There's a rather lovely new bit of riverside terrace to enjoy... and it's right above a 'lost river' confluence.
Amble along the Chelsea Embankment and you'll find that it's been embiggened. A new-ish bulwark of land sticks out into the Thames, opposite the southern gate to the Royal Hospital.
Dubbed 'Chelsea Quay', the platform was opened in 2024 by the Princess Royal. It's quite delightful, with lashings of coloured brick, wildflower planters, sweeping terraces, and some choice views of the river. Like this one:
Or this one:
Chelsea Quay is one of seven minor expansions to the river embankments, all built by the Thames Tideway supersewer project. We previously visited the first to open, over in Putney. Each caps one of the shafts used to construct the 25km relief sewer, designed to greatly reduce the amount of crap that ends up in the Thames.
This particular hunk of reclaimed land has covered over one of the curiosities of the river. This was the point where the 'lost' River Westbourne — now carried by a sewer — would flow into the Thames during surge conditions. The mouth of the outfall was particularly noticeable. Indeed, it was even possible to step inside for a few metres at low tide, for those prepared to be a bit naughty.
The new embankment was, of course, placed here deliberately to catch any of the overflow and prevent it going into the Thames. It's a pity, though, to lose this visible sign of one of the lost rivers. Those seeking the hidden watercourse can still feel its presence at Sloane Square station, where the Westbourne is famously carried over the tracks in a metal conduit.
Chelsea Quay is a short walk west of Chelsea Bridge.
