London & Partners

Area Focus: River Thames
By Sasha Wood
WHY Flowing through the centre of London, the River Thames is the ideal
starting point for exploring the capital. Its banks are jam-packed with must-see
spots — iconic buildings, exciting attractions, and vibrant entertainment hubs.
Plus a boat cruise gives visitors a great sightseeing snapshot of the city.
WHEN With the glorious spectacle of the Mayor’s Thames Festival and
new attractions Up At The O 2 and The London Pleasure Gardens adding to
Temple
its appeal, August and September are the perfect time to follow
the river and discover all the area has to offer.
U
Embankment
Waterloo
Bridge
U
1
3
5
St. Paul’s
Cathedral
Blackfriars
Bridge
Millennium
Bridge
U
St. Paul’s
Bridge
Southwatk
Westminster
U
Westminster
Bridge
4
2
Tate Modern
Shakespeare’s
Globe
= Piers for riverboats
1 NORTH BANK
Standing proud on the Thames’ historic north bank
are some of London’s most memorable buildings
including the Houses of Parliament (p. 58) and the
Tower of London (p. 63), marking the area out as
the city’s traditional power centre. Neoclassical gem
Somerset House (p. 60), as well as world-class
gallery Tate Britain (p. 71) can also be found along
the Thames’ central London stretch. A trip to the
Tower – a perfectly-preserved 900-year-old fortress
with resident Yeoman Warders, royal ghosts and
dazzling crown jewels – is an unmissable part of any
sightseeing itinerary. The domed top of St Paul’s
Cathedral (p. 60) and the majestic Tower Bridge
(p. 60) add to this extraordinary skyline.
Houses of
Parliament
Lambeth
Bridge
3 SOUTH BANK AND BANKSIDE
Whether you are looking for
family attractions, high culture,
or colourful entertainment, the
southern side of the Thames is a
must-see destination. South Bank,
a pedestrianised area running from
Westminster Bridge to Blackfriars
Bridge, is crammed with tourist
attractions including enormous ferris
wheel the EDF Energy London Eye
(p. 58), which offers a sublime bird’seye
view of the city. Right next door,
County Hall is home to a bevy of
amusements including the Namco
entertainment centre (p. 59). Further
east, there’s a cluster of brilliant arts
venues including the Southbank
Centre (p. 105), currently hosting the Festival Of The World (p. 51);
and the National Theatre (p. 102), home to three superb theatres.
On Bankside, stretching between Blackfriars and London Bridges,
visitors will find two of London’s gems – contemporary art mecca
Tate Modern (p. 74) and the beautiful reconstruction of 16th-century
thatched-roof theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe (p. 60).
2 BOATS
Take to the water for some fantastic
photo opportunities. There’s a wealth
of boat trips to tempt you, from
Thames Clippers’ quick catamarans
and City Cruises’ sightseeing services
(pictured) to London Duck Tours’
quirky WWII amphibious vehicles
(p. 64). With Bateaux London you
can chart the river in style on a glasswalled
floating restaurant, while The
London Showboat combines cabaret
and dining. Get even closer to the
water with the thrilling Thames RIB
Experience speedboat tours or canoe
downstream with Kayaking London
(for further details see p. 65).
4 SEA LIFE
LONDON AQUARIUM
For a peek at life beneath the
surface of the River Thames, plus
a chance to see exotic marine
creatures, take a trip to the Sea Life
London Aquarium (p. 60). Located
in County Hall, residents include
rays, penguins, sharks and turtles.
LONDON EYE IMAGE © THINKSTOCK/STOCKBYTE/JOHN FOXX; HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT IMAGE © LONDONONVIEW.COM; BOAT IMAGE COURTESY OF CITY
CRUISES; SEA TURTLE IMAGE © SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM; ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL IMAGE © LONDONONVIEW.COM/BRTAINONVIEW/PAWEL LIBERA
46
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