Adventures in Autumn
Enjoy autumn in London along the Thames
The days may be getting cooler, but with autumn comes a different perspective on exploring London. Enjoy plenty of personal space and hop aboard with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for the most comfortable journey through the city, spotting landmarks along the banks of the River Thames. Onboard for a day out, you can sit indoors, socially-distanced, with scenic views, or outside on the back deck taking in the fresh air. You can also make use of the onboard café bar, grabbing hot chocolates and meals throughout the journey.
Here are six things you can enjoy from the river on a day out.
1. The Lastminute.com London Eye
Now in its 20th year, The Lastminute.com London Eye is open to visitors through pre-booked tickets. Disembark at London Eye (Waterloo) Pier, and board one of the 32 glass capsules to slowly glide into the air flying high above the waters of the Thames for a birds-eye vantage point over London's skyline. Gaze over the tranquil waters of the River Thames and the iconic, Gothic grandeur of the Houses of Parliament. Keep your eyes peeled for the Royal Standard flag flying above Buckingham Palace — the indicator that the Queen is at home. At the top — if clear skies are on your side — you can see as far as 25 miles away.
2. Somerset House
Disembark at Embankment Pier for Somerset House, London’s working arts centre. Currently in the courtyard, ‘Arrivals + Departures’ is a large-scale interactive installation open until 5 November, exploring birth, death, and the journey in between, by artist duo YARA + DAVINA. Taking the recognisable form of a station board, the artwork invites visitors to share the names of people who have arrived and departed as a way to celebrate a birth or commemorate a death. The interactive installation also honours the heritage of Somerset House itself, which was formerly home to the General Registrar of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, holding the first comprehensive record of life events for the whole of the population for many generations.
3. Tower Bridge
There is no better way to photograph the world-famous bridge than from the river, but did you know you can tour inside? Hop-off at Tower or London Bridge City piers, and see inside London’s defining landmark. From the high-level walkways, take in stunning panoramic views and experience the thrill of seeing London life through the glass floor. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the unsung heroes of Tower Bridge, uncover their stories and soak in the atmosphere of the working bridge in one of London's true hidden gems: the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms. Once you’ve visited, don’t forget to share your experience via #MyTowerBridge on social media, to contribute to their forthcoming onsite exhibition.
4. The O2
From North Greenwich Pier, do some shopping in The O2’s Icon Outlet. Stores include the new Hugo Boss store, Crew Clothing Company, Hackett London, Osprey London, a Nike Factory Store, and luxury British chocolatier and cacao grower Hotel Chocolat. Oxygen Freejumping is also now open if you want to experience the UK’s leading trampoline park during your day out, or take to the iconic roof with Up at The O2 for sweeping views across the capital.
5. Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College is the architectural centrepiece of Maritime Greenwich and a must-see for any visit to the capital. Hop off at Greenwich Pier and explore the newly restored Painted Hall and the neoclassical Chapel. Hear the naval stories of the site and of those who lived and worked here, and enjoy the beautiful historic grounds. The site includes the Old Brewery, a bar, and restaurant serving locally sourced quality British food.
6. Greenwich Peninsula Activity Trail
Wrap up warm and head outdoors into the open air for an afternoon of fun!
Artist Ben Connors and his daughter, Nila, have created two characters, Green and Wich, to take you on a journey of exploration. Hop off at North Greenwich Pier to complete a series of challenges as you navigate around the Peninsula, taking in the sights, sounds and textures along the way. You can download the free activity book from the Greenwich Peninsula website.
Hop on and off Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ services all day when you buy a River Roamer. A Family River Roamer costs £35.60 for two adults and up to three children (aged 5-15; 4s and under travel for free as standard) when booked online. River Roamers can also be bought on the Thames Clippers Tickets or Uber apps, at ticket machines at piers, and ticket offices but are 10% cheaper when bought online or via the apps.
For full details of the enhanced onboard safety measures in response to Covid-19 check thamesclippers.com/safety-measures