~ 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 four of my series on Everything to do on the Thames. We’re just past the busiest tourist hubs, and getting closer to the greener, park filled areas on the river bank. But first, we’ve got a lovely, surprisingly quiet stretch to tackle. Enjoy!

Check out the previous articles: 1, 2, and 3

Geek out: over Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster: Yes it’s touristy. Yes there’s a reason for that.

Explore: Underrated Lambeth Palace: The Archbishop of Canterbury’s residence houses a 13th century crypt as well as an ancient 

Visit: the Garden Museum: Just next door to Lambeth Palace you’ll find this curious little museum housed in a former church and its yard featuring exhibits on the history of gardens/gardening.

Cross: Lambeth Bridge: Pretty yet unappreciated, this colourful bridge is definitely worth at least a few quick snaps.

Go Artsy: At the Tate Britain: This large gallery is often overshadowed by its sister the aforementioned Tate Modern, yet it definitely holds its own as a worth-your-time art gallery.

Get a spooky drink: at the Morpeth Arms: This normal looking pub was once a prison and even a pre-deportation centre, which results in staff having reported seeing “happenings” in the cellar. There’s also a spy themed bar on the second floor.

Shop: at the beefed up Battersea Power Station: Though this once Victorian power station has been turned into a modern shopping centre, it has kept (mostly) its original architecture, making it quite unique and arguably imposing for a shopping centre.

Stroll: Through the Chelsea Physic Garden: The UK’s second oldest surviving botanical garden. 

Explore: Battersea Park: This large riverside park has much to offer. Closer to the river, see the tranquil Battersea Peace Pagoda, check out the Battersea Children’s Zoo, and explore the parks gardens. Further in from the river, unleash your inner chimp on the Go-Ape ropes course, catch some live music from the parks band stand, and take a boat onto the parks boating lake.