Celebrating The Totally Thames Festival In London With Our Riverside Resort

 

Totally Thames Festival the Tower Hotel Blog Image

 

Every year, the Totally Thames Festival transforms the river with art, performance, and spectacle – and there’s no better vantage than The Tower Hotel, by Thistle. From our privileged spot next to the Tower Bridge, you’re at the epicentre of Summer in London, with the Thames winding past world-class attractions and the city’s historic heart. Whether you’re here for business, culture, or a lively family escape, our team delivers the insider expertise to navigate every riverside highlight during the Totally Thames Festival 2026.

13 min read

 

Table of Contents

 

Why choose The Tower Hotel, by Thistle during Totally Thames

Our address isn’t just scenic. From the breakfast table to after-dinner drinks, you’ll watch festival boats and installations drift past your window. The Tower Hotel, by Thistle links you directly to the Thames Path for scenic morning jogs, late-night strolls, or a gentle commute to London events and meetings. Business travellers find quick transport links, smart workspaces, and riverside inspiration, while leisure guests relish direct access to unique London attractions from our celebrated Tower of London hotel.

Tower Bridge marks the start of your festival journey. You can step out the door and be at the river’s edge within seconds. You’re also minutes from key festival events and local secrets most hotels on the Thames can’t reveal. For international guests and locals alike, The Tower Hotel, by Thistle is the anchor for a distinctively London festival experience.

 

Tower Bridge: A remarkable festival gateway

Standing at the threshold of the city’s most famous crossing, you’ll understand why the River Thames has always pulled people together. Tower Bridge is not only the visual heart of the river’s festival, but a practical hub for exploring Totally Thames festival London.

Schedule a visit on a festival day. The towers offer sweeping river views, while the open walkways let you see installations, light shows, and river processions from above. For business travellers, an early-morning stroll across Tower Bridge is the sharpest way to start your day before festival crowds arrive.

Find out more about Tower Bridge here

 

Tower of London and riverside history at your doorstep

Directly across from our lobby, the Tower of London offers centuries of intrigue, ceremony, and drama. During the Totally Thames Festival, the moat and outer walls become backdrops for river-inspired artworks and storytelling. For guests blending business with leisure, a walking meeting or quick heritage break adds texture to your itinerary.

Few Tower Bridge Hotels situate you so close. Enjoy flexible entry by pre-booking to avoid queues, or wander its walls at dusk for a special Summer in London moment when festival lights shimmer on the river.

 

Setting your festival rhythm: Getting around with ease

The beauty of staying at our riverside resort is your transport is sorted before you’ve organised a thing. Thames Clippers stop just minutes away, taking you west towards South Bank highlights or east to The O2 for headline performances. London’s Underground links at Tower Hill and London Bridge whisk you to festival pop-ups and business meetings across the city.

Plan to explore by river to beat city traffic. For leisure guests, this transforms travel into part of the experience, with panoramic city and festival views en route. For business travellers, it’s a practical way to arrive at meetings refreshed.

 

Southbank Centre: Culture in motion

A visit to the Southbank Centre during the Totally Thames Festival is essential for immersing yourself in the latest art, performance, and international culture along the riverside. The complex is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Hayward Gallery, delivering a mix of headline exhibitions and lively festival atmosphere.

Arrive early to claim a riverside café table and soak up the pulse of Summer in London, or dip in after work for a world-class concert. The area is ideal for business lunches, creative ideation sessions, or a summer evening with friends. Hotels near Tower of London often overlook its convenience, but our team can guide you directly via river or foot.

Find out more about Southbank Centre here

 

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden: Drinks and skyline views

Hidden above the riverfront, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden offers a peaceful retreat from city bustle and a chance to see the Thames from above. Enjoy sunset drinks with skyline views – an excellent break between festival installations or business events.

It’s open throughout summer in London, and is particularly vibrant during the Totally Thames Festival. The rooftop’s café serves small plates and local wines. This is a favourite locals’ spot for winding down after a full day.

Find out more about Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden here

 

Somerset House: Style and art by the river

Somerset House stands as a landmark of London’s creative energy, with riverside exhibitions, installations, and live performances that make it a festival highlight. Take in site-specific art that animates its grand courtyard, or catch a lunchtime talk for business inspiration with a creative twist.

This is an ideal stop during Totally Thames Festival 2026 for anyone seeking a blend of heritage architecture and cutting-edge culture. Chart a relaxed walk from The Tower Hotel, by Thistle along the Thames Path, passing street art and river life along the way.

Find out more about Somerset House here

 

Tate Modern: Where the river meets modern art

A festival itinerary isn’t complete without the Tate Modern. Housed in a converted power station, it’s the city’s beacon for modern and contemporary art. During the festival, expect special installations that spill out onto riverside paths. Art lovers and business guests alike value the blend of world-famous works with local events along the banks.

Open late most evenings, it suits after-hours visits as well as daytime excursions if you’re mixing meetings with art. The panoramic café terrace is ideal for gathering your thoughts with a riverside flat white.

Find out more about Tate Modern here

 

Beneath the concrete curves of the South Bank, the Hayward Gallery anchors London’s most adventurous art scene. Its programme is tightly tuned to the spirit of the river, and during the Totally Thames festival events, you’ll often find installations merging architecture with the themes of water, travel, and urban life.

Whether you’re squeezing in a quick visit between business commitments or planning an art-focused afternoon out, the Hayward Gallery inspires with its changing exhibitions and festival energy. Our concierge team can advise on current shows and fast-track routes from the Tower Bridge area.

Find out more about Hayward Gallery here

 

National Theatre: World-class performance with riverside flair

The National Theatre places imaginative performances at the river’s edge – an essential complement to any Thames-based festival visit. Take in cutting-edge plays, classic performances, or pop-up events unfolding all summer. Its multiple auditoriums cater to every taste, with outstanding acoustics and a buzz before and after each show.

For business travellers, it’s both a venue for client entertaining and an inspiring evening out. Leisure guests enjoy the riverside terrace and lively post-show bars. At The Tower Hotel, by Thistle, we’re delighted to secure tickets and suggest the best productions for your schedule.

Find out more about National Theatre here

 

The O2: Where entertainment reaches its peak

On the eastern stretch of the Thames, The O2 hosts blockbuster acts and major sporting events, easily accessed by river from the Tower Bridge Hotel district. Totally Thames Festival often features large-scale performances and headline events at The O2, making this a strong choice for travellers seeking a spectacular evening.

Plan your journey for off-peak timings, and enjoy a sunset ride down the Thames to the arena. Hotels on the Thames like ours make this large-scale venue approachable, with return river transport at your doorstep for a seamless festival experience.

Find out more about The O2 here

 

HMS Belfast: Step aboard living history

Moored just a short stroll from The Tower Hotel, by Thistle, HMS Belfast is a floating museum ship amidst the Totally Thames festivities. Step aboard for a vivid dose of naval heritage, interactive displays, and sweeping river views from the decks.

It’s a memorable break from the festival crowds, equally enjoyed by families and solo visitors. For the business guest with a spare hour, it offers an unusual and authentic slice of London history, easy to fit between meetings at the Tower of London hotel or Tower Bridge Hotel.

Find out more about HMS Belfast here

 

Borough Market: Feast your way through the festival

You’re never far from the aromas of Borough Market – arguably London’s best-loved food destination. Located a few minutes’ walk from the river and a main artery for festival-goers, this historic food hall overflows with international flavours and artisanal produce.

Start with breakfast pastries before a morning festival cruise, or build a picnic of British cheeses and homemade bread for a Bank-side lunch. Business and leisure guests alike sample London’s food scene at its most lively. Arrive early for relaxed browsing, or stop in late for fresh coffee and people-watching.

Find out more about Borough Market here

 

Shakespeare’s Globe: Theatrical tradition on the Thames

Riverside London comes alive with generations of drama at Shakespeare’s Globe. Step back in time with open-air performances in the faithful recreation of Shakespeare’s original theatre, or book a guided tour for an insight into the city’s cultural foundations.

During the Totally Thames Festival, the Globe’s events often spill into the courtyard, adding to the sense of celebration. Whether you’re an art-lover, a business leader after inspiration, or just curious about what to do in London’s riverside corridors, this landmark is a local treasure.

Find out more about Shakespeare’s Globe here

 

London Eye: The ultimate riverside view

Float above it all with a slow rotation on the London Eye, the city’s definitive observation wheel. Its riverside location puts you in line with the Totally Thames Festival’s installations and happenings from a unique angle. A private pod can even transform into an inspiring setting for networking or a romantic escape.

We suggest advance booking for sunset rides, where London’s skyline lights up and the festival energy hums across the river.

Find out more about London Eye here

 

Festival day planning: Insider advice and rhythm

A successful visit to the Totally Thames Festival means balancing headline events with quiet moments. Here’s our tried-and-tested approach from the concierge desk at The Tower Hotel, by Thistle:

Morning: Start with a riverside walk or jog on the Thames Path, passing early art installations before festival crowds. Enjoy coffee by Tower Bridge before venturing further.

Midday: Board a river cruise from Festival Pier for views and commentary, then disembark at South Bank for an exhibition or play. Stop at Borough Market for a fresh lunch.

Afternoon: Visit Tate Modern or Hayward Gallery for art, then relax at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden for a refreshing drink and views.

Evening: Book ahead for a show at National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe, then return to The Tower Hotel, by Thistle for an evening cocktail, watching the festival unfold.

This routine ensures time to explore, discover, and unwind – tailored for leisure, business, or a mix of both.

 

Practical travel tips for the Totally Thames Festival

  • Plan your route: Begin at The Tower Hotel to map your day by foot and river, giving you flexibility.
  • Transport: Use river buses for scenic connections, especially if combining London attractions on both banks.
  • Advance bookings: Secure tickets for headline London events, gallery shows, and theatre performances early.
  • Dining: Festival periods are busy, so reserve your table for riverside dining or ask our team for under-the-radar options.
  • Weather: Bring a light jacket for evening events, and comfortable shoes for riverside walks.
  • Local insight: Tap into our 24/7 concierge for live festival updates, best-hidden installations, and family-friendly options.
  • Wellbeing: For business guests, our lounge offers quiet workspaces between meetings; for families, kid-friendly festival activities are nearby.

 

Classic river bridges and viewing points

Waterloo Bridge and Festival Pier double as festival observation spots and practical transport nodes. Waterloo Bridge’s classic views connect you to South Bank’s arts venues, while Festival Pier is the embarkation point for river cruises during Totally Thames.

For those staying at hotels near Tower of London, it’s a pleasant walk west, letting you explore more of what to do in London along the way.

The Tower Hotel’s festival advantage

No other Tower of London hotel anchors you so completely in the rhythm of the Thames. From sunrise on the river to late-night festival lights, The Tower Hotel, by Thistle offers not just views, but a confident command of all London attractions. Our prime position reduces travel fuss and unlocks the city’s best riverside moments, whether you’re here for culture, business, or pure enjoyment.

Our team’s expertise is your secret navigation tool – let us recommend routes, secure your tickets, or tailor your visit for any interest or occasion. See what summer at London’s most connected riverside address can be.

 

Frequently asked questions

  • The Tower Hotel sits a short walk from the Thames riverboats at Tower Pier, as well as Tower Hill station for the Underground and several bus routes. River buses are especially popular during the festival, offering direct routes to South Bank, The O2, and major attractions without city traffic.

  • Book ahead for major exhibitions and shows, and try visiting popular spots early in the day or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. The Tower Hotel’s riverside lounge and quiet corners let you recharge between outings, and our concierge is always available with up-to-date advice.

  • Absolutely. The Tower Hotel, by Thistle offers versatile meeting rooms and event suites with river views, fast Wi-Fi, and expert planning support. We recommend booking your space early, as demand for hotels on the Thames increases during the festival season.

  • Events at Southbank Centre, open-air activities along the Thames, and interactive history at HMS Belfast all appeal to younger visitors. Our front desk can suggest daily activities suitable for all ages during the entire Totally Thames Festival.

    Ready for your riverside adventure? Book direct with The Tower Hotel, by Thistle for a front-row seat at the Totally Thames Festival, peerless service, and insider access to every summer moment London has to offer.