Discover the extraordinary history
and architecture
of Thames riverside

Join Open City for an afternoon journey out towards Dartford Crossing and back that surveys the landmark architecture of east London’s embankments and beyond

London’s future is in the east where some of the world’s most famous architects are transforming this historic industrial landscape into a place to live and work.

Departing from Greenwich the tour will see Benedict O'Looney — Open City’s specialist Architecture on the Thames guide — share the microphone with Petra Cox. Petra has been delivering talks, tours, and workshops at Joseph Bazalgette’s remarkable Victorian Grade I listed Crossness Pumping Station since 2016. With a keen interest in the pivotal role sanitation has played in the health of Londoners and the city's development, Petra will explore the past, present, and future of London's sewage infrastructure, including the 85-year history of the Crossness site and the ongoing Tideway 'supersewer' project.

A dramatically different landscape to that of central London Thames embankments, the tour will take in landmarks including Richard Rogers’ Dome, the vast Tate and Lyle Sugar Refinery in Silvertown, the Thames Barrier, Thamesmead and Ford Dagenham. 

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. 

Key information:

Departing and returning to: Greenwich Pier, Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10 9HT

Duration: 3 hours approx.

Regretfully no children under 7

Cost: £35.50 / £19.50

 

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 including mulled cider on this tour date. 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 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