As we all know, the Thames is the beating heart of the city, from which all the fun and games revolve, but now there’s a way to get even more up close and personal to our beloved river. Swap stomping the pavements for a paddle, and you can get a drastically different viewpoint of the city you thought you knew.
The London Kayak Company offer a few different ways to paddle through the city, including a route from Greenwich to Battersea (or the other way around), a night tour, a sunset tour and a route from Greenwich to the Thames Barrier and back.
Conquering the Thames in a tandem kayak
Before launching, participants are kitted out in waterproofs from head to toe and sealed into tandem kayaks. Professional instructors guide you for the duration of the three-hour trek.
From this low vantage point, you get to see London from a whole other POV. The Secret London team tried out the one-way expedition that stretches between Greenwich and Battersea. On this particular route, you will float past the London Eye, drift alongside the Houses of Parliament, and cruise directly beneath the colossal stone towers of Tower Bridge.
The route does demand genuine physical exertion, especially when the surface turns rough. Novice rowers must be ready to work, as Secret London videographer, Tom, warns, “prepare for the Thames to absolutely test you at points.” Passing high-speed boats can add sudden turbulence, so it’s something you’ll have to be prepared for.
With prices from £59 per person, depending on the tour you go for, the excursion delivers a mix of muscle-burning effort and iconic architectural sights.
And to add to all that, it is entirely possible to finish the journey dry—and, crucially, without swallowing a single drop of the river.
