Discover the extraordinary history
and architecture
of Thames riverside
Join Open City for an afternoon tour along the River Thames that surveys the landmark architecture of central London’s embankments and the skyline beyond
Departing from Crown Pier close to Blackfriars Bridge, the tour first ventures upriver to Nine Elms, taking in the newly restored Battersea Power Station and Kieran Timberlake’s American Embassy. Then heading downriver, our guide will explore the design and history of Michael Hopkins' imposing Portcullis House, the Neo-classical Somerset House and Renzo Piano's Shard, among many other landmarks before returning to Crown Pier.
This unique riverside tour offers a fresh perspective on London’s emerging and established skyline and is led by our specialist guide Benedict O'Looney. Benedict's in-depth knowledge – founded on his work as a practicing architect based in Peckham and a teacher at the prestigious Architectural Association – guarantees deep insight and thoughtful commentary.
Departing and returning to Crown Pier, Victoria Embankment EC4Y 0HJ. Duration 2.45 hours approx. Regretfully no children under 7.
Cost £35.50 / £29.50 concessions. (students/unemployed/furloughed). Enter BOATCONCESSION at the shop page checkout.
This boat tour has limited capacity with a smaller number of tickets available than compared to our previous boat tours due to social-distancing restrictions. Seating will be available both inside and outside. Please select your preferred option when purchasing your ticket below. Exact seats may be pre-allocated. The outside seating area is not covered in the event of rain so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Additional information on social distancing and COVID-secure measures will be communicated to ticket holders by email before the event. No standing on the deck or inside level will be allowed. Masks will be required to board the boat and to move around the boat to use the facilities, and may also be required for the duration of the tour.
Drinks and light snacks will only be available on a pre-order basis and with purchases brought to your seat. A link for drinks purchases will be sent out in the week before the tour. The boat company does not allow any other drinks purchased elsewhere apart from water to be brought onboard.
Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.
*Due to the continually changing situation tours may have to be rescheduled at late notice. In the event your tour date is cancelled, you may be provided with the opportunity to book onto a rescheduled date, book onto another tour or held in credit with no expiry date.
Meet the tour guide…
Benedict O’Looney was a project architect with Grimshaw Architects and Alsop Architects prior to setting up his own studio Benedict O’Looney Architects in 2005 . Graduating from the Yale School of Architecture in 1992, Benedict has taught architecture history and building technology at the Architectural Association, The University of Kent, the Canterbury School of Architecture, and New York University. Benedict is the chair of Southwark’s Conservation Areas Advisory Group which advises Southwark Council on planning applications in conservation areas and involving listed buildings. Benedict O’Looney is also on the Victorian Society Southern Buildings Committee, the Committee of the Peckham Society and is a past President of the London Sketch Club.