Hello 2026!
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 23 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
Visit Skate at Somerset House until 11 January 2026 for a magical winter experience!
Glide across the iconic courtyard, enjoy rink-side DJ sets at Skate Lates, and indulge in festive treats from The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and Blondies Kitchen. With exclusive Virgin Atlantic Holidays sessions, art by Harold Offeh, and the sparkling 40ft Christmas tree, it’s London’s ultimate festive skating spot.
Nearest Pier: Embankment
Canary Wharf's Winter Lights festival
Experience the magic of Winter Lights at Canary Wharf from 20-31 January. Explore 12 breathtaking temporary installations alongside our popular permanent light artworks, showcasing the transformative power of art and light. From glowing bathtubs to a swirling tornado of lights at Westferry Circus, a dazzling mirage on Montgomery Square, and a 20m-wide illuminated sinkhole at Eden Dock, every display will transport you to the edge of the surreal.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Bankside Twelfth Night Celebrations
Join the Lions Part theatre company on 4 January for a lively Twelfth Night celebration along the Thames. Starting near Shakespeare’s Globe, follow a festive procession led by the Green Man and Holly Man to Bankside Jetty, with folk theatre, medieval-style action and plenty of cheer along the way. The celebrations continue at Soap Yards with storytelling, revelry — and the crowning of a King and Queen for the day.
Nearest pier: Bankside
Winter Light
Winter Light returns to Southbank Centre from 2–18 January, transforming dark winter nights with a series of striking outdoor artworks that experiment with light and colour. As you explore the site, discover playful installations that also reflect on timely themes including identity, the environment and technology. Best experienced after dark, the artworks can be enjoyed whenever the site is open — inviting you to wander, pause and take it all in.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
Immerse yourself in art and venture through new worlds
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025
Running until 8 February 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery, the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize showcases the best in contemporary photography, from established professionals to emerging talents. Explore diverse portraits capturing intimate moments, striking characters, and unique stories - many on display for the first time - including a new commission for the Gallery’s Collection.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Turner and Constable
Running until 12 April at Tate Britain, Turner and Constable: The Great British Rivals marks the 250th anniversary of two of Britain’s greatest painters. Born a year apart, Turner in 1775 and Constable in 1776, both transformed landscape art with their distinct visions - Turner’s blazing sunsets and travels contrasted with Constable’s fresh, heartfelt depictions of familiar places. Despite different backgrounds, their shared connection to nature sparked one of art’s most famous rivalries, described by critics as a clash of “fire and water.”
Nearest pier: Milbank
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Punchdrunk’s ‘Lander 23’
If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your chance to step onto an alien planet in Punchdrunk Lander 23, a live-action, multiplayer theatre adventure. Split into “Driver” and “Field” roles, you’ll work together to complete a high-stakes mission, where every choice matters. Think theatre meets a sci-fi video game - an unforgettable, immersive experience at Punchdrunk’s Woolwich base until 1 February.
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Feast at Market Place Leicester Square
Head to Market Place Leicester Square, Central London’s largest food hall, and tuck into flavours from 16 global food traders, grab a drink from one of three bars, or catch a show at London’s fastest-growing comedy club, Belly Laughs. Right in the heart of the West End, it’s a lively, all-inclusive spot - perfect for families, dog walkers and anyone up for a great time.
Nearest pier: Embankment
Discover more with our River Guide
Discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and exciting activities near our piers. Plan your ideal day out and explore London effortlessly! And don't miss out our special offers
See Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
From 2–31 January at Shakespeare’s Globe, enter a world of flickering candlelight and winter woods as A Midsummer Night’s Dream is reimagined in the intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. When four young lovers escape a harsh, law-bound city, they find themselves in a forest already unravelling, torn apart by a vicious clash between Fairy King Oberon and Queen Titania over a stolen child. As summer turns strangely to snow, jealousy spreads, Puck’s mischief takes a darker turn and the line between fantasy and reality begins to dissolve - threatening to turn this dream into something far more sinister.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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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