There is no shortage of things to do by the River Thames. Whether you’re looking to take in some history, enjoy the great outdoors, or simply take a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few of the many ways to enjoy the river:
Thames Clippers.
If you’re looking to change up your commute or spend a day on the water, why not hop aboard a Thames Clipper? The boats offer commuters a unique route each day (not to mention the chance to see some of London’s most famous landmarks) and are also a great way for tourists to explore the city. Even better, all of their boats are eco-friendly and also run overnight, making them perfect for late nights out and early morning getaways.
There are even free guided tours available throughout the summer months so that you can learn more about what makes this stretch of water so special. If you’d prefer something more relaxed, simply sit back and enjoy sweeping views from unparalleled vantage points as you float along one of Britain’s most storied waterways!
Tower Bridge.
Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in London. The bridge, connecting the City and Southwark over the Thames, is a magnificent feat of Victorian engineering. When it opened in 1894 it surpassed all other bridges across the world for its length (800ft) and height (200ft).
How to get there: The nearest tube station is London Bridge or Tower Hill, which are both on the Circle line.
When to visit: Open daily from 0900-1800 (last admission 1730), and 1200-1800 on Sundays.
What to see: Viewing galleries are 42 metres above water level with windows offering spectacular views of London’s bustling river traffic and landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard. An exhibition at the south end of the bridge tells you everything you need to know about how Tower Bridge works, including how its ingenious bascules lift up to allow large ships through. There’s also an exhibition telling you all about its history – including how it held a high level walkway until 1910 when people were killed by falling masonry! For a dramatic view, head up the ‘glass floors’, where you can see right down onto traffic passing below – but be warned they’re not for those who suffer from vertigo!
Borough Market.
If you’ve never experienced the sheer number of fruits and vegetables available at Borough Market, London’s most famous market, then you absolutely have to check it out one day. People from around the world travel here every day to get food for today and for tomorrow. The variety available is endless and bringing a cooler bag on a chilly day will be worth the trip alone.
Borough Market is open Monday – Sunday and doesn’t close until 5pm. Its location is perfect if you’re looking for fresh ingredients for cooking or baking your favourite dishes. It’s also good if buying bread or fish along with other items that don’t need refrigeration.
You might also want to bring a picnic along as part of your shopping experience at Borough Market because there are several places where you can sit down, relax and enjoy some delicious food while watching people go by in this busy market with their coolers full of produce and meat of all kinds.
The London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom. Every year, millions of people flock to the capital to catch a ride on the enormous Ferris wheel. TheEye has become an icon of the city, and its bright red capsules are a familiar sight along the Thames.
Standing at a height of 443 feet, the London Eye offers stunning views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. For many visitors, a trip on the Eye is the highlight of their holiday. And with good reason – there’s no better way to see London!
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most iconic buildings in England. For centuries, it has been a symbol of the country’s power and authority. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1066, and it has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution.
Today, the Tower is a popular tourist attraction, and it is home to the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders. The Tower is located on the Thames River in London, and it stands over 200 feet tall.
It is an important part of British history, and it is one of the most well-known landmarks in the world.
St Pauls Cathedral.
Built during the reign of King Charles II, and designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London destroyed its predecessor in 1666. The cathedral is now one of the most recognisable sights of London. Visitors can climb the dome for a panoramic view over London and purchase unique gifts from St Paul’s Cathedral shops and online store.
The present church, dating from the late 17th century, was designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren. Its construction, completed within Wren’s lifetime (1632–1723), was part of a major rebuilding programme in the City after the Great Fire of London.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare’s plays and you’re visiting London, then the Globe Theatre is a popular tourist attraction. This reconstruction of an original 16th century theatre was masterminded by Sam Wanamaker, who first conceived of the idea in 1949. The modern theatre is based on research and interpretation, standing as close to the original design as possible. It features a thatched roof, an open-air stage and a pit for standing audience members called “groundlings”. These characteristics are very similar to those of the original Globe Theatre.
The new Globe Theatre was opened in 1997 after years of planning and fundraising efforts by many people. In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, it is also used for performances today.
National Theatre.
The National Theatre is a great place for all things theatrical. Did you know that it was created in 1963? It’s also one of the United Kingdom’s largest publicly funded performing arts venue. This means that the building itself is an important piece of history, and many famous architects have worked on its design. You’ll be able to see their work inside and outside the building depending on what kind of tour you take.
The theatre hosts three auditoria that host a wide variety of productions including plays, music, dance and circus acts. The National Theatre also has a large number of resident companies that produce work here as well as touring productions from other UK theatres and even Broadway!
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a world-renowned art gallery located in London, England. Founded in 1897, the Tate houses a collection of British and international art from the 16th century to the present day. The Tate Modern is particularly well-known for its extensive holdings of modern and contemporary art, which includes works by such influential artists as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Jackson Pollock.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Tate Modern also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase both new and established artists from all over the world, and provide visitors with an opportunity to see some of the newest trends in the art world. Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for a unique way to spend
Covent Garden.
Any visitor to London will likely find themselves in Covent Garden at some point during their stay. This lively district is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as the famous Covent Garden Market. It’s also within walking distance of several major attractions, including Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus.The history of Covent Garden dates back to the 17th century when it was developed by the Duke of Bedford. Since then, it has undergone several transformations, but it has always been a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Covent Garden is sure to have something for you to enjoy.
Enjoy London
Londoners and visitors alike can enjoy the many things to do by the river Thames. Whether you want to relax by the water or explore its history, there is something for everyone. So get out and enjoy all that London has to offer! What’s your favourite thing to do near the river Thames?