London’s sewers walking tour - Saturday 25 April 2026 11am
Regular price £19.50Join Open City to explore the past, present and future of London's sewers and sanitation infrastructure from the Great Stink of London in 1858 to today’s Tideway 'Super Sewer'
Led by Golden Key Academy graduate and educator Petra Cox, this above ground walking tour supported by Crossness & Habitats and Heritage follows the final section of the southern outfall sewer across the Erith Marshes to the Crossness Pumping Station on the banks of the River Thames.
Built by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and completed in 1865 as part of London’s first sewage system, Crossness is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and engineering.
The tour outlines the development of the Crossness site over its 85 years in operation: from the impact of the Princess Alice disaster to the role of the Crossness Pier and 20th century solutions to London’s waste management.
The walk continues along the Thames riverside path to view the current sewage treatment works and discover how London’s sewage is processed today. Then it’s back to Crossness for refreshments, followed by a look at the Tideway exhibition models to discover the next chapter in the story of London’s sanitation before ending back at Lakeside Centre.
Highlights include Crossness Pumping Station, Precipitation Engine House and Thames Water Sewage Treatment Works.
Key Information
Meet: Outside Lakeside Centre, Southmere Lake, Bazalgette Way SE2 9AN
Tour end: Lakeside Centre
Duration: 3 hours approx
Distance: 4 miles approx
Route notes: The tour crosses undulating and rough grassland which can get muddy after rainfall. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
Please select solidarity pricing if you feel you can help our charity to offer reduced concessionary tickets to others who require them.
We offer reduced-price tickets for people who are currently without paid work (e.g. job seekers or those on income support). If you are retired and income support not apply to you please select the Over 65s ticket, which also includes a discount.
We aim to be inclusive and accessible where possible, please contact Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk to discuss your accessibility needs, reduced ticket prices and if you require a free carer ticket.
Tickets are non-refundable and tours go ahead rain or shine. Photography may be taking place on any of our tours, please indicate on the day if you do not want to be in any of the photos.
* Please check for any planned transport engineering works, planned strike action or large scale events that may affect your journey before making your ticket purchase *
If you find you can no longer make the tour for any reason including Covid we are unable to transfer you to another date, but please feel free to pass your booked place onto a friend to go and enjoy the tour in your place.
In the event your tour date is cancelled you will be issued with a credit note (with no expiry date) that you can use to
- book onto a rescheduled date
- book onto any other tour from our programme
or you can request a refund.
All ticket purchases are in support of the work of our organisation including our pioneering education programmes. We really appreciate your support!
Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.
