Hello 2024!
If your New Year’s resolution is to explore more of London’s iconic riverside, you’ve come to the right place.
Skate into the new year
It’s not too late to enjoy ice skating in London! A few ice skate rings are still open. Whether you’re planning a picture-perfect date night, eager to show-off your skills with fellow skating enthusiasts, or enjoying a fun family outing, here are the ice rinks still open.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
London’s longest-running seasonal ice rink is open until 24 February. Head to The Grandstand Bar for the best views of those skating on the rink and enjoy a variety of drinks and lite bites on offer to warm up or cool down after your session on the ice.
Nearest Pier: Canary Wharf
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard has been transformed into a glorious wintry destination with a Swiss winter vibe courtesy of Switzerland Tourism until 14 January . With trailblazing DJs on the decks and skating lessons with Skate School, you can choose to take to the ice or the dance floor. Enjoy a glass of Provence Rosé with the ultimate rink-side view at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel and browse the Shelter Boutique's pre-loved vintage, designer, and high-street clothing and gifts.
Nearest Pier: Embankment
Celebrate the winter season at the Frost Fair, returning for its second year. Head on over to Bankside from 26 - 28 January as they pay homage to one of the most extraordinary events in London's history.
Between approximately 1605 and 1814, the river Thames froze over 24 times, halting all water trade. In response, the people of Bankside transformed the frozen river into 'Frost Fairs'—spectacular events featuring markets, amusements, food, drink, games, pubs, shops, and more!
Drawing inspiration from the area's rich heritage and lively characters, Bankside has reinvented the Frost Fair for the 21st century. Immerse yourself in traditional games, music, dance, artisan stalls, art and craft workshops, and even encounter a life-sized elephant!
Nearest pier: Bankside
Battersea Power Station’s Annual Light Festival
Prepare to be dazzled as Battersea Power Station's annual Light Festival returns to brighten up winter evenings this January. This year's festival is bigger, brighter and more interactive than ever before, featuring spectacular installations from British and international artists.
Returning for its fourth year, the free-to-attend Light Festival promises a visual feast with a large collection of installations. These stunning pieces of artwork will be showcased both outdoors and inside the iconic Grade II listed Power Station between 25 January – 25 February.
Make a day or evening out of your visit and soak in the vibrant atmosphere with a great mix of shops, bars, and restaurants open at Battersea Power Station. There will also be family-friendly workshops, live entertainment and music throughout the festival.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Winter Lights at Canary Wharf
Experience the enchantment of light at Canary Wharf's Winter Lights Festival between 17 – 27 January. The eighth edition invites you to explore 13 spectacular temporary installations alongside beloved permanent light artworks. This immersive journey, showcasing global light artists, highlights the captivating fusion of nature and technology, offering moments of stimulation, beauty, and technical marvel.
As you traverse the illuminated trail, witness Westferry Circus ablaze with the flames of Sign, meander through geometric monoliths in Crossrail Place Roof Garden, and immerse yourself in the mesmerising Submergence at Montgomery Square.
Alongside the stunning installations, savour street food and hot drinks from pop-up markets or indulge in sweet treats with marshmallow toasting at Jubilee Park. Warm up with a hearty meal or cocktail at the various cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Don't miss
Immerse yourself
Discover art and venture through new worlds...
Greetings From Ireland
NOW Gallery showcases its 2023 Fashion Commission, 'Greetings From Ireland', a visionary exhibition by Dublin-born designer Robyn Lynch. Known for providing a platform to the most exciting names in fashion, NOW Gallery's annual commission offers immersive installations, providing unparalleled insight into the designer's practice. Open to the public until 25 February, 'Greetings From Ireland' invites visitors to dive into the bold, playful universe of Robyn Lynch and her eponymous menswear label.
A jubilant celebration of Irish identity, the exhibition delves into the creative process behind a fashion brand, while honouring Lynch's roots with the humorous style that defines her brand. Housed within a massive bouncy castle-esque inflatable structure, the exhibition explores themes of nostalgia, family, Irish heritage, and the freedom of expression from a bygone era, before mobile phones and social media.
Nearest Pier: North Greenwich
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CUTE
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible force of cuteness in contemporary culture at Somerset House's major new exhibition - CUTE. From emojis and internet memes to video games and plushie toys, cuteness has permeated every aspect of our world.
The exhibition brings together contemporary artworks, new artist commissions, and cultural phenomena, including music, fashion, toys, video games, and social media. This brand-new exhibition explores the world's embrace of cute culture and its influential role in our times. Unravel the emotive charge of cuteness, discovering its extraordinary and complex power and potential. Somerset House invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of CUTE between 25 January – 14 April.
Nearest Pier: Embankment
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Les Noces: The Departure
Experience a re-imagining of Stravinsky and Nijinska's powerful masterpiece, Les Noces, presented by New Movement Collective in a mass celebration titled ‘The Departure’. One hundred years after its creation, this iconic ballet comes to life with a fresh perspective on 13 & 14 January.
Performed in Stravinsky's audacious choice for pianos and percussions, the cast features singers from the Opera Holland Park Chorus, musicians from the Royal Academy of Music, and new choreography by some of Britain's best contemporary dancers. Les Noces delves into the core of human relationships and commitment, offering a deeply emotive exploration.
Nearest Pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
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AI: Who's Looking After Me?
Explore the intricate world of artificial intelligence at the London Science Gallery's thought-provoking exhibition, 'AI: Who's Looking After Me?' Running until 20 January, this collection, delves into the pervasive influence of AI in various aspects of our lives.
From healthcare and justice systems to looking after our pets, this exhibition takes a questioning and playful approach to examine the impact of artificial intelligence. Who wields the power, who reaps the benefits, and who bears the burden of existing AI systems? Can we rely on these technologies for our wellbeing and happiness? In collaboration with FutureEverything, the free exhibition features 13 artistic collaborations, including seven original commissions. Bringing together diverse perspectives, the program invites you to reflect on the profound implications of entrusting our care to autonomous machines.
Nearest Pier: London Bridge City
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My Eye Is My Ear
On 20 January, celebrate the richness of Deaf lives, culture, and language at the annual London Short Film Festival and the BFI Southbank. The curated program ‘My Eye Is My Ear’ features new short films from around the world, exploring the diverse Deaf experience through various genres and forms, from experimental animation to thrilling narratives.
An essential event ingrained in the annual calendar, LSFF captures both the uniqueness and universality of Deaf lives. The films, submitted from across the globe, promise a journey through compelling narratives that offer insight into the Deaf experience. The festival ensures accessibility with BSL introductions, descriptive subtitles for all films, and written programme notes. Curated by Katie Sawyer, the screening will be followed by a Q&A session with attending filmmakers.
Nearest Pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
Find out moreCoalescence
See the light this winter with Coalescence, a stunning art installation by designer Paul Cocksedge, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Coalescence is made from over 2,500 pieces of coal, cleverly representing the amount of energy consumed by a single 200W light bulb in a year. Suspended against the backdrop of the magnificent Painted Hall, this thought-provoking piece contrasts between the dark fossil fuel and the bright baroque ceiling. The coal pieces reflect and refract the light, creating an impressive effect that invites you to question our dependence on fossil fuels.
Coalescence is on display until 4 February, and tickets are £15.
Your ticket also includes access to Skittle Alley, all the tours of the Old Royal Naval College, and the multimedia guides.
Make your visit even more special and book a Social Media ticket, which includes reduced capacity and allows selfies with the installation. You can also book a Quiet Hour ticket, which is designed for visitors with sensory needs.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
Dissecting the Dirt Advanced Archaeology Club
Are you aged 16-25? Join the ‘Dissecting the Dirt Advanced Archaeology Club’ at Fulham Palace between 20 January – 27 April. This unique opportunity allows you to gain valuable transferable skills, including project management and leadership, by actively planning and supporting Fulham Palace's Young Archaeologists Club.
Led by community archaeologist Alexis, these full-day sessions provide hands-on opportunities for exciting archaeological training. Begin by assisting with the Young Archaeologists’ Club, and later in the term, take charge of planning and facilitating upcoming sessions. In the afternoons, focus on gaining in-depth, practical archaeological training—skills that are not only valuable in the field but also in various career paths. The sessions promise to be informative, interesting, and offer a chance to unleash your creativity!
Nearest pier: Putney
Royal Museums Greenwich
Take off on captivating cultural and celestial journeys with Royal Museums Greenwich this January.
Burns Night Aboard Cutty Stark
Celebrate Burns Night in a unique setting aboard the iconic tea clipper, Cutty Sark, for a folktastic evening of music featuring The Salts. Following a sell-out performance last year, The Salts, a cooperative of seasoned musicians, promise a twenty-first-century folk experience that respectfully embraces the traditional.
Immerse yourself in the brilliant music in the distinctive Michael Edwards Studio Theatre, located in the Lower Hold. This not-to-be-missed performance on 25 January blends contemporary energy with folk traditions, creating an exciting and memorable experience.
Join in for a night of music and celebration in a venue as unique and fitting as the historic Cutty Sark.
Nearest Pier: Greenwich
Planetarium Shows
Embark on a captivating journey into space at the Royal Museums Greenwich. Join Royal Observatory astronomers and leading scientists for an immersive experience featuring live planetarium shows, interactive science sessions, and much more!
This January, discover a range of astrological shows and special events that promise to offer a whole new perspective on the world. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the cosmos, these planetarium shows and activities are designed to engage and enlighten.
Nearest Pier: Greenwich
Dog-friendly parks and farms along our route
It's Walk Your Dog Month! Improve your wellbeing for you and your dog as you enjoy the peacefulness of nature whilst exploring parks along the river. All woofers are welcome on board!
Battersea Park
200-acres of open green space, floral gardens and a boating lake! Plenty of places for your dog to run, and smells for them to enjoy! Not only is the park dog-friendly, so is the Pear Tree Café, making it the perfect place to pop for a spot of lunch!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Greenwich Park
A short walk from Greenwich Pier, the gorgeous Greenwich Park offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf and the City on a clear day. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, it offers a wide range of facilities and is another dog-friendly park! Every last Sunday of the month at 10am there is a French Bulldog meetup close to the Observatory.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Mudchute Park and Farm
Llamas, in London?! Mudchute Park and Farm is located on the Isle of Dogs, a short walk from Masthouse Terrace Pier.
The farm brings a touch of the countryside to Tower Hamlets and is home to pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and chickens as well as llamas, all of which can be visited by you and your dogs (as long as they are kept on a lead).
Nearest pier: Masthouse Terrace
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St James’s Park
The oldest of London's Royal Parks, St James's Park is at the heart of Westminster. It has breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace and is open to your furry friends, although your dog must be kept on its lead in certain areas!
Nearest pier: Westminster
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Bishop's Park
Across Putney Bridge from Putney Pier lies Bishop’s Park which has been awarded Grade II status by English Heritage.
The park houses Fulham Palace, the historic home of the Bishops of London, a beautiful walled garden and an ornamental lake - bordering the north bank of the River Thames.
Nearest pier: Putney
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Surrey Docks Farm
Nested between the river and a quiet residential area, this farm has donkeys, pigs, sheep, ponies, and many more animals - all welcome to you and your (well-behaved) dogs!
For an off-leash walk nearby you can find Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park or have a stroll along the Thames Path or the Surrey and Greenland Dock.
Nearest pier: Greenland (Surrey Quays) and Doubletree Docklands
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Thames Barrier Park
One of London’s newest parks, Thames Barrier Park offers the best view from the land of London's impressive flood defence, the Thames Barrier. Discover the delights of this urban oasis and its most creative feature 'The Green Dock' that provides a wind-protected microclimate for a variety of plants and butterflies.
Dogs welcome but please keep them away from the sunken garden.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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