It's London Rivers Week - And Don't Know About You But We're Diving Right In

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 29 months ago

Looks like this article is a bit old. Be aware that information may have changed since it was published.

It's London Rivers Week - And Don't Know About You But We're Diving Right In
Tower Bridge aglow amid a wonderfully purple cityscape
The River Thames. You might have heard of it.

From the Thames to Turkey Brook, the waterways of London are celebrated during London Rivers Week — taking place 23-30 October.

The deluge of in-person and online events is hosted by waterway warriors Thames21, in a bid to raise awareness (and wonder) of the capital's various rivers — plus its docks, streams, canals and the like.

A woman in jewellery stoops by a river and splashes the water towards the camera
Learn about the river deity of sweet waters, Mama Osun, at Battersea Bridge, as part of London Rivers Week

As you'd expect, the Thames gets a major look-in, with a virtual tour tracking from central London into the rugged Thames Estuary (23 October); a pilgrimage to Battersea Bridge to honour the ancient river deity, Mama Osun (24 October); and a four-mile walk from Lambeth Bridge to London Bridge to admire the resplendent Illuminated London bridges (28 October).

A young boy dips a net into a stream, while standing on a rock
Go stream dipping for wildlife with the kids at Headstone Manor Park in Harrow

You can also dive into activities involving lesser-known rivers: take a walk INTO Turkey Brook in Albany Park, while scouting for kingfishers (23 October). Take the kids for a spot of stream dipping at Harrow's Headstone Manor Park (26 October). Give a helping hand cleaning and manicuring the banks of the River Roding in Woodford (26 October). Or walk the Docklands' canals and towpaths while learning about London's part in the transatlantic slave trade (27 October).

As you'll see from the full programme, there's plenty to keep the kids occupied over half term, but anyone with more than a trickle of enthusiasm for London's waterways should take the plunge and get involved.

London Rivers Week, 23-30 October 2021. Most events are free, but many require booking.

Last Updated 21 October 2021