Treats on The Thames

Just because London is a major tourist centre, it doesn’t mean to say you have to run around like a headless chicken taking in as much history and culture as you can. You are allowed to slow down and indulge yourself, and if you look behind the iconic views, you’ll find plenty of ways to treat yourself. We’ve been online and found a few suggestions.

Spas

Relaxing in a spa and treating yourself to a massage or a facial (or both!) is the ultimate way of slowing down and letting yourself be pampered. There are a couple of spas around the Tower Hill area (Tower Bridge Quay) such as the Circle Gym & Spa which is south of the river, and Pure Spa & Beauty which is close to the Tower of London. If you really want to push the boat out, further up river, and closest to Embankment Pier is the ultra-luxury Thai Square Spa.

Chocolate

If you can’t indulge yourself with chocolate, what can you indulge yourself with! Treat yourself with a hot chocolate and a chocolate cake at Artisan au Chocolat in Borough Market (nearest pier: Bankside), and there are also a number of branches of Hotel Chocolat cafés within easy walking distance of many of our piers. For special occasions, you might want to try the Roald Dahl-inspired Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at the luxury hotel One Aldwych in Covent Garden (nearest pier, Embankment).

Treating yourself to a lovely drink

At the end of a lovely day’s relaxing, why not treat yourself to a drink or two by the river? If you want a cocktail and a lively environment, the Rumpus Room at the Mondrian Hotel (nearest pier: Bankside) overlooks the river, so raise your glass and give us a wave if you see us sail past! If you’d prefer a glass of wine, head to l’escale wine bar at St Katharine Docks where you can relax in the lounge and pretend that the boats you’re looking at in the marina are yours. If your group can’t decide between cocktails, wine or craft beer, head on over to the Understudy bar in the National Theatre which does all of them (nearest pier: Festival Pier). And if it’s a nice day you can sit outside and watch the world go by on the South Bank.

Cruising down the river

There’s something very relaxing about travelling by boat and sometimes all you need to treat yourself is half an hour or so sitting on a boat admiring the view. If you’d like to treat yourself to a Circular Cruise, click here to book an advanced ticket.