Around 50 preserved vintage boats are mooring up at central London's only marina for a free festival.
The Classic Boat Festival returns to St Katharine Docks — next to Tower Bridge — on Saturday 6- Sunday 7 September 2025 as part of the Totally Thames Festival. It's the 16th time the event has been held, and will be bigger than ever, extending further into the west basin so that larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges can take part.
Among the vessels on display are several of the surviving Dunkirk Little Ships, which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940. There's also the chance to see historic tugs and a Navy P2000 vessel, as well as motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range.
Some of the work boats and sailing and motor yachts will be available for the public to climb onboard and have a closer look, while chatting with the owners. Wobbly on your sea legs? Stay on dry land for live entertainment, food and drink stalls, kids' activities and other nautical-themed happenings across both days.
The Classic Boat Festival at St Katharine Docks takes place 6-7 September 2025, 11am-5pm Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday. The festival starts and ends with an opening and closing salute of horns each day.
