Thames Tidefest Offers you the chance to enjoy A River Thames Cruise aboard the wonderful Thames Launch ‘Discoverer’ with fun and informative commentary from Peter Finch, chairman of the River Thames Society.
Stand out on the open bow and stern decks as the trip will head downriver from Kew Pier past the historic village of Strand-on-the-Green – once home to Dylan Thomas and Nancy Mitford, past Oliver’s Island – apparently named after Oliver Cromwell at the time of the battle of Turnham Green. Further down, take in the old brewery Maltings buildings and the picturesque riverside villages of Mortlake and Chiswick Mall.
Depart from Kew Pier and explore the beauty and history of the River Thames with this amazing cruise aboard the Discoverer as it gently ambles along to Hammersmith. Peter Finch is the Chairman of the Thames Society and will be your guide, commentating on the amazing wildlife and rich history of the river.
Trips will leave Kew Pier at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm and 2.15pm
Going on a relaxing cruise of the Thames in a beautiful and historic boat is one of the very best ways of getting to know the river better and as part of Thames Tidefest 2021 we have two fantastic cruises to choose from so scroll right down the page to see the choice on offer. Book now or miss out as our ticket prices are so good the tickets are always snapped up quickly !
River Thames Islands Cruise on the historic Windrush
Take a boat trip along the Thames aboard this historic Thames Launch. As part of Tidefest 21, The River Thames Society is organising four trips – each an hour long – around the Thames Tideway islands, leaving from Kew Pier . Guided commentary is included. (Advance booking is essential as these trips sell out quickly)
The Windrush will leave Kew Pier at 11am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm, 2.45pm
A River Thames Cruise aboard the wonderful Thames Launch ‘Discoverer’ with fun and informative commentary from Peter Finch, chairman of the River Thames Society. The trip is from Kew Pier towards Hammersmith Bridge.
Trips will leave Kew Pier at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm and 2.15pm
We are delighted to announce that following the continued easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions Thames Tidefest 2021 will definitely being going ahead as planned on Sunday September 12th at Strand on the Green, Chiswick and other venues along the Thames Tideway. However, as last year, most of the events in our reduced programme will have to be pre- booked.
Although most of the events have to be pre-booked, there will be free activities available on the day. There is always a fantastic festival atmoshphere at Strand On The Green where Tidefest is based so make sure you visit on Septemer 12th
Tidefest is now in its 8th year and celebrates the recreational opportunities available on the River Thames in London with activities for all the family. These include paddle boarding, kayaking, foreshore walks, island visits, London’s biggest angling competition and much more.
Local wildlife organisations, river and environmental groups and community associations have been involved in organising Tidefest since its inception in 2014. It is part of the month long Totally Thames Festival and with main sponsor Thames Water and with support from the London Borough of Hounslow, Port of London Authority and the Environment Agency.
Tidefest gives the opportunity for young and old alike to learn more about the amazing wildlife of the tidal Thames.
Visitors can enjoy river dipping with experts to discover what lives in the Thames or find some hidden corners with trips to the historic Oliver’s Island or the Eel Pie Island museum – celebrating the 60s music venue which saw the start of the careers of Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones.
Tidefest Chairman Martin Salter from the Angling Trust said:
“Tidefest is now a well-established annual event with a loyal band of followers who turn out every year. It is an event which aims to help reconnect Londoners with their river and we do this by getting into and onto the water through a whole range of educational and recreational activities. The Thames holds over 120 different species of fish and is home to a tremendous array of birds yet surprisingly few people are aware of what a great resource we have here in the heart of London. Please put September 12th in your diary and visit our website to find out what the River Thames has to offer.”
Paddlesports have become a key part of Thames Tidefest in the past eight years and there are lots of opportunities to come along and have a go in one of our taster sessions.
River Thames Islands Cruise on the historic Windrush
Take a boat trip along the Thames. The River Thames Society is organising four trips – each an hour long – around the Thames Tideway islands, leaving from Kew Pier on the historic Thames launch the “Windrush”. Guided commentary is included. (Advance booking is essential as these trips sell out quickly)
The Windrush will leave Kew Pier at 11am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm, 2.45pm
“Wow what an amazing day by the river…I absolutely LOVE Tidefest”*
Now in it’s 5th year, Thames Tidefest 2019 is set to be the bigger and better than ever before. Dubbed “London’s Family River Festival”, Tidefest offers an eclectic mix of free and low cost events centred around the River Thames in London.
Thames Tidefest offers fun and enjoyment for everyone and most of it is absolutely free !
Live music, paddlesports, river cruises, riverside pubs, secret island adventures, historical walks, guided photography sessions, Rock ‘n Roll history, stalls, fishing, river dipping and much, much more and all with an environmental feel, Tidefest is an event for the whole family and one that won’t put a dent in your pocket.
Various paddlesports have always been a huge part of Tidefest and it’s a brilliant opportunity for absolute novices to try their hand.
Much of the Festival is absolutely free, just come along to Strand On The Green in Chiswick on September 8th and join in the fun, or why not buy tickets for one of our amazing low cost special events ? River Cruises for a fiver, Historic tours for £3.00, Bird-watching walks for £2.00 and that’s just the start, all our events are either free or offer amazing value. So what are you waiting for ? Take a look at the ticketed events HERE or find out more about what’s absolutely free HERE.
We’d love to meet you at Thames Tidefest, so please come along and let’s all enjoy the river together !
*first time visitor feedback from last years event.
Thames Tidefest is London’s Family River Festival which brings together a whole host of amazing events on September 8th. As part of the festival we offer two amazing River Thames cruises that highlight the beauty and history of the river. More details below !
The beauty of the River Thames and the Knowledge of Peter Finch..what a great trip !
A Guided return boat trip from Kew Pier to Chiswick Pier aboard the Thames Discoverer + visit to the Chiswick RNLI station
Join Peter Finch – chairman of the River Thames Society and an authority on the river, aboard the magnificent Thames Discoverer launch. Peter will point out and illuminate landmarks throughout the trip.
At Chiswick Pier, you will see and hear about the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, their boat and the equipment they use. The RNLI at Chiswick is a working lifeboat Station. If they have to respond to an emergency on the day, and are not available, Peter Finch will take you on a short walk to explore the delights of old historic Chiswick.
Then back to the boat for the return trip to Kew Bridge.
Tickets just £5*
*plus booking fee
Cruises on “The Windrush” are a real highlight.
River Thames Islands Cruise on the historic Windrush
Take a boat trip along the Thames. The River Thames Society is organising four boat trips – each an hour long – around the Thames Tideway islands, leaving from Kew Pier on the historic Thames launch the “Windrush”. Guided commentary is included. (Advance booking is essential as these trips sell out quickly)
The Windrush will leave Kew Pier at 11am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm, 2.45pm
As part of Thames Tidefest 2018 we have three amazing cruises available. However tickets are limited so BOOK NOW to ensure you don’t miss out.
Windrush Cruise
Cruises on “The Windrush” are always popular.
Take a boat trip along the Thames. The River Thames Society is organising four hour-long boat trips around the Thames Tideway islands, leaving from Kew Pier on the historic Thames launch the “Windrush”. Guided commentary is included. (Advance booking is essential as these trips sell out quickly)
Venue: Kew Pier on the Richmond Bank by Kew Bridge. TW9 3AT
Times: Trips leave at 11.00am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm and 2.45pm
A guided boat trip and visit to Chiswick Pier and back aboard the Thames Discoverer.
The beauty of the River Thames and the Knowledge of Peter Finch..what a great trip !
Join Peter Finch – chairman of the River Thames Society, and an authority on the river, on guided river cruise aboard the magnificent Thames Discoverer. Peter will point out local landmarks throughout the trip.
At Chiswick Pier, you will see and hear about the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, their boat and the equipment they use. The RNLI at Chiswick is a working lifeboat Station. If they have to respond to an emergency on the day, and are not available, then Peter will take you on a short walk to explore the delights of old historic Chiswick.
The round trip will last just over an hour and is suitable for all ages.
Join the Gasworks Dock Partnership’s Heritage Cruise on a 2 hour tour to explore the rich industrial and waterways history of London’s River Lea. There will also be an exhibition in the Gasworks Gallery focusing on the River Lea and the Gardens and Cody Dock Cafe will be open as well
Venue: Boarding and alighting at Cody Dock – 11c South Crescent; Canning Town, London E16 4TL
Timings: Boarding to commence from 3pm – Boat leaves 3.30pm and will return no later than 5.30pm
