On Monday 21 July, a group of our learners from Merton set off on an exciting journey to experience something new – an Uber boat trip along the River Thames. The idea came from a recent lesson about transport in London, where we realised that none of the learners had ever travelled by riverboat before.

The day began at South Wimbledon station, where the group met with their tutor and took the Underground to London Bridge. After arriving, they walked to London Bridge Pier, enjoying the sights and atmosphere along the way. While waiting for the boat, they looked across the river at the Walkie Talkie building and learned about the Sky Garden – a popular free viewing point in central London.

When the boat arrived, everyone boarded and settled in for the 45-minute journey west to Putney. Along the route, they passed many of London’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and Battersea Power Station. It was a perfect opportunity for learners to take photos and videos, capturing the impressive views from the water.

At Putney Pier, the group disembarked and took a short walk to a nearby café by the river, where they relaxed with a coffee and chatted about the day. Afterwards, they took the bus back – a peaceful end to a memorable outing.

It was a delightful way to see the city from a different perspective, and a great chance for learners to practise English, explore new parts of London, and enjoy the summer sunshine together.