Thames Clipper: a great way to enjoy the best London river events

Emdad Rahman

We took a very nice trip up the River Thames and jumped on the MBNA Thames Clipper at North Greenwich. It’s a great way to connect to London’s awesome locations which are host to some of this summer’s best events. The river cruise is suitable for tourists, natives, young and old. It runs on time and the pace along the river is neither too fast nor slow allowing passengers to enjoy the view. You can choose to sit inside, sheltered, or enjoy the elements on deck, depending on your mood. There is a refreshments bar serving tea, coffee, water and snacks. Staff are friendly and helpful.

We particularly enjoyed when the clipper pauses for breath just after going past Tower Bridge to allow ample opportunity for selfies. The break doesn’t prevent a flurry of cameras, phones and tablets taking a frenzy of shots of the world famous landmark on the approach to HMS Belfast!

MBNA Thames Clippers is the leading River Bus service on the River Thames running a 20 minute frequency between key London piers including North Greenwich for The O2, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Tower, London Bridge, Embankment and London Eye for Waterloo, as well as several residential piers.

We had a River Roamer ticket to take advantage of unlimited hop-on/hop-off and enjoyed travelling down the river while savouring the capital city’s unique skyline.

Here are some of the exciting events taking place this summer.

Southbank Centre’s Urban Beach
Hop off MBNA Thames Clippers at London Eye pier for the Southbank to make the most of the summer sun at London’s very own urban beach (open until 7th September). With the sound of lapping water, (hopefully) soaring temperatures, lounging deck chairs and enough sand to build the biggest of sandcastles, you really can transport yourself to somewhere far away while being in the heart of the capital. The beach is a short walk from numerous restaurants and food markets where you can regain some energy after a hard day’s sunbathing.

London Wonderground Festival
Leave real life behind and step in to the “the playground for the people”, a world of laughter and fun at London’s Wonderground Festival, which is on at the Southbank until 27th September. An eclectic mix of cabaret, circus, comedy, music and kids’ shows, there is something for everyone inside this 1920s Paradiso Spiegeltent. In between the action, you can enjoy a number of indoor and outdoor bars and a delicious selection of food.

•For more information or to book, go to: www.thamesclippers.com.

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