Mother's Day Guide

We all love our Mums, and we all love to spoil them! To celebrate our beloved matriarchs this Mother's Day we've popped together a little guide of our top sights, eats and treats so you can zoom around quicker than a little red speedboat! We've carefully selected the list below to ensure each is no more than 15 minutes away from our piers at the London Eye or St Katharine Docks.

The London Eye Pier

Ping Pong It doesn't have to be a roast dinner this Mothering Sunday. Head east along the Southbank from the London Eye Pier and you will soon come to London's renowned purveyor of Dim Sum, fine Tea's and Cocktails - Ping Pong. Perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner, their menu of steamed delights will be sure to please all. Why not treat Mum to a cocktail as well (we'd recommend the 'Hibiscus Spritz' which is both visually stunning and delicious!)? BFI IMAX Easy to spot as you're exiting Waterloo Station, the BFI IMAX plays host to big screen blockbusters, world-class alternative cinema and documentaries. Boasting a truly immersive cinema experience with the largest cinema screen in the UK - and in a truly unique location - we think it's the next best thing to being whizzed around the Thames in a big red speedboat! Waterloo Bridge aka 'The Ladies Bridge' A firm favourite with all of our top class guides here at Thames Rockets, Waterloo Bridge has a remarkable story. ****Spoiler Alert**** As well as being immortalised in all kinds of pop-culture, from music to the big screen, Waterloo Bridge (although only recently championed) is also famous for its construction. The bridge was built by a workforce almost exclusively made up of women (go Mum's!). Not only that, it is the longest bridge to span the river in central London, and is clad in Portland stone, which cleans itself whenever it rains. And if that wasn't enough to prove how generally awesome and amazing our Mum's really are, it is the only time in London a bridge has been completed on time and on budget. Mum's - we salute you! Lower Marsh Ok, we know it's a bit of a cheat BUT Lower Marsh is absolutely choc-a-block with fantastic independent cafes, bars, shops and a fantastic flea market at weekends as well. We would recommend stopping by Love & Scandal for a fantastic coffee and tasty treat. However if you're looking to delight Mum with some great home cooking head to Greensmiths (Butcher, baker, greengrocer, wine merchant, cheese counter and deli!) for all your supplies. The Vaults Theatre Hidden away in the ever changing Leake Street aka 'The Graffiti Tunnel', The Vaults Theatre are here to 'feed your curiosity and open your mind'. Playing host to cinema, comedy, theatre, art shows and much more (plus a great bar) if your mum is more of a BBC4 fan than a Downton Abbey boxset girl, this will be right up her street! High Tea at Gillray's, County Hall High Tea, cake and cuppa, a brew and a posh biccy - let's face it, our Mum's are far too sensible for any of this gluten free nonsense. Our top pick for this Mother's Day must be to head to County Hall and dine in style in the beautifully refurbished Gillray's restaurant. If you're seeking a tower cake stand and freshly brewed pot (no soggy bottom's please€¦) this is sure to make your Mum's weekend that extra special. With sweeping views of the Thames, the Palace of Westminster, the London Eye (and some great looking red speedboats). Gillray's offer a 'Luxury in the Library' with classic treats and modern twists, as well as seasonal menu's there's sure to be fancies and delights for everyone's tastes. And after a thrilling speedboat ride there's nothing quite like a nice cuppa and a sit down.

St. Katharine Pier

Tower Bridge Experience Why not treat your Mum to an adventure over and above the Thames? Once you're back on dry land from our all-speed Break the Barrier experience, why not head to London's most famous Bridge (no offence, Waterloo!) and take in the Tower Bridge Experience. You might even spot one or two red speedboats whizzing up and down the Thames, so be sure to give us a wave through the amazing glass floor! The Dickens Inn It's not just a favourite with our guides and skippers you know?! Don't be fooled by its dark and brooding exterior, once inside The Dickens Inn you'll find a warm, welcoming and cosy pub, with fantastic food and views overlooking the beautiful docks. The 18th-century timber-framed former warehouse (it is the docks after all!) boasts a pizzeria, balcony dining, and large garden. That'll be another large vino for Mum, please€¦ St. Katharine Docks Head into the historic and picturesque Docks, and show mum the super yachts and classic boats (Look out for the €˜Glorianna' - Queen Elizabeth even keeps hers here!). We'd recommend stopping by (the award winning) White Mulberries for an excellent coffee and 'cruffin' (that's a muffin, made of croissant pastry, filled with custard!). Ping Pong That's right, these guys again! We can't get enough of their Dim Sum and are pretty sure once you guys have tried their steamed buns you won't either. Overlooking the west pool of the docks Ping Pong at St Katharine Docks is the perfect post 'Break the Barrier' treat. View from the Shard Located a 15 minute walk from St Katharine Pier the View from the Shard has quickly become a favourite sightseeing destination, with it double feature of taking you to the highest point in London and also being able to admire dozen of London landmarks once you have reached the top! Another great way to combo two great experiences in London, come 'fly' with Thames Rockets all speed Break the Barrier experience, and then 'take to the sky' (once you're more than 5 meters above the ground you're technically airborne!) with the View from the Shard, with our Highest Fastest combo package. And remember if all else fails get a card, flowers and give you Mum a great big hug and kiss this Mother's Day.