The Thames Path is a 180 mile stretch from Gloucestershire to East London but, since we’re all about London, we’ve cut the trek down to a *relatively* short journey from Richmond to Greenwich, crossing various bridges and stopping at some great spots along the way — including art galleries, touristy hangouts, bars, pubs, and garden oases. We are by no means suggesting that you tackle this all in one day… you couldn’t possibly squeeze it all in. But chop it up into parts, and you’ll have some jolly good days up your sleeve. So without further ado, here’s a roundup of the best things to do along the Thames:
1. Kew Gardens
These world-renowned botanical gardens are made up of over 50,000 living plants which can be discovered in a variety of environments from the famous Arboretum to the Alpine rock garden. It’s a lovely spot which borders the Thames and was recently voted the UK’s favourite garden to visit.
2. Dine at Banyan on the Thames
Banyan on the Thames is a wonderful riverside restaurant with a fantastic choice of food in Wandsworth. They do a mean plate of seafood here, so if that’s your kind of thing then you’re in luck!
3. Battersea Park and the Peace Pagoda
A 200-acre slice of tranquility, Battersea Park is one of Londoner’s favourite parks and there’s everything here from tree-lined boulevards to its own bloomin’ zoo! Make sure you pay a visit to the Peace Pagoda, which was built as part of Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii’s (1885–1985) advocacy for world peace and non-violence.
4. Putt in the Park
While you’re in the park, why not try out your putting skills in a game of crazy golf? The course here is a lovely little spot which has it’s own clubhouse café – perfect if you’re wanting a bit of sustenance along the way.
Cross over Chelsea Bridge
5. Glance over at Battersea Power Station
One of the capital’s most iconic buildings, the Battersea Power Station is now also an incredible new hub of impeccable shopping, dining, drinking and leisure opportunities. It’s best viewed from the opposite side of the Thames and makes for a great photo opportunity!
6. Visit the Tate Britain
Ogle at some fine art in the Tate Britain, sister to the Tate Modern. And if you’re an art buff, there’s a whole host of exhibitions on throughout the year!
7. Wander through Victoria Tower Gardens
A public park set along the north bank of the River Thames in London, adjacent to the Victoria Tower, the Victoria Tower Gardens are a lovely little spot if you’re wanting some R&R. It’s also a handy sun trap when the weather’s playing ball!
8. Explore Westminster
Do the typical tourist thing and take some snaps with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, etc. I mean why the hell not?!
Cross Westminster Bridge
9. Stroll along the Southbank
Past the London Eye, the aquarium, the London dungeons, etc. and see if any of them take your fancy. There are also some fantastic street food stalls and pop-up bars along here too – and you know how much we love one of those.
Cross over at Golden Jubilee Bridge, and walk along Victoria Embankment.
10. Somerset House
Perhaps one of London’s most beautiful buildings, Somerset House was built on the site of a Tudor Palace and it has now been transformed into a world class events hub. They have a fantastic Summer Series festival here and an epic ice rink at Christmas time too!
Cross over Waterloo Bridge
11. Stroll along past the National Theatre and the OXO Tower
The setting for some of the planet’s best plays, the National Theatre is well worth a visit and has seen some of the world’s most famous actors tread the boards over the years. You can also tuck into some tasty grub at the OXO Tower, which has a rooftop bar and a brasserie too.
12. Stop for a cocktail at 12th Knot
Just down the way lies 12th Knot, a bar situated 12 floors up in the fantastic Sea Containers. You’ll get a lovely view of the river and the city skyline from up here, and the drinks ain’t half bad either!
13. Marvel at some modern art at the Tate Modern
Part of the Tate gallery family, which also includes Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives, the Tate Modern sits on a prime spot in Bankside, holds a repository of important and influential modern art, and is completely free to enter. It would be rude not to head here of we’re honest!
14. Immerse yourself in history at Shakespeare’s Globe
For some 500 years, London has been a thriving hotbed of theatre, filling the playhouses with the work of playwrights new and old. In terms of sheer spectacle though, nowhere can beat The Globe, the stunning replica of an Elizabethan playhouse that premiered many of Shakespeare’s best-loved works.
15. Scare yourself silly at the Clink Prison Museum
The Clink was a prison in Southwark, England, which operated from the 12th century until 1780. Now in its place lies a fascinating museum, which tries to recreate the conditions of the original prison. Truly interesting stuff!
16. Scoff your face at Borough Market
Now we all knew that this one would be on here didn’t we?! Borough Market is pure heaven for foodies. There’s everything here from donuts to chorizo rolls – see if you can resist at all (we bet you can’t).
Cross over London Bridge
17. Make a slight detour to the Sky Garden and take in the magnificent views
The Sky Garden viewing gallery on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie offers panoramic views over London from their foliage-filled atrium. It’s got floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a bar too so you can happily whet your whistle as you survey the city. Even better – it’s free too!
18. Explore the stunning St. Dunstan’s in the East
The bombed out ruins of this church was named for St. Dunstan, a tenth century monk with a colourful past. He survived brushes with black magic, leprosy, and the Devil himself to become Archbishop of Canterbury – good on him we say! It’s a serene spot which has now been transformed into a beautiful garden. It’s a fantastic spot if you’re wanting to take some time out to relax.
19. Walk along the river to the Tower of London…
One of the city’s oldest and most recognisable tourist attractions, the imposing Tower of London has stood since William the Conqueror decided the capital needed a fortress to remind Londoners of his conquest.Nearly 1000 years later, it’s still standing, famously housing the Crown Jewels and a flock of ravens, who are billed as the ‘Guardians of the Tower’. It’s right by the Thames and it’s a fantastic view – great for a selfie or two!
20. …and take some classic snaps of Tower Bridge
Iconic London landmark with its own glass walkway – what’s not to love here? If you’ve got a head f0r heights, don’t miss out on this one!
21. Take some time wandering around St. Katharine Docks
Have a pint at The Dicken’s Inn or head to an actual Medieval Banquet (yes, you heard). There’s mead and everything.
22. Grab (another) pint at The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping, one of the oldest pubs in London
Now we all love a good boozer, and there are literally thousands to choose from. Make sure you head to this one – it’s London’s oldest riverside pub and dates all the way back to 1520.
23. Get away from the hustle and bustle at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Peace and quiet in the heart of London’s financial hub? It’s not impossible, particularly if you make a beeline for Crossrail Place. There, away from the hordes of stressed-out workers, you find the oasis of calm known as Crossrail Place Roof Garden – a rooftop garden to take you away from the action and into a calming bubble of greenery. Don’t miss out on this one!
24. Take a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car
The often-mocked cable car is actually pretty damn fun thank you very much, and there are some bloody beautiful panoramic views from up top here too.
25. Go go karting at the Docklands
Rounding off this list of the best things to do along the Thames is this unique spot, which offers up 800-metres-worth of hair-raising fun, and an added mezzanine means you’ll be able to enjoy a multi-level experience throughout your ride.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best things to do along the Thames. Stretching the whole way across town, there’s plenty to see and do so see what takes your fancy!
Also published on Medium.