Each September, the Totally Thames Festival sweeps across London, transforming the River Thames into a lively corridor of culture, history, and innovation. The 2025 edition promises an even more thrilling line-up, beckoning Londoners and visitors alike to immerse themselves in river-inspired art, community, and adventure, all along the city’s legendary waterway.
From Richmond’s leafy reaches to Barking’s bustling shores, over 100 events light up the riverside, showcasing everything from environmental installations and guided heritage walks to live music and exhilarating boat races. This guide spotlights two unmissable spectacles—the St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival and the Great River Race—with a unique recommendation: navigate the festivities in style and comfort with Thames River Sightseeing.
St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival: Nautical Nostalgia & Living Heritage
Set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge, the Classic Boat Festival (6–7 September) is an annual celebration of Britain’s maritime heritage, now in its sixteenth glorious year. More than 50 elegant vessels—including Dunkirk Little Ships, splendid Thames sailing barges, historic tugs and naval gems—moor in the picturesque St Katharine Docks.
Wander the pontoons to marvel at beautifully restored craft, chat to owners brimming with tales of the river, and soak up the sights and sounds of a true London tradition. The festival offers something for all:
- Public access to rare vessels, many open for tours and storytelling
- Lively music performances and riverside bars
- Nautical markets, children’s activities, and community games
- Expert talks on boatbuilding, river history, and craftsmanship
The festival is ideal for families, hobbyists, and those seeking a weekend of discovery beneath the soaring turrets of one of London’s most photogenic sites.
The Great River Race: London’s Spectacular River Marathon
On Saturday, 20 September, the Thames will become the stage for the Great River Race—an epic 21.6-mile test of endeavour, camaraderie, and athletic spectacle. From Millwall to Richmond, over 300 crews in a riot of rowing boats, skiffs, cutters, and even Viking longships compete in a pageant of energy and eccentricity.
The festival spirit is palpable along the course. Expect to spot crews in both high-performance kit and outrageous fancy dress, all cheered on by throngs on bridges, embankments, parks, and riverside pubs. Whether you’re a rowing enthusiast or a casual spectator drawn by the carnival mood, the race is an unmissable testament to London’s unity and love for its river.
Highlights:
- Premier viewing at Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Richmond, and Greenwich
- Community teams, sporting clubs, historic vessels and creative newcomers all racing for trophies and charity
- A thrilling day out for families, friends, and those enamoured with London’s rich tapestry
Experience the Festival by Thames River Sightseeing
While walking the Thames Path has its merits, nothing compares to the panoramic views and effortless travel provided by Thames River Sightseeing. As London’s foremost sightseeing cruise, our service is the festival’s best way for getting the most out of Totally Thames.
With regular, hop-on, hop-off services linking Westminster, Tower Bridge Butler’s Wharf, Greenwich and beyond, festivalgoers can glide from event to event in comfort and style. Every vessel boasts open-air decks for the best photos, heated indoor saloons for autumn weather, family facilities including toilets and baby changing, and live English commentary for unforgettable insights into riverside landmarks.
Why choose Thames River Sightseeing?
- Unlimited travel with the hop-on, hop-off ticket—perfect for those wishing to attend multiple festival events in one day or across the weekend
- Generous group discounts (15% off for 15 or more people)—ideal for friendship circles, community groups or club outings
- Live commentary as well as multilingual audio guides for international visitors
- Children under five travel free, and families can take advantage of special ticket packages
- Seamless access to key festival venues—from the Classic Boat Festival at Tower Bridge to music recitals at Greenwich Pier
On board, knowledgeable crew are happy to advise on festival hotspots, answer questions, and share little-known tales of the Thames’ dramatic past.
Broader Festival Highlights
Beyond the two headline acts, the festival overflows with eclectic experiences:
- River Recital 2025 at Tower Bridge Moorings, featuring fresh collaborations between music and wildlife conservation
- Conduit at Crossness Pumping Station, an atmospheric jazz and environmental art fusion in a Victorian masterpiece
- Interactive art installations, muddy archaeology workshops, photography exhibitions and open studio tours
- Environmental clean-ups, foreshore citizen science, and mudlarker-led walking tours that reveal the river’s secrets
Evenings echo with riverside concerts, open-air cinema, and pop-up food trucks celebrating global cuisine. The festival’s heart beats with both high culture and playful family fun.
Practical Tips for a Brilliant Festival
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Plan ahead using the full festival programme on the Thames Festival Trust website for events, timing, and access details.
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Book sight-seeing cruises in advance, and use the hop-on, hop-off flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Bring sturdy shoes for exploring docks and foreshore, and dress for the unpredictable British weather.
- Take advantage of riverside cafés, independent shops, and the buzz of local markets at festival venues.
London’s River Awaits
The Totally Thames Festival 2025 isn’t just about observing—it’s a living invitation to experience London at its most open and democratic, through the very waterway that shaped it. Whether by foot, by bus, or most memorably by riverboat, there’s no better way to savour this tapestry of history, festivity and discovery.
Join the celebration, cruise with Thames River Sightseeing, and make memories on the Great River itself—a journey as distinctly British as the city it flows through.
All information is correct as of publication. For up-to-date schedules and ticketing, visit Thames Festival Trust and Thames River Sightseeing’s official websites.
