Trade or recreation, the River Thames always delivers. It’s one of London’s lifeblood and iconic landmarks you should tick off on your list.
But since you’re already in Thames, you would want to discover more around the area. From pubs to free parks, there’s so much more to add to your quick itinerary.
Whether you’re a solo traveller or with a group, no need to worry about where to roam or what to do. We’ve already rounded up the top things to do near the Thames in London, together with tips for a hassle-free trip!
Golf at Battersea Park
Media Credit: puttinthepark
Website: https://www.puttinthepark.com/
Address: Albert Bridge Rd
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fees:
- Kids (under 15): £11
- Adults: £14
- Students: £12
- Family of 4 bundle: £46
If you’re with family or friends, this mini-golf at Battersea Park is worth your time. Putt in the Park offers a fun, sporty experience just right along the Thames. No hassle of long travels.
If you’re a newbie and just want to try casual golf, this 12-hole course is perfect for you. They designed it to suit all ages. It doesn’t disappoint, complete with rockeries and seasonal water extras.
Best partner? Food! You can grab wood-fired pizza and wine. If you prefer coffee, there’s a café-bar just near the golf course.
| Pro tip: Book as early as possible if you’re aiming for weekends, since Putt in the Park is quite popular. |
Relax at the Victoria Tower Gardens
Address: Abingdon St, Millbank
Contact Details: +443000612350
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fees: Free entry
Between the Thames and the Houses of Parliament, you’ll see the Victoria Tower Gardens. It’s a Grade II-listed park, famous as Westminster’s “secret green space”. But now that you know it, it ain’t a secret anymore. (LOL)
Just place a blanket and sit while you enjoy the green and blue horizon and get a nice view of the riverside and boats passing by. There are also public art pieces like Emmeline Pankhurst’s statue and the Buxton Memorial.
You can buy food and drinks near the southern entrance of the park. Oh, and for those with kids, there is also a playground available.
| Pro tip: There is no parking space (nearest is the Q‑Park), so plan your trip accordingly. |
Roast BBQs at Skuna Boats’ floating hot tub
Media Credit: skunaboats
Website: https://www.skunaboats.com/
Address: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Rd
Contact Details: +442072052827
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Fees:
- Bring your own food (except drinks): £35 per person
- With foods purchased from them: £45 per person
Got no motion sickness? Then, better try this other level of BBQ experience! Skuna Boats lets you cruise along the River Thames while grilling your food.
The boat comes with BBQ essentials and pub music for 2 hours. You’ll also get water and some rental accessories like swimwear or towels. If you prefer drinking, you must purchase at their bar since bringing your own is not allowed.
You can choose how long you want it (75 – 120 minutes). There’s a hot tub on the boat that might make you spend more time in it.
| Pro tip: Bring your towel, swimwear, and slippers to save money. You don’t have to rent all these. |
Visit the South Bank
Media Credit: southbank_london
Free Admissions:
- Book market
- Public art
- Jeppe Hein benches
- Poetry Library
Places that Need Booking:
- London Eye
- Theatres
- Exhibits
Going on the southern part of the Thames, you’ll see the South Bank. It’s a riverside spot with a dozen things to do. This is perfect for both solo and group travellers.
For walking or chilling, you can stroll on The Queen’s Walk. It starts from Lambeth Bridge to Tower Bridge. If that’s a hard pass, then maybe Southbank Centre will do for a cultural touch.
Still a no? No worries because there’s OXO Tower Wharf to shop and dine on the rooftop. Book lovers also buzz the Southbank Centre Book Market just right under Waterloo Bridge.
| Pro tip: There are stations near the park (Waterloo, Blackfriars, and more). It could help you plan your tour. |
Eat at the Borough Market
Media Credit: boroughmarket
Contact Details: +442074071002
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Stalls to try:
- Arabica To Go
- Bedales of Borough
- Borough Cheese Company
- Borough Wines
- Butter Nut of London
- Change Please
- Fish! Restaurant
- Grovers of Borough Market
If you’re a foodie, the Borough Market exists to satisfy your tastebuds. Located right next to the London Bridge, you’ll find lots of fresh produce and stalls that’ll tempt you to try.
Some of the must-try items are the seafood of Richard Haward’s Oysters and the ultra-gooey grilled cheese sandwich of Kappacasein. There are also pastries and baked bread at Bread Ahead Bakery.
For street food hunters, you’ll be happy with grilled chorizo, Thai pancakes, and goat meat bowls. But if you’re hoping for a more French experience, you can go to El Pastor for tacos or Gelateria 3Bis for gelatos.
| Pro tip: You can mix and match oysters, cheese, street food, and doughnuts. This is famous in Borough Market. |
Chill at the Sky Garden
Media Credit: sg_skygarden
Website: https://skygarden.london/
Address: 1, Sky Garden Walk
Contact Details: +443337720020
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
It would be a sin to skip London’s highest public garden when you’re already by the Thames. The Sky Garden or the “Walkie Talkie” building offers a green indoor haven where you can relax.
This three-story garden includes various plants from the Mediterranean to herbs. You can walk on the terraces and sit on the available benches. You can also spend some time on the balcony or curved dome and take some IG-worthy photos.
You’ll appreciate this indoor garden with its 360-degree view of the river – it looks more stunning at sunset. It’s free, you only need to have an advanced booking since they limit walk-ins.
| Pro tip: You can extend your stay and level up the experience by booking a reservation at the bar. |
Ride a go-kart
Media Credit: teamsportkarting
Website: https://www.team-sport.co.uk/
Address: 3 Herringham Rd
Contact Details: +441252732300
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fees:
- 50-lap: ~£40 per person
- Time-raced: Starts at ~£20 per person
- Unlimited up to 50 mins: ~£30 per person
- Standard rate: Starts at £25
Right on the Thames, TeamSport Docklands offers fun-filled indoor kart racing. This is perfect for anyone, including kids aged 8 years old and above.
You’ll drive 270 cc Biz EV03 petrol-powered karts to the 800m multi-level circuit. For kids, there are Cadet carts suitable for up to 12 years old. It’s a great casual experience for the whole family.
| Pro tip: You need to book in advance with a discount available on their site. |
See modern art
Media Credit: tate
Website: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Address: Bankside
Contact Details: +442078878888
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fees: Starts at £20, depending on the exhibit
For your artsy side, the Tate Modern is a nice spot. It’s a modern art museum located just South Bank of the Thames (old Bankside Power Station).
Enjoy free admission to the themed galleries ranging from surrealism to pop art. You’ll see the art of Picasso, Warhol, and more. There are also permanent and temporary collections you don’t want to miss.
Guided tours last 45 minutes. However, if you’re an art aficionado, the best visit length is around 2 – 4 hours. There are special exhibits (paid) that are definitely worth your time.
| Pro tip: You can access their free terrace with a nice view of St Pau’s and the city. |
Drink at the oldest riverside pub
Website: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/prospect-of-whitby
Address: 57 Wapping Wall
Contact Details: +442074811095
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Prospect of Whitby is the perfect place to end your day near the Thames. As the city’s oldest riverside pub, you’ll see its 400-year-old flagged stone floor and 18th-century wood panels.
This is where Charles Dickens, J.M.W. Turner, and other famous individuals used to drink. They offer a traditional pub menu and Greene King ales, which pair well with their outdoor seating area that overlooks the river.
| Pro tip: Partner your drink with their famous fish‑n‑chips! It makes for a great winding-down meal. |
