Make the most of London’s famous River Thames

Make the most of London’s famous River Thames

Like many capital cities, London would not exist without its river. The Romans built their original settlement on two of the financial district’s landmarks, present day Ludgate Hill and Cornhill (a third being Tower Hill). But there were other riverside settlers before them.    

Much of present day central London was once wetland: the area around Waterloo station was a marsh until the 18th century, and the street called Lower Marsh is a nod to the days before the area was drained. Early commerce on the river largely meant eel trapping (for food), watermills (for paper and flour), and wood production.  

When the first London Bridge was built (during the reign of bad King John) it acted like a barricade, slowing the tidal flow and increasing the chances of the Thames freezing over. That led to the famous Winter “frost fairs” of the 1600s. Festivals on ice were all the rage from 1607 onwards.   

Back in those days the Thames was not exactly fragrant. As early as 1357 Edward III commented on the “fumes and other abominable stenches arising” from the waste matter pouring into the Thames.  

In Victorian times the link between poor hygiene and water–borne disease was established. Mid 19th century Bermondsey – now a very desirable address in East London – harboured a famous Victorian slum called “Jacob’s Island” (Dickens’ Oliver Twist is set there). It stood near St Saviour’s Dock and was nick–named “the Venice of drains” by London newspapers.   

It all ended in the “Great Stink” of 1858, when MPs could no longer bear to sit in the House of Commons, thanks to the smell coming from the river. The problem had literally got up the noses of the great and good, which resulted in London’s engineers being brought in to sort out the sewers.  

During the height of the British Empire the Thames was a packed conveyor belt for goods. Ships were stacked like sardines across the river.  

Today the Thames is used mostly for leisure and transport. It has a historic and picturesque link to rowing clubs and river races. Apart from the Oxford vs Cambridge competition, the Head of the River race is an annual treat. The Thames also hosts one of the oldest sporting events in the world, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge race for London’s apprentice watermen.  

September features the annual Totally Thames Festival. Not forgetting the perennial allure of riverside pubs and restaurants. There are even fabulous riverside theatres like The Globe and The Bridge near St Paul’s and Tower Bridge, or the National Theatre in the Southbank Centre.  

And of course Tate Modern sits across the Thames from St Paul’s Cathedral, while Tate Britain borders the river in Pimlico.  

It’s little wonder that artists like Monet, Whistler and Turner picked up their paint brushes to show their appreciation of the Thames.  

 

On the River  

 

Totally Thames Festival  

Sept 1 to 30 

Various Thames side venues 

A celebration of arts and culture spanning 42 miles of the London Thames. Highlights include: - 

 

Great River Race 

September 10 

London’s river marathon, a race for traditional boats that attracts over 300 international crews. Professional athletes and charity fundraisers in fancy dress race from Millwall to Ham. The aim is to become UK Traditional Boat Champion. 

    

Jubilee Reflections Flotilla  

September 24 

An illuminated night-time flotilla of over 150 boats will glide from Chelsea to Tower Bridge at dusk, decorated in white lights. The Queen’s Royal Barge “Gloriana” will be escorted by other traditional boats, including the Thames Watermen’s Cutters, Cornish Pilot Gigs, Skiffs and Skerries. In aid of the RNLI’s new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge. 

  

The World’s Oldest Boat Race 

Documentary 

In 1715 Thomas Doggett founded his “Coat and Badge” race. Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager is a 7,400m race that is contested by young Thames watermen and lightermen, many of them following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. The Thames Festival Trust has a film about the race which you can find here

 

Illuminated River Installation 

Nine bridges lit up by Leo Villarreal’s magnificent installation, “the longest public art installation in the world.” Boat Tours at dusk are planned. 

 

St Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern 

A mudlarking exhibition in St Paul’s Cathedral and Rivers of the World artworks outside Tate Modern.  

 

Riverboat Tours and Travel 

Ongoing 

Thames boat excursions divide into two categories: sedate and speed freak. Some are themed (Muggle Tours), and some get you to Greenwich or Hampton Court from Central London. Others are loud and fast. And there are hop–on, hop–off options.  

 

City Cruises London 

Sightseeing or dining cruises, plus Thamesjet speedboat. Live commentary.  

 

London Thames River High–Speed Small–Group RIB Cruise 

The RIB is a rigid inflatable boat. Zoom past Big Ben and St Paul’s, with commentary and iconic British songs. 

 

River Thames Fast RIB-Boat Experience in London 2022 

One hour: Tower Bridge and Westminster waters have a speed limit, but the brakes come off once you reach the fast zone (high octane music too).  

 

Speedboat Thames Barrier Experience to/from Embankment Pier 

75 minutes: two itineraries to choose from. 

 

Thames River Boats 

Indoor and outdoor seating, licensed bars, toilets and heating on cold days. From Westminster Pier, Kew, Richmond and Hampton Court.  

 

Uber Boat by Thames Clipper River Roamer  

Hop-on hop-off pass

 



Whatever Floats Your Boat  

Riverside pubs and restaurants to lift the spirits and satisfy the senses. Look for a London top hotel while you’re at it.  

 

Butler’s Wharf Chop House 

Butlers Wharf Building, SE1  

Thameside Terrace and views of Tower Bridge. Grass fed steaks, select butchery and seafood. 

 

Cento Alla Torre 

100 Minories, EC3 

Artisan pasta and fine Italian cuisine. Kids eat for free this August.  

 

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta 

St Katharine Docks 

Overlooking the docks and boats, handmade pasta.  

 

Fiume 

Circus West Village 

Battersea 

Riverside Spot, southern Italian cuisine, chef Francesco Mazzei. 3 minutes from Battersea Power Station.   

 

Founders Arms 

London Bridge 

Pub, restaurant and bar: views of the Thames next to Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge.  

 

Gaucho Tower Bridge 

2 More London Riverside, SE1  

Argentine food and wine. 3 minutes from HMS Belfast.  

 

High Timber Restaurant  

Broken Wharf House, 8 High Timber Street, EC4 

South African cuisine, featuring Stellenbosch’s most awarded wine estate, and chef Bartek Wegzryn. On the banks of the Thames. 

 

Gun 

Canary Wharf, Docklands 

Grade II listed building, riverside pub-restaurant-bar. 

 

Gunpowder 

Tower Bridge 

Indian cuisine, sharing plates, traditional and contemporary menu. Views of the bridge. 

 

Marsha 

Gabriel’s Wharf, Southbank 

Riverside bar and restaurant. All day menu. Sustainable, no waste food.  

 

The Skyline London 

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid,100 Minories, EC3 

Panoramic views of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Thames. Rooftop bar and Mediterranean cuisine from Cento Alla Torre. Private cabanas available.  

 

Swan at The Globe 

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: riverside restaurant, views of the Thames and St Paul’s. Modern British food, local market produce.  

 

Tower Suites’ Family Time 

100 Minories, EC3 

Kids Eat for Free this August at in–house, Italian–inspired Cento Alla Torre restaurant. Harry Potter themed staycation available too (potions class, walking tour and themed afternoon tea plus movie night; special discounts).  

 

By the River 

 

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 

August 26 to September 11 

London’s free, annual outdoor performing arts festival. Art, theatre, dance, circus and family activities. Featured display: Borealis lights up the Greenwich and Woolwich skies. Discover the coolest hotel in London, too.  

 

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival 

August 27 to 29 

Get there by boat from Westminster Pier: street food, pop-up bars, artisan producers, family fun, and a bandstand. ProCook Pop-up Cookery School and Bone Idyll Liquid Masterclasses (cocktails).  

 

Tower of London: Medieval Mayhem 

Throughout August 

A mini festival of fun: chaotic scenes from Medieval London life acted out three times a day on the South Lawn. Performances at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. 

 

Tower of London: Gunpowder Plot 

Ongoing 

The Tower Vaults, Tower of London 

The famous plot to blow up Parliament, just two years after the death of Elizabeth I: an immersive experience, taking you back to 1605, with Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter) starring as Guy Fawkes. Tickets available.  

 

Kids’ Week  

Theatre Offer 

For every adult ticket purchased, one child goes free. To take full advantage of this offer, combine this with a Kids Week package at Blue Orchid Hotels, and some excellent offers and packages, discounted family rates, family breakfast, dinner included and more.  

 

Superbloom at the Tower of London 

Until September 18 

Millions of wildflower seeds grown in the Tower’s huge moat to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A sea of blooms that will renew itself year after year. Tickets available to walk through the moat, or survey this oasis of pleasure from the public viewing area for free. Plus an extra-large slide for a speedy entrance to the flower meadow! Sculptures and sound installations, too. Combine this with an overnight stay for two, plus a private walking tour of local landmarks, and a private tour of the Tower of London.  

 

The World Reimagined 

Until October 31 

An art and culture trail so close to the Thames, it deserves a mention. From Bank to St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall and Aldgate, a series of large artist-designed globes that comment on the slave trade and how we understand history, how change happens. Artists include:  

Winston Branc, Glen Brooks, Gil Mualem-Doron, Kione Grandison, and Natasha Muluswela amongst others.