Fall in love with urban rivers at London Rivers Week

From guided walks and boat trips to clean-ups and family-friendly activities, it’s nearly time for a weeklong celebration of London’s precious rivers

London Rivers Week, now in its 10th year, is back from 23 to 31 May – and this year’s theme is “know your local river”, with a wide-ranging programme of free events designed to help people discover, enjoy and care for the rivers on their doorstep.

London Rivers Week is a week-long annual campaign inspiring the public to celebrate all of London’s rivers and the many projects taking place to protect them.

A network of waterways

While the River Thames – particularly its tidal stretch through central London – is widely recognised, many of the smaller rivers and tributaries that feed into it remain largely unknown. London Rivers Week aims to shine a light not only on the tidal Thames, but on London’s lesser-known local rivers, helping people uncover the network of rivers that flow through their neighbourhoods.

From guided walks and boat trips to clean-ups and family-friendly activities, the festival invites people of all ages to experience the city’s rivers in new ways, and to recognise both their value and the work being done to protect them.

London’s rivers are vital spaces for wildlife and communities alike, but they continue to face significant challenges, including pollution, urban run-off and the growing impacts of climate change.

Building a stronger connection between people and their local rivers is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding these environments for the future, the organisers of the festival state.

Community engagement

Projects across the capital are helping to restore rivers to a more natural state, improving habitats, supporting biodiversity and creating healthier, more resilient waterways. Organisers say that public awareness and involvement are key to ensuring this progress continues.

As the organisers celebrate ten years of bringing people closer to nature and restoring local rivers, they are calling on Londoners to “know your local river”- to explore it, understand its story and play a role in its future. Whether it’s attending an event, volunteering, or simply spending time by the water, every connection helps build a stronger movement to protect the city’s blue spaces, the organisers argue.

Chris Coode, CEO at environmental charity Thames21, said: “We’re delighted to see London Rivers Week return for its tenth year, bringing together communities, partners and river users to celebrate the capital’s blue spaces. With a fantastic programme of free events – from riverside walks and cruises to family-friendly activities – the ‘Week’ invites everyone to get to know London’s rivers in new ways.

“The more people understand and value their local rivers, the more we can achieve together to protect and restore them for the future.”

Dave Webb, a biodiversity specialist at the Environment Agency who chairs River Partnerships in London, said: “Rivers define London. We value them as an essential resource, bringing wildlife to the heart of the city, connecting people, nature, and both past and future generations.

“This year’s programme provides the opportunity to reflect on challenges and successes, but also to get out and see your river in a new light. So, get to know your river and be part of the story.”

You can register for events at London Rivers Week 2026 here.