The winding waterways of London offer a wealth of attractions and sights worth seeing. Whether you want to walk, cycle or sail, be sure to stop off at one of the riverside cafes where you can top off a day out in England with cream teas and satisfying views.

Open air venues on the waterside offer a great range of alfresco dining options; from simple cafes to bars, brassieres and terraces such as those found in the Oxo Tower where the eighth floor location affords great views across the city. If enjoying a leisurely drink by the riverside sounds good then how about sipping summertime refreshments on the river? Tattershall Castle is a pub-cum-boat where drinks can be enjoyed on deck whilst overlooking the South Bank and the landmark London Eye.

For those feeling more active a selection of riverside leisure and sports are available. To the Northwest of the city on the Welsh Harp Reservoir you can find one of London’s largest sailing clubs where both sailing and windsurfing are popular choices. If spectatorship sounds more like your idea of fun, the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race may be of interest. A tradition which was born in 1829 the race is now a major international sporting occasion which draws millions of viewers from around the world with around 250,000 spectators gathering on the banks of the Thames to witness the action.

If walking is the way you want to get around you will feel spoiled-for-choice when considering the many canal and river paths on offer. Heading west along the towpath brings you to the mooring of Cumberland Basin. A short stretch further will have you at Regents Park which you can walk through to get to Little Venice, an area scattered with waterside cafes, bars and a floating art gallery which are nestled amongst the colourful moored narrow boats.

Cycling is another popular choice with Londoners and tourists alike, offering a quick and easy way of getting around. The well known Wandle Trail is a tranquil 20 kilometre route which follows the path of the Wandle River and is an active and fun way to spend your day.

Whether you choose to walk or cycle you shouldn’t miss the historic waterway of the Grand Union Canal which finally leaves the River Thames at Brentford, headed toward the Chiltern Hills and finally destined for Birmingham, constituting the longest single canal in Britain.

Cruising down the river is a tempting attraction, where you can opt for a straightforward boat trip or you can combine fine dining with river views and go on a lunch or dinner cruise.

You also have plenty of choice when looking for hotels in London and if you’re lucky you might even find one on the waterside!