Our walks are led by an archaeologist from Thames Discovery Programme and take place at sites across London. They help support our work to monitor and record the vulnerable archaeology of the Thames foreshore.

Our public guided walks are suitable for anyone aged 8 and over, under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We also run regular family walks for all ages.

Check out our upcoming foreshore walks.

What to bring

If you’re coming on a foreshore walk, please wear clothing suitable for the weather, and walking boots, strong trainers, or wellingtons. The foreshore can be muddy, so be prepared!

Many people find walking poles helpful when walking on the foreshore surface.

Can’t find the meeting place?

Some of our meeting points don’t have a street address, so might not show up on Google Maps and phone apps. Full directions and information about where we’re meeting is on the booking link and our website, along with the nearest postcode (but beware, this might not be the exact meeting place!). We’ll be somewhere near the river, if you find the river, you should find us!

Do you need a mudlarking permit?

We run all our foreshore events with permission of the Port of London Authority. Our walks focus on the history and heritage of the river, including those structures and features exposed by the movement of sediment in this dynamic environment, which are monitored and archaeologically recorded by our volunteers. Some surface-only artefact handling may be permitted when attending a TDP foreshore walk, but all finds must be examined by the archaeologist on site, and significant artefacts must be recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Please be aware that if you wish to regularly search the foreshore for artefacts at other times you must be in possession of a Permit to Search the Foreshore, issued by the Port of London Authority.

Accessibility

Most of the foreshore sites are accessed via steps, and the foreshore surface itself is often rocky and difficult to walk on. However, all the sites are different, and some are easier to access than others. We want to support as many people as possible to get access to the foreshore, and we’re always happy to discuss your specific needs, advise which sites might be suitable for you to visit and adapt our plans so that you can take part.

Can’t get on to the foreshore? We run gentle Riverside Strolls on step-free routes along the Thames Path at low tide, open to all, but particularly aimed at people who would find it difficult to access the foreshore. All the routes have good views of the archaeology from the paths alongside the river.

Related