This trip into London was to take advantage of a Virgin Experiences offer of a river cruise on the Thames and a lunch at the London Steakhouse.
Cruise on the Thames
I had not realised how late the river cruises started (should have checked…). We waited on the dock for the boat to arrive. When it did it was almost empty and the seats were not particularly comfortable.
I went up and down the stairs as we passed landmarks.
I asked how long the trip would take to Greenwich and back. I was pointed to an almost unintelligible timetable of the service. But I did work out that after such a late start we would not make it for our booking at the steakhouse. Change of plan then was to leave at the next stop after Westminster.
As we neared Tower Bridge we passed HMS Belfast and the abandoned building that used to house the Mayor of London and the administrative offices.
Lunch at the London Steakhouse
After leaving the boat at the Tower we were lucky to get a train at Tower Hill almost immediately to Monument. This art was on a boarded up window on the corner of Cannon Street.
As always the service at The London Steakhouse on Middlesex Street was impeccable.
Horizon 22
As we had to walk down Bishopsgate to Monument Underground station we took the opportunity to visit Horizon 22. Unlike other days in London there were tickets immediately available.
Then it was back down to Monument to catch the trains back to Waterloo.
Summary
The sightseeing day was “saved” by being able to visit Horizon 22. Lunch was as always terrific at the steakhouse but the unlimited river cruise was a waste of time (and money!)
If we do this again we will switch to having the meal at the steakhouse in the early evening to allow much more time for the river cruise and to somehow work out just how long a round trip might take with (or without) stops.
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