Discover the
extraordinary history
and architecture
of the 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 will see Benedict O'Looney — Open City’s specialist Architecture on the Thames guide — share the microphone with Henrietta Billings, the director of the national building conservation charity SAVE Britain's Heritage. Formed in 1975, SAVE is currently leading a campaign against the redevelopment of M&S Marble Arch on both heritage and sustainability grounds.

This afternoon tour along the River Thames will see Henrietta bring a fresh perspective to the capital’s riverside architecture, speaking alongside our regular guide Benedict O'Looney, a practicing architect based in Peckham and teacher at the prestigious Architectural Association, whose deep insight and thoughtful commentary on all aspects of London’s architecture is widely admired amongst his fellow professionals.

While Benedict will survey the landmark architecture of central London’s embankments and the skyline beyond, Henrietta – who is a chartered town planner with background in journalism – will focus on key SAVE campaigns concerning several London landmarks along the Thames over the last 10 years from Customs House in the Pool of London to the Southbank Centre. 

This unique tour promises a rich and engaging experience, blending heritage conservation with contemporary architectural insights.

Key information

Depart/Return: Crown Pier, Victoria Embankment EC4Y 0HJ

Duration: 2.45 hours approx

Cost: £35.50 / £19.50

Age restrictions: Regretfully no under-7s

 

This boat tour has limited capacity. Seating will be available both inside and outside. Please select your preferred option when purchasing your ticket below. The outside seating area is not covered in the event of rain so please dress appropriately for the weather. Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase. Tickets are non refundable. Tours go ahead rain or shine… Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.

Enter code GROUP-BOAT at the shop page checkout for 15% discount on purchase of 3 standard or concession single boat tour tickets or more

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.

Open City's year-round tours programme is supported by Bloomberg Connects, a free app a free guide to the best art exhibitions and museums