursday the 3rd of September. I didn't catch the name of the guy driving the boat and doing the talking but he was very passionate about his job. Made the trip for me and my girlfriend. The shard has a fantastic view however I feel a coke and a gin at £16 is a bit much 😂
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Aleem
26/01/2020
Mr
It was very swift and amazing experience hassle free
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Pauline
24/10/2019
Great day out
We thoroughly enjoyed our day - The View from theShard was amazing, even though it was a grey day, we could still see for many miles. The staff were all very welcoming & knowledgeable. The Thames Lunch Cruise was also very good, from the staff to the food - nothing felt rushed & after our lovely meal we had time to walk on the top deck to see more of London.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Linda/Ian
14/09/2019
Great birthday present
Great time, thoroughly enjoyed.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
T & C
31/05/2019
Excellent day out
Well organised and we really enjoyed the day out and good service in the cruise. Overall it was excellent day out!
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Aa
25/05/2019
Lovely day
Service and food on boat was excellent and have already recommended to others. Surprisingly relaxing as it did not feel at all rushed. Couldn’t get preferred dates even with 1 week notice. Views from shard excellent, bit hazy so could not make out things on the horizon. Still great views. Drinks very expensive in shard and would have liked some diagrams to highlight location of landmarks. The voucher activation and booking process could be simplified and be more joined up.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
David
15/05/2019
Excellent!
We would definitely recommend both of these trips. They were well organised, professional and very enjoyable. The staff we encountered were helpful, friendly and attentive. Booking the dates and times was very simple and the staff were very helpful in fulfilling our requirements.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Trevor Deakin
13/05/2019
The View from the Shardand Thames Lunch Cruise
Both were excellent and neither could be bettered. I will not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Sue
04/05/2019
Great day out
Great service and enjoyable lunch aboard the river cruise. Although I'm not very happy with heights I managed to take photos and really appreciated the seating at the view from the Shard. I have been recommending this experience to friends
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Pamela
04/05/2019
The shard and lunch cruise
AAAAAAmazing x
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Phil
04/05/2019
Thames cruise and Shard
Well organised. Food great. Atmosphere a bit noisy but people were enjoying themselves. Couldn't hear the tannoy very well The Shard was awesome
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Jackie Semark
02/05/2019
Mrs
Had an excellent day cruise & meal very well organised staff very Pleasant & helpful really enjoyed it. The Shard visit was also very well organised and an amazing experience had a very good day can highly recommend the whole experience thank you all
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Michael
26/04/2019
Great day out
Very nice day, everyone very helpful on the boat, they were very organised, food was good and service excellent. The Shard was very impressive, lift is so quick and the view was amazing.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Richard shipsey
25/04/2019
Great day out on and around the Themes
Started with a good lunch on the Themes, with very friendly staff, then a view to behold from the Shard, in all a grear day out.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Fin
26/03/2019
Brilliant day out!
My partner and I were gifted this as a Christmas present, it was amazing. We arrived for the boat time at the time specified and didn’t have to wait around, we were seated on the boat by mind staff and enjoyed a delicious meal followed by going up top deck and taking in the views. After this we made our way slowly to the Shard, definitely something to do if you’re in London!
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Mick Bisson
24/03/2019
Lovely day
Bought as a xmas present from my Daughters and was enjoyed by both my wife and myself.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Roger
27/02/2019
Thames and Shard
Excellent from start to finish. Very friendly staff both at the Shard and on the boat. Went like clockwork.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Linda and Peter
26/02/2019
Lovelythames lunch cruise
The Thames cruise with lunch was a lovely experience, really nice music and delicious lunch with excellent service. This was a gift that we needed to book. The booking for the cruise was excellent. The view from the Shard was extremely hard to book, but when we got there, staff were lovely and views amazing.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Jackie
25/10/2018
Absolutely brilliant
Really enjoyed the cruise boat and dinner! Food was amazing and the staff were friendly and welcoming, would highly recommend
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Tracy Dean
13/10/2018
Wow!! An amazing day
We booked to have our lunch on the river cruise first. Very friendly staff and delicious two course lunch. We went up on deck afterwards with a drink for the remainder of the cruise. Luckily we had beautiful weather. We then walked over to the Shard for our allocated time slot. Once we got up the top.....wow wow wow!! Breathtaking views! The only downside was we had to book each experience separate,so you run the risk of not getting the experiences on the same day, should it be very busy.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Anna
06/10/2018
Amazing day out!
We had a fantastic experience, could not fault it. The food on the cruise was delicious, as was the service. We didn’t expect much of the food (being on a boat and all...), but it was genuinely very tasty and filling. The views were stunning. If the weather is good, the top deck of the boat is a must see. We had perfect weather for the shard and saw all the views over London. Lunch cruise was the highlight! Highly recommend!
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Tony Hartley
27/09/2018
Great introduction to London sights
We lived in London for 46 years but never did a river trip although as a surveyor I went up high rise buildings when working. The "Experience" was a present and we wondered what we were getting into. Both trips were well organised and went without hitches; good weather on both added to the experience. The requested window seating was supplied on the river trip and the lunch was restaurant standard. The Shard itself is impressive, the view outstanding with many photos ops. Hint - think sun.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Alison
23/09/2018
Lovely Day in London
Despite it being a very windy day the lunch boat cruise was excellent. Boarded on time, service on board was excellent and food delicious. The views from the boat give a completely different look at London. We allowed an hour too long between cruise and View from the Shard, 4.30pm and could easily have done 3.30pm but it allowed time for the sun to come out making our view from the Shard spectacular. All in all a great day out. Both easy to book.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Jane Dixon
19/09/2018
Must experience this
Had an awesome time.Everyone was so nice the river cruise food was lovely
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Helen
24/08/2018
Fab
Lovely lunch for two on the Thames which i would definitely recommend followed by the view from the shard....fabulous views of London.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Ana
14/08/2018
Thames Cruise lunch
My husband & I had a wonderful time in this lunch date. The staff had a good service so as the food.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Ash&della
11/08/2018
Brilliant time
Staff where very helpful and friendly the experience was amazing we went around 1pm but I recon the night time would be out of this world that is what we are gonna do next it was raining and very windy but that didn’t put a downer on it one bit highly recommend and virgin Experience Days well worth it I rang them up and they was very helpful but it’s a shame we couldn’t have our meal as they are fully booked till next month but we will be using that next month
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Lynda
14/07/2018
Wonderful day
The river cruise was lovely hig standard of food & service
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Karin
10/07/2018
One of the nicest days so far
The day was a wonderful experience. Food was tasty, staff on the Cruise and at the Shard were excellent
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Angie
03/07/2018
Perfect day
What a day. Perfect in every way. Food on the boat was 100%. Service was totaly efficient. Shard well what an experience. Have recommended to several people. I will be returning
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Mrs B
28/06/2018
Lunch river cruise and view from the shard
Excellent day. Great value for money!
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
William
27/06/2018
A perfect birthday celebration
I treated my brother to this tour of the Shard for his 60th birthday and it was absolutely perfect. We had glorious weather so we were able to take wonderful photos, we did not need to queue for long and there weren’t too many people Wonderful!
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Rob & Lisa
27/06/2018
View from Shard & Lunch on river cruise
Absolutely fantastic gift for anyone.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Sylvia
26/06/2018
Beautiful Birthday Surprise
A lovely day, couldn't ask for more
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Rob and James
26/06/2018
The Thames Cruise and Shard View
The Cruise... Helpful and welcoming staff. Excellent attention to detail with the pre requested dietary requirements. Excellent meal. Superb views up and down the river accompanied by the best weather of the year so far. All at a leisurely pace. Recommended! The Shard... Again, thanks to some stunning weather, superb daytime views, helpful and knowledgeable staff. A great experience that we would again recommend to anyone. Would love to go again to do a night time viewing! Thanks
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Terryann
24/06/2018
The Greatest day of my life.
The best gift I've ever gotten.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Luke
21/06/2018
Cruise and shard trip
Was absolutely lovely had a great time would recommend to anyone
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Bindy
20/06/2018
Fantastic day
Had such a beautiful experience, great day on the boat, the meal was delicious and the Shard was great with fantastic views. And all staff were really nice. Thank u.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Jasvir
20/06/2018
Excellent
The whole experience from the boat, lunch and Shard was excellent.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Laura
20/06/2018
Great Day !!!!
Well organised Would recommend to anyone
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
NORTHERN LASSES
20/06/2018
GREAT WAY TO SEE LONDON
We thoroughly enjoyed our day out on this experience. Staff were friendly & polite & meal was very tasty. Great views from the Thames. We particularly enjoyed going along almost to Canary docks. The Shard was a great view on the sunny day we had.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Dee
19/06/2018
Amazing views
Great value and worth every penny. The food on the Thames lunch cruise was far better than expected. We went on top to take in the views of the city and it was lovely to see a different end of the city with all the waterfront apartments in converted old buildings. The Shard was equally as impressive and we spent ages sat down by a window just taking in the views. We didn’t buy drinks as felt they were over priced but had a lovely ice cream as it was a hot day.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Julie & Michael
15/06/2018
View from the Shard & Thames Lunch
Great experience, lunch was delicious, staff & service excellent, spectacular view from the top of Shard, all went on time & know queues anywhere
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Gill
11/06/2018
What an amazing day !
The whole experience of going up the Shard was amazing. The Staff were friendly, courteous and seem as excited to be working there as we were to experience it !
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Julia
04/06/2018
Top of the Shard and River Cruise with lunch
Great day with both events. Lunch on River Cruise was very filling. Only downside is less time to sit out on deck once meal had finished. The weather was great so would have been nice to have had that time. Shard was short and sweet but it was the experience that we went for.
out of 5 stars
Based on 180 reviews
Find out what others have to say about this experience
5
Helen
29/05/2018
Brilliant day
Enjoyed both parts of the day but especially the lunch cruise. I am currently heavily pregnant and was treated like a VIP! Got to board sooner to get me out the heat, they checked all my dietary requirements closely, and brought me some water without asking for it. Little touches made a real difference. View from the shard was somewhat marred by a hazy day, but can't really complain about the weather in relation to the experience. All in all I was VERY satisfied, thank you.
Locations
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
London
- London Bridge, London
- Tower Pier, London