Shine brightly this September
More events, more lights and more festivals to make this a September to remember
2021 is sailing by, it's already time to start planning September! There's plenty to explore across London this month, check out some of our favourites below.
Please bear in mind that all events listed are subject to change, check whether they are going ahead and book in advance where possible. Remember, you must wear a face-covering aboard our services, and measures are still in place for the safety of our staff and fellow customers.
For the first time in its 109 year history, the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show is taking place in autumn!
If you've sowed an interest in all things horticultural over the pandemic, then the cream of the crop of flower shows is the perfect place to grow your knowledge. The Chelsea Flower Show returns to the Royal Hospital Chelsea's grounds Tuesday 21 - Sunday 26 September.
As well as the world-famous Show Gardens, this year's show will feature House Plant Studios and special joint events as it coincides with Chelsea History Festival.
Some tickets are still available for Sunday 26 September, which includes the final day plant sell-off, book your tickets here
Nearest piers: Cadogan or Battersea Power Station
An electric atmosphere takes over the streets surrounding the iconic Battersea Power Station on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September, 11:00 - 18:00. The epic street party includes buskers, international and local street artists, food trucks, games and roaming entertainment throughout the site.
The street festival is taking place to mark the arrival of the tube's Northern line providing Battersea and Nine Elms residents and visitors with even more options to commute and explore. Get there by boat, with direct connections from North Greenwich and central London you can sail directly to the heart of the party; you can’t beat the view of the Power Station as you approach from the river!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Although the Pride in London event may not be taking place this year, that's not going to stop us celebrating pride on board!
Drag royalty Karma Doll and Taylor Trash will be serving family-friendly performances aboard select RB1 services on Friday 10 September. If you'd like to sail even more fabulously than usual, the queens' Clipper will be operating the following sailings:
| North Greenwich | 17:09 | RB1 Westbound |
| Westminster | 18:05 | RB1 Eastbound |
| Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) | 19:08 | RB1 Westbound |
Check our timetable to see all departure times, you can board the queens' Clipper using any of our usual ticket types.
All proceeds from the performances, which have been organised by Uber, will be donated to The Albert Kennedy Trust (akt) which supports homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF)
London’s leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts is back!
Free outdoor theatre and performing arts breathe life into the city's streets for the 26th GDIF, which runs until 11 September. With events taking place from Blackfriars to Woolwich, this year's festival promises to push the boundaries of outdoor performance, raising the ambition, quality and diversity of outdoor arts produced in the UK.
You can see the full festival line-up here, and check out some of our favourite events this month:
Future Cargo
Silvertown, 4 and 5 September
What’s inside the mystery truck beside Pontoon Dock DLR station? Watch as the sides roll up and a strange and unstoppable process is set into motion. This contemporary sci-fi dance show reveals a world where normal rules don’t apply.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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Dancing City
Canary Wharf, 4 and 5 September
An outdoor dance festival erupts across Canary Wharf's offices and high rises. The two-day programme, showcases captivating performances across the piazzas, parks and waterfronts of the modern business district.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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Borealis
Old Royal Naval College until 5 September, Royal Artillery Barracks 9 – 11 September
Time seems to slow down as eyes look up with Dan Acher’s second incredible installation at GDIF 2021. Borealis offers a mesmerising “must see” moment of awe and wonder in two extraordinary locations. This spectacular installation will create the experience of the Northern Lights; first lighting up the sky above Greenwich 27 August - 5 September before moving downstream to Woolwich Barracks 9 – 11 September.
Nearest pier: Greenwich or Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
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Balsam
Woolwich Works, 7 – 9 September
Live music combines with the creation of aromatic potions and elixirs, conjuring up a magical world of healing and calm in this sensory, immersive, theatrical adventure. The performances take place at Building 41 at Woolwich Royal Arsenal Riverside which is soon to become part of Woolwich Works.
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
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Healing together
Woolwich and North Woolwich, 10 and 11 September
Enjoy a two-day programme of street arts, performance, installation, dance and spectacle that celebrate community resilience, the environment and healing as we emerge from the pandemic. Healing Together takes place on both sides of the river, at Woolwich and North Woolwich, which are connected by the Woolwich Foot Tunnel and Woolwich Ferry.
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Find out more
Heading to GDIF? Hop around the festival with our new East Zone River Roamer and enjoy unlimited all-day travel between Canary Wharf and Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) piers.
Sail to Royal Wharf’s beautifully landscaped riverside between Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park, and discover Meet Me At the Pier, a brand new exciting summer events programme for East London’s community.
Taking place until 26 September, highlights include the Riverscape Pop-Up, a pop-up bar right beside the pier with live music and stunning views.
Save 20% on all food and drink at the Riverscape pop up – simply show your Uber Boat by Thames Clippers ticket (purchased/used that day or your season ticket)) to the staff serving you.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
At Greenwich Peninsula
Sail with us to North Greenwich Pier and discover London's new creative quarter.
London’s most unique dining experience offers a range of exciting sky-high experiences every day beside The O2 until 26 September. Experience first-class food, delicious drinks and unparalleled views of the capital’s skyline, all while suspended 100ft in the sky.
Guests at the 22-seat tables can enjoy a range of specially curated experiences & menus including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Cocktails and Dinner.
The Tide, Greenwich Peninsula's linear park, is alive with music, art and dance for the free Turning Tides Festival. The grand finale of the peninsula's Summer Sessions takes place across Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September and is headlined by Oscar Jerome and Zara McFarlane.
Head to Shakespeare's Globe on Monday 13 September for a night of stand-up comedy!
The iconic wooden O's comedy night will be headlined by internationally renowned stand-up, and Mock The Week host, Dara Ó Briain. Dara will be joined by British Comedy Award winning Nina Conti, Athena Kugblenu (BBC Radio 4’s Athena’s Cancel Culture), and Suzi Ruffell (Live at the Apollo).
For Shakespeare fans, The Globe's acclaimed performances of Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night will continue into October.
Nearest pier: Bankside
This September, join world-class speakers as they bring the past to life across the Royal Borough.
Over 70 exciting physical and virtual events take place between 17 and 26 September with highlights including Jonathan Dimbleby and Andrew Roberts discussing Operation Barbarossa, Olivette Otele and Peter Frankopan considering the challenges of telling stories of people and places that are often overlooked, and a conversation between Iain Dale and Sir Anthony Seldon marking the tricentennial of the office of Prime Minister.
Brand new for this year, step back in time with the immersive outdoor History Village and learn first-hand what life was like in Roman London or the First World War. Prices range from free - £14.
Nearest pier: Cadogan or Battersea Power Station
A brand new venue opens in Woolwich this month. Based in former Royal Arsenal buildings located a stone's throw from Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) Pier, Woolwich Works opens 23 September!
Woolwich Works aims to advance Woolwich's art scene for the public benefit, providing facilities to improve the conditions of life of residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Upcoming performances include the New Regency Orchestra on 24 September and Andrew Ashong on 25 September.
Keep an eye out for more upcoming gigs and things to do at Woolwich's exciting new events space!
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Sail to Royal Wharf Park on Saturday 25 September for feel-good summer festival vibes at east London's vibrant riverside community. Taking place 11:00 - 18:00, the fête is the perfect family day out featuring jumbo garden games, live acoustic music, face painters, magic, balloon modelling and much more! The event will also showcase and celebrate the Royal Wharf community’s creative talent.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
Parks and open spaces along our route
Some of London's most stunning green spaces line the banks of the River Thames. Sail with us to:
Battersea Park
Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, Battersea Park lies on the south bank of the River Thames between Chelsea and Albert bridges. The park has stunning river views, a children's zoo and an adventure playground that kids love! But if you are in need of some quiet time head to the Peace Pagoda, located right by the river it’s the perfect place to relax and forget your worries.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Greenwich Park
A short walk from Greenwich Pier, gorgeous Greenwich Park offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf and the City on a clear day. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, Greenwich Park offers a wide range of facilities and is home to the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line, as well as the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House. Greenwich Park used to be a hunting ground for Henry VIII and provides an urban sanctuary for red and fallow deer.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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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. The Mall, the procession route between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, forms the park's north border, Horseguard's Parade, Downing Street and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office straddle the park's eastern edge.
The park's artificial lake, flowers, trees and birds will make you forget that you are actually in the heart of London. It has breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace but don't forget to say hello to the pelicans!
Nearest pier: Westminster
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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.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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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.
Set in 32 acres, 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.
Nearest pier: Masthouse Terrace
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St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
A 6-minute walk from Tower Pier lies the former church of St Dunstan in the East. A truly unique place in London, this peaceful green oasis is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is set within the ruins of a Wren church which was bombed during the Blitz. The tower and steeple survived the bombing and the rest of the site was converted into a park featuring benches, a fountain, trees growing through windows and vines winding themselves around the walls.
Nearest pier: Tower
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Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanical garden. An oasis in the city, the tranquil garden was established to supply medicinal plants for scientific study and was only opened to the public in the 1980s.
Nowadays visitors are welcomed to learn more about fauna from around the world. Please note the site is compact so booking in advance is essential.
Nearest pier: Cadogan
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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, Bishop's Park provides one of the best views of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Nearest pier: Putney
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