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.
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)
£5 per ticket. (plus booking fee)
“Mudlark” explorer walk: Discover our ancient and not so ancient past that is hidden in the mud, with Thames Mudlark Lara Maiklem. Click the button below for more info and tickets
Bird-watching Walks with Andrew Peel of RSPB: Whether you are an expert or a raw beginner you will love these bird-watching walks. Click the button below for more info and tickets
Photography Walk with Jon Perry: No matter what your skill level, bring along you camera and Jon will get you taking better photos in no time ! Click the button below for more info and tickets
Lots Ait Historic Boatyard Tour: Find out the amazing history of this hidden Thames boatyard that was used as a set for filming “The African Queen”. Click the button for more info and tickets
Guided Bird & Nature Walks Around Kempton Nature Reserve
Creekside Low Tide Walk: A guided adventure for adults and accompanied children ages 9+ in Deptford Creek. Wade in a wild river and experience a different perspective of London history and urban wildlife.Led by our conservationist with 30 years’ experience, we guarantee you some good, clean, muddy fun! Expeditions last about two hours and advance booking is essential to secure a place. Participants need to be reasonably fit as you will be walking on the bed of a wild river. We provide waders, a waterproof and a walking stick and suggest you wear old clothes. Click the button for more info and tickets