Alternative River Walks

Course Dates: 15/03/25 - 05/04/25
Time: 11:00 - 13:00
Location: Off Site
Experience London’s riverside in a new light. Join us for four historic walks through the Docklands, Deptford, Greenwich and the South Bank. Tutor: Syeda Ali.
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230749
Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £77.00

Alternative River Walks
  • Course Code: HLW255
  • Dates: 15/03/25 - 05/04/25
  • Time: 11:00 - 13:00
  • Taught: Sat, Daytime
  • Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
  • Location: Off Site

Course Code: HLW255

Sat, day, 15 Mar - 05 Apr '25

Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

Looking at the impact of London's river on the city's rich heritage, past and present. Architecture, culture and social change come to life in these tours bringing out the contrasting world of London's riverside development over 500 years. Be prepared to see and appreciate London in its various colours, smells and sounds as we walk along the river and through time.

What will we cover?

The four walks will take you along routes which highlight past and present in:

1. 'Docklands' old and new, including a look at how the docks influenced the development of London, looking at Limehouse, where the original China Town was located, the redeveloped Shadwell Basin, St Katherine's Dock and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Including visit to Museum in Docklands to see models of the historic redevelopment of the area
2. Maritime Greenwich - Across the river lies Maritime and Royal Greenwich, birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Although the original palace is long gone, Greenwich has maintained its royal links in the Queen's House and the Old Royal Naval College. Greenwich holds numerous architectural delights including the Seamen's Hospital designed by Chrisopher Wren.
3. Deptford's Docks. The anchor at the end of Deptford High Street hints at the importance of the docks to this area. Founded by Henry VIII in 1513, the docks were at the heart of Deptford's development for the next 500 years. Less gentrified than its bougie neighbour Greenwich, in Deptford you can still see traces of the industrial heritage, which brought the first railway station here in 1836, and experience Deptford's multicultural vibes.
4. The South Bank. Meeting at Tower Bridge, and ending at Westminster, this tour takes in 1000 years of history along the river. In contrast to the industrial heritage of 'Dirty Deptford', you will experience a very scenic walk on this route, taking in familiar landmarks such as Lambeth Palace, and the Globe Theatre, and sites you may know less about, but which will connect the dots from the three previous tours: Christopher Wren's house for example.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

This course will give you a better understanding of the significance of the River Thames on London’s development. You will be able to compare London’s changing landscape in four historic neighbourhoods over the past 500 years. You will develop a familiarity with some of the buildings and architectural styles of London’s riverside neighbourhoods.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory short course of 4 guided London walks and all are welcome. You should be able to participate in a 1.5 hour guided walk each week.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through 4 guided walks. There is no work outside of the 4 walks. Opportunities to ask questions will be provided.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please wear clothing and shoes suitable for both walking and the season to maximise comfort/enjoyment.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HLW213 Sweet Thames, run softly: a cultural exploration (online with Eleanor Jackson).

We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.