Thames water in my hair, well-exercised biceps and a belly full of steak and ale pie – Night kayaking on the Thames with Secret Adventures was well worth the trip!
Night Kayaking on the Thames
Paddling into the setting sun at Limehouse Basin and heading out onto the river Thames – which seems so much bigger when you’re in a tiny kayak – I passed many pubs with terraces out on the river. I told my new friends about a great one I once visited opposite Brunel’s Tunnel. And as I paddled, I wondered if it was one of these.
The lights of London twinkled as we paddled along, bobbing up and down when the ferries passed.
Just as the sun had disappeared for the night, we rounded a corner and were presented with a stunningly unusual perspective on Central London.
Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Gherkin – all lit up and spectacular. One of those times to pause and reflect on the beauty of a big city.
Night Kayaking Under Tower Bridge
Nearing Tower Bridge, I saw that the bridge was raised. I always like to watch when that happens – it’s something of a novelty as a large ship cruises down the Thames.
Slightly more scary when you’re sitting in such a tiny vessel, so I stayed well clear!
Climbing a fire escape to dinner
Stopping for dinner was an adventure in itself. No pub front door for us – we took the basement route in!
Attracting a fair amount of attention from people drinking on the pub terrace, we waited for the tide to go out enough to paddle underneath. Once there was headroom, we paddled under the pub and climbed up a secret stairway.
Climbing the stairs, we collected a pint and huddled next to heaters on the terrace for a delicious Steak and Ale pie. Well deserved after all that paddling!
Want to try it?
You can book this experience over at www.secretadventures.com. They have heaps of other adventurous activities on offer too, so I recommend you check them out if you’re going to be in London.
If you’re not in the UK, how about checking out these similar experiences?
Saturday Night Brisbane Kayak Tour (Australia)
Sorrento Night Kayak Tour (Italy)
Illuminated Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Tour in Vancouver (Canada)
Chicago River Ghosts & Gangsters Kayak Tour (USA)
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