Lisa Hylton discovers how the River Thames comes alive this September with festivals, boat races, cruises and cultural fun from the South Bank to Greenwich.
The River Thames has shaped London for hundreds of years, from its Roman beginnings to its role as a bustling modern-day artery through the capital. Stretching more than 200 miles from the Cotswolds to the North Sea, it’s not just a landmark, it’s a living part of the city’s story.
This month, the river truly takes centre stage, with a wave of exciting events and attractions for families to enjoy, from open-air theatre and world-class art to tall-ship adventures and waterside festivals.
Where the fun sets sail
The annual Totally Thames Festival (1-30 Sep) celebrates London’s iconic river with a vibrant mix of free and ticketed events for all ages. From riverside performances and art installations to guided walks, boat tours and hands-on workshops, the month-long programme brings the Thames to life like never before.
Discover hidden histories, hear river-inspired stories and join in community celebrations along the water’s edge. Whether you’re into live music, heritage talks or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone.
This year, the annual Great River Race (20 Sep) returns, bringing colour, excitement and friendly competition to the Thames. Up to 300 traditional-style boats, from Viking longboats to dragon boats, will take to the water, powered by more than 1,500 enthusiastic rowers. Covering a scenic 21.6-mile course from Millwall in east London to Ham near Richmond in the west, this lively charity race is as much about fun and fancy dress as it is about speed. Spectators can cheer from the riverbanks along the route and soak up the carnival atmosphere as this unique event celebrates teamwork, tradition and the spirit of the river.
Step ashore for more
Prefer entertainment on dry land? Check out live performances such as Sing for Water 2025 at The Scoop at More London (14 Sep), comprising 40 choirs and more than 500 voices raising money for WaterAid.
Singers from across the UK will perform a mix of songs in this free concert, from a new composition, The Water by Katy Rose Bennett, to None of Us are Free, a moving and powerful rhythm and blues classic by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Brenda Russell.
Get to The Scoop earlier in the day to enjoy a performance from the Kids’ Choir, with more than 300 children singing their hearts out on the banks of the Thames.
Dance, drama and Docklands
The riverside revelry doesn’t end there: now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival has returned with a spectacular programme of free outdoor theatre, dance and art across Royal Greenwich and east London (to 6 Sep).
The Weight of Water (5-6 Sep) merges dance and circus with water in a modern parable of global warming. This exciting show sees six daring performers battle to stay balanced on a giant, see-sawing floating stage. As leaders argue, the performers face the consequences, slipping, scrambling and working together to stay afloat.
For more foot-tapping fun, Dancing City 2025 (6 Sep) is a free showcase of varying dance-style talent in outdoor spaces across Stratford.
A river ride to remember
One of the best ways to experience the beautiful river is on the water itself. City Cruises offers a range of sightseeing and dining trips along the Thames. Hop-on, hop-off services run between Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Greenwich piers, giving families the chance to explore top riverside attractions at their own pace.
Live or recorded commentary brings the city’s history to life as you glide past landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. For something extra special, try a lunch, afternoon tea or dinner cruise, complete with delicious food and stunning views.
Themed experiences include the Jazz Dinner Cruise, a Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise and even an Elvis Tribute Cruise.
All aboard!
Step aboard the Cutty Sark in Greenwich and experience life on one of the world’s most famous historic ships. Once the fastest tea clipper on the seas, this beautifully restored 19th-century vessel now invites families to explore its rich maritime past.
Walk beneath its soaring hull, take the helm at the ship’s wheel and discover tales of high-seas adventure through interactive exhibits and hands-on displays. Kids can climb into sailors’ bunks, test their skills with fun activities and meet the ship’s costumed characters. With panoramic views over the Thames from the main deck and a riverside location near other top attractions, the Cutty Sark makes for a brilliant family day out that brings Britain’s seafaring history vividly to life.
Cultural gems
You’ll be transported back to the Elizabethan days as you watch productions such as The Merry Wives of Windsor (to 20 Sep) and Twelfth Night or What You Will (to 25 Oct) at the Globe Theatre, a riverside reconstruction of the theatre for which Shakespeare wrote his timeless plays.
In the mood for melodies? At the Southbank Centre, a night of musical nostalgia and romance awaits at Bridgerton and Beyond with the BBC Concert Orchestra (26 Sep). Enjoy sounds from Bridgerton, Downton Abbey and more, blending beloved period drama scores with contemporary hits.
For an art fix, catch Theatre Picasso at Bankside’s Tate Modern (from 17 Sep) as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Theatre Picasso also marks 100 years of The Three Dancers with artist Wu Tsang and curator Enrique Fuenteblanca presenting more than 40 Picasso works, including UK premieres.
At its sibling gallery, Tate Britain, you can explore the enigmatic world of Edward Burra and the first major exhibition of surrealist Ithell Colquhoun (to 19 Oct).
Dine with a view
Escape the crowds to refuel riverside; London is awash with choices. For an epic view of the Thames while brunching, head to the Seventy5th Balcony Bar at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, or try the famous signature martini at Skylon.
After a more relaxed vibe, head west to the National Theatre for street food while soaking in the atmosphere at KERB Presents: The Table (to late Sep).
Further south, JOIA, perched high in art’otel at Battersea Power Station, combines Iberian flair with breathtaking views of the river and the station’s landmark chimneys.
So, whether you stroll, sail or simply sit and watch the world go by, there’s no better time to enjoy London’s mighty river.
