As part of our Larking: The Thames and Beyond exhibition currently on display at the Cathedral, we are delighted to offer a number of foreshore walks on the Thames foreshore.

Join Thames archaeologist Mike Webber who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of London and the River for a family-friendly guided walk along the Thames foreshore.

On these walks, some of which are specifically tailored to suit families with children, you will learn about London’s past and how the Thames has shaped the history of this great city. Discover how the lives of Londoners and visitors have been entwined with the Thames for thousands of years.

This walk will start at the courtyard of Southwark Cathedral (located on the south side beside the River Thames) before crossing the river over to the City of London where the foreshore walk will begin and you will be on the foreshore for 1.5 hours.

Those joining us will also have the opportunity to see the display Larking: The Thames and Beyond display at the Cathedral either before or after your walk which is curated by Mike and London mudlark Lara Maiklem. This display includes commonly found Thames objects – nails, pottery and buttons, – alongside more rare and unique objects, such as an Iron Age pot, a Roman scabbard chape and medieval Pilgrim badges. Many of the pieces are on public display for the first time and each one has its own story to tell.

Mike Webber is a community archaeologist, educator, and curator. He co-ordinated the Thames Archaeological Survey 1995-2000 and now specialises in the archaeology of the River Thames. The focus for this work has been the artefacts, particularly pot sherds, found on the Thames beaches. Recent work with ceramic artists and makers has led Mike to explore the archaeological and historical evidence for the people who made these artefacts and the techniques that they used to make and decorate them.

Spaces on these walks are limited and you can book via our Eventbrite page and further information about Larking: The Thames and Beyond can be found on our website.

Important information and Health and Safety

• The minimum age for children is 12 years with a maximum of two children per adult and children are the sole responsibility of the parents or guardians.

• Wear sensible footwear as the foreshore will be slippery so wellies or walking boots are advised.

• Please dress for all weather conditions wearing clothes that you don't mind getting muddy.

• Please note that access to the Thames foreshore will be via some steps that may be slippery and uneven. Please only book onto this walk if you are confident that you and your party can access the foreshore in this way.

• We love all animals at Southwark Cathedral but please do not bring your dog with you.

These foreshore walk are taking place with the kind agreement and support of the Port of London Authority.