Could the River Thames Reclaim the QE2?

A new addition to the River Thames might actually be an old addition, so to speak. Currently docked in Dubai, the historically important Queen Elizabeth 2 (or QE2) could find her way to the shores of the River Thames. Will history remember her while the cruise vessel exists or is she doomed to the scrap heap; these are purported to be her two fates. To be able to once more board the QE2 on a London boat cruise must rank high enough to be on anyone’s bucket list but currently the owners based in Dubai are in talks with China to strip it down and scrap the boat altogether.

River Thames Getting a Clean Up Thanks to Kingston University

The River Thames is more than a river running through the middle of London; it has been dubbed the ‘Spine of London’ because it plays such an integral part of the biggest metropolis in Europe. As such it is important for the denizens of London to take pride in the history of the River Thames and its influence on their everyday lives. Unfortunately the stark truth about a river of this magnitude running through the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world is that it will unfortunately be exposed to a lot of pollution. While the River Thames activities continue and it is still beautiful enough to have wedding transfers and family cruises, beneath the surface lies an incredible amount of pollution that needs to be cleaned up.

Respecting the River Thames and Your Safety

The River Thames is the most prevalent tourist spot in London considering how large it is and many visitors will end up on its shores or even on a boat trip, but they may also let their guard down because of how unsuspecting it can be in the middle of the biggest city in the United Kingdom. However recently, what with the Olympic Games come and gone, rescue services in the capital have been extra vigilant to highlight the proper etiquette when approaching the River Thames. For kids and parents alike, visiting for Thames boat trips is supposed to be one of fun and excitement but that doesn’t mean we should take precautions or at least be aware. If one treats River Thames boat trips as one would treat any trip on a boat, there should be absolutely nothing to worry about but it can be tempting to not be vigilant because the river through the city seems completely safe – after all if one were to fall in it’s a simple case to get out right?

The Olympics Rings Travel the Thames

Taking turns to float around London’s river Thames, first the Olympic torch and now the 2012 Olympic rings have been spotted floating through the waters. A reminder of the games, which start on Friday, the giant rings were mounted on a barge and left to make a slow pilgrimage down the waterway.

The Countdown Has Begun

Londoners and tourists, out and about enjoying the weather on Thames boat trips, called in sightings of the five symbolic Olympics rings as the barge made its way to its destination.

To add to the occasion, an impressive replica of the Olympic rings was recently unveiled atop London’s iconic Tower Bridge. Part of the exciting countdown, the huge monument to this year’s game made quite the statement suspended from one of the capital city’s most iconic landmarks. Weighing a whopping three tonnes, the rings cost £259,817 to produce (without the costly installation fee).

Fine Line: Thames Cable Car should be Ready for Olympics

2012 has been crazy year in London and continues in the same vein for a while to come. The new Thames Cable Car being another exciting addition to the London landscape.

1000 Boats to Float at Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is constantly making big news in the United Kingdom. From major gala’s to dignitary visits to public ceremonies, sixty years on the throne is a good cause for celebration and Britain is doing it in style. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant is one example of this. This huge affair takes place on the afternoon of Sunday the 3^rd of June 2012. The event is over three months away but it’s nature warrants a great deal of planning.

The Jubilee Pageant is being held on the River Thames and promises a great day out for all spectators. Close on one thousand boats will gather on the river in a hopefully sun-kissed afternoon. Chances are it’s too late to make use of Thames boat hire but either way the flotilla will include passenger ships with approximately 30 000 Jubilee Pageant enthusiasts aboard.

Little Britain Star David Walliams River Thames Charity Swim

The River Thames is an iconic feature of London in terms of tourism and history but in September of this year the river was highlighted in a different and more positive light than just a tourist attraction. Little Britain star David Walliams completed an extremely long charity swim that raised more than 1 million pounds for his charity.

This event was the most popular in charity swimming events 2011 as David swam 140 miles down the River Thames. The Little Britain star swam for up to eight hours a day for eight days to raise funds for his charity Sport relief aimed to help children in Kenya reach their inspirational goals. The river was alive with many people on a London river trip edging David on as he participated in this exhausting charity swimming event. Spectators filled the shores of the River Thames shouting words of encouragement as David finished the last stretch of the race that was to be the toughest. Strong gusts, exhaustion, bitterly cold water and a very uncomfortable David added to the last victorious moments when David finished this swimming for charity event. David is not new to charity swimming events as in 2006 he swam the English Channel to raise money for the same Sport relief charity in just over ten and a half hours.