Discover the story behind Illuminated River on a leisurely guided walk along the River Thames. Join the Official Guides to the City of London and explore the remarkable bridges, architecture and heritage that inspired artist Leo Villareal’s vision for the world’s longest public art commission.

Illuminated River shining through as the autumn nights set in. #London #Autumn #LondonLights

Illuminated River Boat Tours with Thames Clippers are in full swing. Cruise along the River Thames from the comfort of a boat and see the world’s longest piece of public art.

Along the River: A new exhibition exploring Pictorialism, the first international art photography movement, opens this month at Tate Modern. Don’t miss: Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography, from 14 Oct - 21 Feb, ft 200+ rare vintage prints by 80+ international artists.

Congratulations to Illuminated River artist Leo Villareal, who was recently named an innovator ‘lighting up cities’ in the inaugural TIME100 Art list. The new list honours the 100 most influential people shaping the future of art, charting new paths and offering new ways of seeing.

Illuminated River Walking Tours with London City Guides are back.  Our walking tours take place fortnightly from tomorrow, October 1, where guides take you along the river to discover the history, architecture and heritage of the Thames bridges, as well as the story of Illuminated River.

This World Rivers Day, we’re celebrating the rivers that shape our landscapes, communities & cultures. The Thames has been at the heart of London, connecting people & places while inspiring art, stories & creativity. But like rivers everywhere, it needs care & protection for future generations.

Sheep take to Southwark Bridge this Sunday, 27 September. Did you know? Freemen of the City of London have a historic right to drive sheep and cattle across London Bridge, and the tradition continues to this day (on Southwark Bridge), now the Sheep Drive & Livery Fair.

Illuminated River Photography Courses, led by award-winning photographer Nigel Wilson, start tomorrow, 23 September. If you're looking to enhance your photography skills, don't miss out.

Don’t forget to visit the Thames Lens 2026 photography competition exhibition at Bazalgette Embankment. This exhibition of photographs from winners and runners-up from the Thames Festival Trust’s 2026 Thames Lens photography competition is open until Saturday, 26 September.

Don't miss: our special guided tours showcasing Illuminated River and Turner Prize-nominated artist, Catherine Yass’s powerful site-specific film installation, Turning the Tide, as part of Totally Thames Festival. Image: Catherine Yass & Becky Bailey

On 19 September, walk alongside or across some of the Illuminated River bridges as part of the Shine Night Walk in London. Soak up the city lights and landmarks and help to raise money for @cancerresearchuk.org.

Along The River this weekend: enjoy a fantastic, fun day out at London's River Marathon this Saturday.  The Great River Race is a spectacular boat race covering 21.6 miles, from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West.  📸 (c) Arnhel de Serra / The Great River Race

Booking is open for our autumn & winter Illuminated River Walking Tours. Starting from 1 Oct, immerse yourself in the Illuminated River artwork with knowledgeable City of London Guides.    More info & dates, here: https://www.illuminatedriver.london/experience/walking-tours

Now open as part of Totally Thames Festival - a month-long exhibition of the Thames Lens 2026 photography competition at Bazalgette Embankment.  Imagery: Adrian Evans & Thames Festival Trust

This September, join us for a series of special guided tours showcasing Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass’s powerful site-specific film installation Turning the Tide, as part of Thames Festival (Thames Festival Trust).

Be among the first to know when our official tours go on sale by subscribing to the Illuminated River newsletter ✨ We'll soon be announcing new dates for our ever popular Walking Tours - if you sign up to the newsletter you'll be among the first to hear when tickets go on sale. 📸 Paul Crawley

Add a new dimension to your stroll along the Thames this Bank Holiday  Find self-guided tours and trails on our website, including an audio tour, art trail and historical fact pack: https://www.illuminatedriver.london/experience/self-guided-activities then head out to enjoy some time by the water.

Along the River: Totally Thames festival, a vibrant celebration of the River Thames as a place of culture, heritage and environmental connection, returns from 1-30 September. 📸 Ghost Rollerskater by Colm McCarthy

Booking is now open for autumn and winter sailings of the Official Illuminated River Boat Tours with Thames Clippers.    Starting from Sat 12 September, see London in a new light on one of these ever-popular tours.  https://www.illuminatedriver.london/experience/boat-tours

When did London steal ✨your✨ heart?

Art Along the River: art-K presents Wild at Art, now open at OXO Gallery, OXO Tower Wharf. Find out more: https://coinstreet.org/whats-on/art-k-wild-art#

Booking is now open for our FREE tour with Katie Wignall AKA Lookup London, on Sat 12 September, as part of Open House London ✨

Did you miss out on tickets for our free Heritage Open Days event? Fear not - booking opens tomorrow (19 Aug) for another free tour - on Sat 12 September as part of Open House London ✨

Welcome to everyone who has followed our channels recently - if you're new here, allow us to reintroduce Illuminated River ✨ 📸 Paul Crawley

Booking is now open for our FREE tour with Katie Wignall AKA Lookup London, as part of Heritage Open Days ✨

Booking opens tomorrow (12 Aug) for our FREE tour on Sat 19 Sep, as part of Heritage Open Days ✨     Join award-winning Blue Badge Tourist Guide and founder of Look Up London, Katie Wignall, for a riverside walk from Westminster to Bankside to explore An Everyday History of London's Bridges.

The Illuminated River bridges are lit from dusk to 2am each night.... definitely worth staying out for ✨

Along The River - Experience the captivating world of rule-breaking American artist James McNeill Whistler at @tate.bsky.social  🎨 James McNeill Whistler, Nocturne Blue and Gold - Old Battersea bridge. 1872-5. Tate 🎨 James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain. Photo © Tate (Larina Fernandes)

FREE tour as part of Heritage Open Days ✨  On the evening of Sat 19 September, join award-winning Blue Badge Tourist Guide and founder of Look Up London, Katie Wignall, for a riverside walk from Westminster to Bankside to explore An Everyday History of London's Bridges.