Chimneys & Tunnels Along the Thames, guided walk 5th October 2024

This guided walk explores riverside Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs, its industrial history and tubular infrastructure. We start by speeding across the Thames by Clipper from Greenwich Pier to Masthouse Terrace Quay. From there it's a 3 and a half mile 'dot-to-dot' walk as we link together the chimneys above our heads, sometimes tracing the routes of tunnels. We seek out their stories of power, pollution and danger. 

The walk gives an insight into the many layers of history that make up Greenwich, through stories about past and present chimneys and tunnels. Tour goers will:

• cross the Thames by Clipper boat and return beneath it through the atmospheric Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
• explore riverside Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs with its spectacular views of the Royal Naval College, and pass through Greenwich Park and the Queen’s House.
• learn about the area’s industrial history, the largest ship on earth, the early railways, London’s smoky smelly past and its tubular infrastructure.
• find out about hidden tunnels, unmarked chimneys, eighteenth century mass-hysteria and other seldom-told stories.
• hear how the powerful – from pier owners to the Astronomers Royal – have influenced the area’s development.

Note to budding steeplejacks and subterranean explorers: leave your harnesses, torches and hard hats at home! Apart from the descent into one tunnel, we'll keep our feet firmly on ground level as we let our minds wander above and below.

The walk starts promptly from Greenwich Pier ticket office. You will need to arrive a few minutes early to buy a Thames Clipper single ticket to Masthouse Terrace. Alternatively, you can pay for the river crossing with an Oyster card or contactles payment card.

The tour price includes a smoky snack. It does not include the cost of the Thames Clipper river crossing. 

The walk is suitable for adults and over 16s. It involves going up and down stairs and crossing roads.

Read tour-goers' review on TripAdvisor and on our website.

Cancellation: We can't usually offer refunds. But if you give at least 5 days notice before the date of the walk we may be able to offer you a place on another one. 

Host or Publisher Rosie Oliver, Dotmaker Tours