Walking the River from Hammersmith to Chiswick
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Published September 8th 2012
Try a river walk that's not the busy Southbank
From Hammersmith tube station, make your way towards the river bank where the famous Hammersmith Bridge stands resplendent in green and gold. From here follow the waterfront west along Lower Mall, past the greenery of Furnivall Gardens and the handful of houseboats that permanently reside on the water here.
Before long you'll come to The Dove public house where I'd recommend you stop for a drink, for as well as boasting magnificent views out to the river, it is also steeped in history dating back to the 17th century. Many a famous word has been written inside here, including the well-known lyrics to "Rule Britannia", and as well as that the pub has a Guinness World Record for the smallest bar-room in the world.
Further along, also on Upper Mall, is Kelmscott House; chiefly associated with the designer, poet and socialist William Morris [1834-96]. He resided here during his later years and if you fancy it, part of the house is open for tours from 14:00-17:00 on Saturdays.
Heading along from here, as you approach Chiswick Mall, you could be forgiven for thinking you've stepped back in time. Old-style lanterns line the street and grand houses look out onto the river. This part of the walk is very tranquil; you will be able to hear many birds in the trees, including flocks of wild parakeets and of course river birds such as ducks and swans.
Chiswick Eyot is an uninhabited island which lies just off this stretch of river and when the tide is particularly low there is a part where the bank opens out and you can walk right up to it (although it does get muddy). However, at the other extreme, sometimes the tide is so high that the river floods the street and pavement here; a regular occurrence that the local residents have had to get used to. At this point of the walk, to your right, you'll see the famous Fuller's Brewery dating back to 1845, and on weekdays you can book onto a tour to see how the beer is brewed. There is a shop on site too which is open on Saturdays from 10:00-18:00, and if by now you've worked up a thirst, there's the opportunity to stop at the pub and taste some of the world famous beer.
You'll then see a church directly in front of you, which is the St Nicholas Parish Church. Stroll through its churchyard and along the footpath, and this will bring you out onto Burlington Lane.
From here cross the road and finish up your walk at Chiswick House and Gardens. It's a really picturesque setting to wander around on a sunny day and if you're peckish you can have a pleasant bite to eat at the cafe there.
Chiswick House isn't far from Chiswick High Road, where there are plenty of shops and regular transport links back to Hammersmith.
Before long you'll come to The Dove public house where I'd recommend you stop for a drink, for as well as boasting magnificent views out to the river, it is also steeped in history dating back to the 17th century. Many a famous word has been written inside here, including the well-known lyrics to "Rule Britannia", and as well as that the pub has a Guinness World Record for the smallest bar-room in the world.
Further along, also on Upper Mall, is Kelmscott House; chiefly associated with the designer, poet and socialist William Morris [1834-96]. He resided here during his later years and if you fancy it, part of the house is open for tours from 14:00-17:00 on Saturdays.
Chiswick Eyot is an uninhabited island which lies just off this stretch of river and when the tide is particularly low there is a part where the bank opens out and you can walk right up to it (although it does get muddy). However, at the other extreme, sometimes the tide is so high that the river floods the street and pavement here; a regular occurrence that the local residents have had to get used to. At this point of the walk, to your right, you'll see the famous Fuller's Brewery dating back to 1845, and on weekdays you can book onto a tour to see how the beer is brewed. There is a shop on site too which is open on Saturdays from 10:00-18:00, and if by now you've worked up a thirst, there's the opportunity to stop at the pub and taste some of the world famous beer.
You'll then see a church directly in front of you, which is the St Nicholas Parish Church. Stroll through its churchyard and along the footpath, and this will bring you out onto Burlington Lane.
From here cross the road and finish up your walk at Chiswick House and Gardens. It's a really picturesque setting to wander around on a sunny day and if you're peckish you can have a pleasant bite to eat at the cafe there.
Chiswick House isn't far from Chiswick High Road, where there are plenty of shops and regular transport links back to Hammersmith.
Why? A pleasant walk along the Thames
Where: From Hammersmith to Chiswick
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