~ Twenty bridges from Tower to Kew, wanted to know what the river knew. 

Twenty bridges or twenty-two. 

For they were young and the Thames was old. 

And this is the tale the river told: ~ Rudyard Kipling

Welcome to part two of my guide to everything to do on the Thames (find part one here). Now that we’ve made it to Tower bridge, things really start to get hectic, with countless attractions in the city centre.

See: Tower Bridge: One of London’s most recognizable sites, Tower Bridge is truly a sight to behold, especially if you catch it when the iconic drawbridge is open. Get a museum ticket to see the engine rooms and walk over the glass walkways. Be sure to see it at night as well, when lit up it’s truly eye watering.

Explore: The Tower of London: One of the pricier things to do in the city, yet definitely worth the expense if you can. The Tower contains an insane amount of historic importance, and the Crown Jewels display is really something else.

Enjoy: free summer entertainment at The Scoop, a small amphitheatre just off the Thames path with glorious Tower Bridge Views. From June to August, enjoy a variety of free events here, as part of the London Bridge City Summer Festival, including live sports, theatre, films, and music.

Dance: with Silent Disco London: around once a month on a Saturday night, join a lively silent disco while cruising down the Thames.

Get Hands On: at the HMS Belfast: Step aboard this WW2 Battleship and step back in time. Learn about the war and how the British navy, and the HMS Belfast in particular, played their part.

Take in the views: at the Sky Garden: Though a couple blocks from the river, I’ve included the Sky Garden since it’s an observation point, with the view being the Thames, so it’s only fair. It’s 160 metres tall and it’s free. Not much more you can ask of a view really. 

See: London Bridge: well it’s not the bridge it once was (and that’s literally, as the original is in Arizona) But hey, at least you can say you’ve been to London bridge.

P.S; it’s not falling down.

Take in the view from: The Shard The UK’s tallest building. This architectural powerhouse which is made to (surprise surprise) look like shards of glass, it really has a spectacular view at the View from the Shard, though the cost is quite spectacular as well. 

Scream: at the London Bridge Experience: Take a walk through history with the gritty bits left in as you’re led through the cities murky past and frightening characters. This one’s sure to get your teeth chattering.

Peek: at the Golden Hinde: an old galleon from the 1500’s. 

Drink: at the Old Thameside Inn: Located in what was once an old spice warehouse, this old pub has a glorious terrace just over the river.

Wander: through the Clink Prison Museum: Make youre way through cells and torture devices in Englands oldest prison. Make sure to get your picture taken in a cell at the end.

Drink: at The Anchor Bankside: Another cosy riverside tavern, this one dating all the way back to the early 1700’s.

Watch: a Shakespeare play at Shakespeare’s Globe: Where the man himself staged his famed plays. If you don’t have the time or interest to stay for a show, take a tour of this venue so important in the history of theatre.

Marvel: at over 100 years of art at the famed Tate Modern: Free, and full to the brim with spellbinding sculptures and structures, this art museum can hold your attention for hours on end.

Stroll down: the Millennium Bridge: One of London’s prettiest views can be had on the pedestrian only Millennium Bridge, with St. Paul’s Cathedral a sublime backdrop for any portrait hunters. (St. Paul’s isn’t on the Thames but be sure to check it out.)