There is something both exhilarating and incredibly peaceful about paddling quietly in a solo kayak or with family and friends in an open canoe on the beautiful river Thames as Chiswick.
As part of Thames Tidefest 2022 on September 4th 2022 we have teamed up with Edge Paddling who are based at Kew Bridge to offer you the chance to try a taster session at an incredibly low price starting at just £5 (plus booking fee).
If you’ve never been in a canoe or Kayak before this is your chance ! If you’ve had a go before and long to try it again, then this is for you too !
Sessions will go on throughout the day from 11.00am till 3.00pm
There are four solo kayaks available for each session and two family canoes per session. (A family canoe can hold a maximum of two adults and two small children or one larger teenager and MUST contain at least one adult)
Kayaks – 1 person per kayak, all participants must be 16years +
If you fancy a go just book tickets below and be sure to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet and sensible shoes. All equipment, including buoyancy aids will be supplied.
Qualified coaches will lead the groups and coaches reserve the right to assess the suitability of groups on the day.
Family Canoe costs £10 per session (plus booking fee)
The mud and gravel that makes up the Thames foreshore is quite literally littered with History. Every day amazing new objects from long are found as the mighty river constantly uncovers lost and discarded items from many centuries of settlements along it’s banks. From Roman jewellery to WW2 munitions the diverse rage of archaeological items discovered where the tide goes out is quite staggering. What’s more the buildings themselves and the man made structure that keeps the Thames within it banks (most of the time!) are also full of fascinating history.
You can read an amazing article about some of the things found on the London Forshore, written by Friend of Tidefest Lara Maiklem HERE
As part of Thames Tidefest 2022 we will once again be running our highly popular Thames Foreshore guided walks will led by local archaeologist Dr Fiona Haughey who has worked on the Thames foreshore since 1993. Come along a witness the living history of London’s river who knows what might be found ! Tickets are just £5 per person (plus booking fee).
Meeting point: head of the new river stairs by Kew bridge upstream side (off the Kew Bridge piazza)
Timings: Ist walk 14.30-15.30 2nd walk 16.00-17.00
Each group maximum number 20 in total. No unaccompanied children. Suitable for children aged 7yrs upwards, not any younger. Not suitable for those with mobility issues – steps, uneven underfoot, muddy areas. Suitable footgear for an uneven, muddy environment ie trainers/wellies/stout shoes. Gloves will be provided
(Only those able to show a PLA permit will be allowed to take anything away from the foreshore)
The Chelsea Kayak Club is London’s friendly sea kayaking club. They are based at Brentford Boating Arch at Kew Bridge so they are a perfect partner for Thames Tidefest !
On September 4th 2022 they will be running 1hr 30 minute Sea Kayaking taster session for just £10 per person on the beautiful River Thames. If you fancy a go then this is the perfect opportunity and also a great way to find out if you might be interested in joining the club and getting involved with all their activities. BOOK NOW as their are limited places (see below)
Each session includes some tuition followed by a paddle in a single sea kayaks.
OVER 18’s ONLY
We suggest wearing sports clothing and shoes that can get wet. 8 places available per session. Session timings:
*. 10.15 – 12noon
· 12noon – 1.30pm
· 1.45-3.15pm
· 3.30-5pm
Participants should be over 18 years of age, be able to swim 50 metres and come changed ready to paddle.
Meet up at the Eel Pie Island Museum which covers the early careers of Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Bowie, Genesis and many other 1960’s stars and their links to the island. Staff will be on hand to talk about the exhibits.
Then setting off on your fully illustrated walk along Twickenham’s historic Arcadian riverside. Some of your stops along the way: Church St in the heart of the riverside village, the Embankment overlooking Eel Pie Island, Twickenham’s very own Naked Ladies, the 17th century White Swan Pub (time for a pint later!), and Orleans House Gallery, home to the borough’s art collection.
Twickenham’s very own Naked Ladies have quite a story !
Your walk will finish on the riverside opposite Ham House, next to Hammertons Ferry.
Participants are then welcome to return to the museum at any time during the day (the museum closes at 6pm).
Meet up at the award-winning Eel Pie Island Museum in central Twickenham
Meeting Point is Eel Pie Island Museum. 1-3 Richmond Road Twickenham TW1 3AB
One of the brilliant things about Thames Tidefest is the atmosphere that is generated around Kew Bridge and Strand On The Green during the event. It’s absolutely joyful ! Plus you don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy the event as there are loads of free attractions and stalls.
River Dipping
Find out for yourself some of the amazing creatures that live in the river with our fantastic river dipping sessions run by Thames 21
This is always a hugely popular activity is suitable for both adults and families with children. These will be walk up sessions from 11am till 4.00pm. No need to book and boots are supplied. Just come on down and get dipping !
What’s In The River ?
If you don’t fancy grabbing a net yourself then…..
The Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) will be giving demonstrations of seine netting and displays of their catches from the slipway adjacent to Kew Bridge and Strand on the Green from around 11.30am onwards. A small stand with fish tanks and educational material will be in the Thames 21 marquee from 11am to 5pm Come along and find out what is living in the Thames Tideway.
RNLI stall and lifeboat
The Royal National Lifeboat Institute will be on site all day engaging with families to tell them about their work. The day will include family-oriented safety message, small quizzes surrounding water safety, education of the work of the RNLI on both The Thames and Coastal Areas, Fundraising and Retail (souvenirs).
A visit from the Chiswick Lifeboat is planned if operations allow
Sailing Race
For those who prefer their boats with sails the Strand on the Green Sailing Club will be racing for the Thames Tideway Cup starting at 3.20pm. Spectators Welcome The club races every Sunday from March till November and is keen to attract new members
Fishing Competition
Angling Competition Weigh-in from 3.30pm
Come and see the amazing range of fish that live in the tidal Thames. 40 top anglers will be competing in this year’s Thames Tidefest Angling Championship. You can watch them weigh in their catches from 3.30pm on the foreshore at Strand on the Green
Draw: 7.30am Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge, Strand on the Green, W4 3RE
Tides: High – 8.35am – 6.2m. Low – 3.49pm – 1.4m
Fishing: Five hours from 10.30am – 3.30pm (depending on tide height)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Thames Water activities stall
Run by Thames Water these will be free walk up sessions running throughout the day for both children and adults
Circus Skills Workshop
Will be running children’s sessions throughout the day at no charge
There’s nothing quite like stepping onto a beautiful boat and then heading off on a relaxing and fascinating guided cruise, especially on the River Thames. Treat yourself to a wonderful experience.
The Thames Islands Cruise – A Guided return boat trip from Kew Pier towards Hammersmith Bridge and back aboard Thames Discoverer.
Join Peter Finch – chairman of the River Thames Society and an authority on the river, aboard River Thames Boat Project’s beautiful 65ft river cruise boat, Thames Discoverer. Peter will point out and illuminate landmarks throughout the trip. The trip lasts approximately 1 hour.
Thames Discoverer will leave Kew Bridge Pier at 10:30am, 11:45pm, 1.00pm, 2:15pm
Amazing low price of just £12 per passenger ! (plus booking fee)
Helping people explore the River Thames and it’s amazing history is an integral part of the Thames Tidefest experience and this year is no different. We have some amazing guided walks and adventures for you to enjoy !
All our walks and adventures are listed on this page, so scroll right to the bottom to see the full choice.
Olivers Island Tours
A Unique opportunity to explore a secret Thames island !
Come and explore a secret island that is in full view as you walk along the towpath and yet out of sight. Oliver’s island is shrouded in mystery as well as trees and yet was a very important participant in the trading along the Thames over the past few hundred years. Come and see the view from its banks, explore its history both ancient and more recent, and hear about its environmental importance.
Your guide for the day will be local archaeologist Dr Fiona Haughey who will be leading 5 x 30 minute tours at:
9.00am
9.30am
10.00am
10.30am
11.00am
Meeting Point is the ramp By Kew Rail Bridge by Strand on the Green Sailing Club (between the City Barge and Bull’s Head pubs)
No children under 16 or unaccompanied minors.
Access to the island is by boat and steep steps and the surface is very uneven so it is not suitable for those with mobility issues and sensible footwear is important.
Transport to the island provided by Strand on the Green sailing club.
Sensible, waterproof footwear is recommended.
Cost £10 plus booking fee
Twickenham Riverside Heritage Walk and Visit to the Eel Pie Island Museum
Fantastic history tour and museum visit
Meet up at the Eel Pie Island Museum which covers the early careers of Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Bowie, Genesis and many other 1960’s stars and their links to the island. Staff will be on hand to talk about the exhibits.
Then setting off on your fully illustrated walk along Twickenham’s historic Arcadian riverside. Some of your stops along the way: Church St in the heart of the riverside village, the Embankment overlooking Eel Pie Island, Twickenham’s very own Naked Ladies, the 17th century White Swan Pub (time for a pint later!), and Orleans House Gallery, home to the borough’s art collection.
Twickenham’s very own Naked Ladies have quite a story !
Your walk will finish on the riverside opposite Ham House, next to Hammertons Ferry.
Participants are then welcome to return to the museum at any time during the day (the museum closes at 6pm).
Meet up at the award-winning Eel Pie Island Museum in central Twickenham
Meeting Point is Eel Pie Island Museum. 1-3 Richmond Road Twickenham TW1 3AB
Walks at 11.30am 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Max 18 people per walk
Cost £8 + booking fee.
Strand on The Green Foreshore Walk (Archaeology & History)
The highly popular Thames Foreshore guided walks will led by local archaeologist Dr Fiona Haughey who has worked on the Thames foreshore since 1993. Come along a witness the living history of London’s river.
Meeting point: head of the new river stairs by Kew bridge upstream side (off the Kew Bridge piazza)
Timings: Ist walk 14.30-15.30 2nd walk 16.00-17.00
Each group maximum number 20 in total. No unaccompanied children. Suitable for children aged 7yrs upwards, not any younger. Not suitable for those with mobility issues – steps, uneven underfoot, muddy areas. Suitable footgear for an uneven, muddy environment ie trainers/wellies/stout shoes. Gloves will be provided
(Only those able to show a PLA permit will be allowed to take anything away from the foreshore)
