Explore: London & The River Thames
General Info
This world-famous historic city needs little introduction. In recent years several of the old dock areas along the River Thames have been utilised as marinas. It is possible to sail all the way up the river, with the mast up, as far at Tower Bridge.
Position: 51° 29.22’N, 00° 46.42’E (river entrance)
- Photo from S/V Taipan
Clearance
- Photo of The Thames Barrier from S/V Taipan
Docking
When transiting the river, it is important to keep a listening watch on the correct VHF channels. See www.pla.co.uk/Safety/Passage-Planning-Guide
For those who wish to take their boat right into the heart of London, there are now several marinas to choose from. St Katharine’s Dock, right by the Tower of London, is the best known. Only half a mile downstream, there are two marinas, South Dock Marina, on the south shore of the Thames, and Limehouse Basin Marina, on the north shore. The latter is also the home of the Cruising Association, in whose premises visiting sailors are most welcome (with an excellent reference library).
Further downstream, the new marina at Gravesend is a useful base when approaching or leaving the centre of the Capital, being 23NM from Tower Bridge. Several of the old commercial docks now house yacht marinas too.
It is important to keep clear of the freight terminal at Canvey, Shellhaven and Coryton and the London Gateway Port Reclamation Area at Thames Haven. This includes the jetties at Thames Haven.
Anchoring
Between Gravesend and Tower Bridge there are no recommended anchorages in the river. The strong tides, the commercial traffic and the number of broken piles and other ancient debris along the banks, all form reasons to avoid doing so.
Last updated March 2017.
