The river Thames has plenty to offer, whether you prefer a river cruise, a slow-paced stroll around riverside parks, or a thrilling speedboat ride on the river.
1. Join Thames events in London
Celebrating all things river-related, Totally Thames brings together art, music, activities and special events in September each year. Other highlights to add to your calendar include the Boat Race, the London Marathon and the impressive New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Check out the London events calendar for a list of annual events taking place around the Thames and across London.
2. Take a Thames river cruise
There are lots of ways to explore London’s famous river. Watch London go by aboard a Thames river cruise or see London at your own pace with a Thames Clippers One-Day River Roamer ticket. Alternatively, slip on a pair of comfortable shoes and enjoy an evening stroll along the river.
3. Enjoy high-speed Thames speedboat rides
Fasten your seatbelts and prepare to experience the capital in fast forward on a speedboat tour of London with Thames Rockets. You'll see many top London attractions in minutes!
4. Find culture along the river
There are plenty of cultural landmarks along the river that deserve to be on your to-do list. Discover a broad range of theatre, music, film, art and dance at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the National Theatre, BFI Southbank and Southbank Centre.
Alternatively, get your culture fix by spotting sculptures and art installations along The Tide. Or follow public art trail The Line, which runs alongside the Thames and the river Lea.
5. Relax in restaurants and pubs on the Thames
Impress your friends and loved ones by booking breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner along the Thames. For the best views of London, check out restaurants such as Sea Containers, Le Pont de la Tour or the OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie. Better still, dine in style aboard a Thames dinner cruise. If you're after a relaxing drink, check out the best riverside pubs in London.
6. Uncover history along the river
Step into history and experience life in London's past. In their own unique ways, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, the Houses of Parliament, Royal Museums Greenwich and Hampton Court Palace all have stories to tell.
7. See London from above
Experience the river Thames from above. No trip to London is complete without a ride on the London Eye. For a unique view, take a trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. If you're feeling more daring, climb up high with Up at The O2 or take a London Helicopter Tour.
8. Learn about London's bridges
The bridges over the Thames make dramatic focal points for photos. A visit to Tower Bridge should be part of any London trip. Wander across the Millennium Bridge between Tate Modern and St Paul's Cathedral; across Hungerford Bridge for its impressive night-time views; and across the Albert Bridge to admire its design.
Make sure to also check out the Illuminated River installation, which transforms London's bridges into a dazzling public artwork with coloured lights and designs.
9. Explore parks, gardens and wildlife
The river Thames offers plenty of peaceful opportunities to admire London's natural side. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show brings a world of colour and scent near Chelsea's river banks. Discover the plants, birds and wildlife at Kew Gardens and the WWT London Wetland Centre. Or, if you'd like to take time out to unwind, visit Battersea Park or Greenwich Park.
10. Thames travel to new areas
Aside from all the great activities available on or next to the river, the water also makes a great mode of transport. Use river services to explore new areas of London: take in the leafy suburbs of Kew and Richmond, wander through the parks and historical sites in Greenwich, admire the boats in St Katharine Docks and discover trendy Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms.
Find more inspiration on things to see and do in London, including top attractions, experiences and places to eat and drink, and discover more London areas to explore.
