We had a glorious Indian summer this year, and thus, in celebratory mood, on the last day of half-term, myself and three children really enjoyed going on a 45-minute Thames Circular Cruise.

Getting there proved slightly more stressful than we had anticipated as the boat embarked from Tower Pier, and the world and her husband were trying to see the stunning Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red Tower of London poppy installation on the same sunny day.

Once we four plus stroller had battled our way through the crowds onto the vessel, all was smooth sailing. We soaked up the sun and superb views from the open-top deck all the way to Westminster Bridge and back.

The kids shouted out skyscrapers: There’s the Cheesegrater! No, it’s the Walkie-talkie! Where’s the Gherkin?! HMS Belfast, Cleopatra’s Needle, Big Ben, London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Traitor’s Gate were the landmarks that most excited them, as did waving at passing ferries and pedestrians on bridges – the Millennium Bridge a particular fave.

As we disembarked a swan glided by. And the adult of the party remembered anew what an iconic, historic, fascinating and, yes, beautiful city we are lucky enough to live in.

Images by Nadine Mellor