Tag: River Thames

  • The Thames Barrier: London’s Mighty Shield Against the Tides

    The Thames Barrier: London’s Mighty Shield Against the Tides

    The gleaming, futuristic set of defences that stand between London and a rather soggy demise.

  • A Guide to Hammersmith

    A Guide to Hammersmith

    Hammersmith. The very name conjures up images of hammer-wielding blacksmiths pounding iron, sparks flying in the smoky haze of industry. Well, at least that’s the romanticised version. In reality, Hammersmith is one of west London’s most dynamic and multifaceted areas, where a centuries-old name tied to a forge has morphed into a buzzing hub of…

  • Willy the Thames Whale

    Willy the Thames Whale

    The Day London Fell in Love with a Lost Visitor On Friday, 20 January 2006, Londoners were treated to one of the most extraordinary sights in the city’s recent history: a Northern bottlenose whale swimming gracefully along the River Thames. This unexpected visitor, affectionately nicknamed “Willy” by locals, captured the hearts of millions, transforming an ordinary January…

  • Thames House: MI5’s HQ 

    Thames House: MI5’s HQ 

    Thames House, a neoclassical behemoth on the north bank of the Thames, has a dual reputation: part historic architecture, part enigma. Located on Millbank, it’s hard to miss with its imposing design and close proximity to the Houses of Parliament. This Grade II-listed structure is the headquarters of MI5, the UK’s domestic security service, making…

  • The London Pub That Floods

    The London Pub That Floods

    The White Cross Pub in Richmond: London’s Quirkiest Flood-Prone Waterside Pub Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Thames, The White Cross in Richmond is a true gem among London’s riverside pubs. With its stunning views, cozy atmosphere, and inviting terrace, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. But there’s one thing that sets this…

  • Thames Mudlarking: Hunting for Buried Treasure

    Thames Mudlarking: Hunting for Buried Treasure

    Welcome to the age-old, utterly addictive pastime of mudlarking, where ordinary folks turn into part-time treasure hunters on the riverbanks of London.

  • The Last Time the Thames Froze Over

    The Last Time the Thames Froze Over

    Temperatures in London rarely dip below zero long enough to freeze the River Thames. The river’s constant flow makes it even more unlikely to make it freeze. So when it does, it’s a rare and special event. The last occasion the River Thames froze over was in 1968. These photos capture the remarkable moment.