About

The stretch of Thames between Twickenham and Marble Hill House has been much painted and photographed over the years. Using extensive visual reference, the ‘Arcadian Thames’ Walk traces the footsteps of both fashionable and influential Georgians and working watermen, all of whom have left visible traces over the centuries on Twickenham's historic riverside.

Poets and princes, naked ladies and rock gods, artisans and river folk - all will be making an appearance on this stroll along the river from Twickenham’s working Embankment to the Georgian splendour of Marble Hill House.

The starting point for the Walks will be the Diamond Jubilee Gardens on Twickenham Embankment, where there will be two tented exhibitions: one from the Eel Pie Island Museum (focusing on the musical history of the island) and one from Twickenham Riverside Trust (about the history of the former riverside Lido site - echos of which still remain - on which there are now public gardens).

A garden 'spotters' trail' will also be available to younger (and older!) participants ahead of departing on the walk.

Music will be played to accompany both exhibitions (this will be covered by the Museum's music license).

There is also a cafe and toilets on site at the Gardens, so participants will be able to make themselves comfortable before departing on the walk.

Both access to the Gardens and the walk itself are step-free and wheelchair/mobility-scooter compatible, with frequent bench stops. There will also be six 'walking stools' available to participants.

During the walk, participants will each have use of a 30-page A4 highly illustrated colour folder, packed with images of the 'then' so it can compared with the 'now'.