London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games events affecting the River Thames

Important info, take note


London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games events affecting the River Thames

Find out what's happening on and around the River Thames during the 2012 Games.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are on from 27 July to 9 September. The Olympic Torch Relay takes place throughout the UK in the run-up to the Games.

A number of events will take place on or near the River Thames. The river will remain open for navigation before and during the Games, but there will be some restrictions in place.
We are working closely with community partners to ensure a safe and secure Games with minimal disruption to river users.

What’s on when

Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch will pass through Teddington Lock on 27 July, the final day of the Relay.

Rowing and canoeing events

These will take place at Dorney Lake, which is adjacent to the River Thames near Eton and Windsor.

Olympic Rowing: Saturday 28 July - Saturday 4 August
Olympic Canoeing: Monday 6 August - Saturday 11 August
Paralympic Rowing: Friday 31 August - Sunday 2 September

Olympic Road Cycle Races

The men's and women's road cycle races will pass Molesey Lock in Surrey on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July. Cycle time trails will also take place on Wednesday 1 August.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be delays or restrictions on the River Thames during the Games?

There will be heightened security measures in place during the Games and many visiting boats are expected during this time. Please be prepared for some delays.
River Thames closures and restrictions
What information is available for boaters?

We will provide information for boaters at nearby locks during the Games. Our patrol crews will be available to help and guide you during and leading up to the Games.

We are also working with local boating communities and the press to ensure clear information is available to all river users.

What will I need to do to bring my boat onto the River Thames during the Games?

All boats wishing to navigate the River Thames need to display a valid licence. There are two main categories, powered and unpowered. For each, there are a number of licence options and ways to pay.
Register your boat on the River Thames

The Olympic Torch Relay

When will the Torch Relay be on or close to the River Thames?

The Torch Relay travelled on the river at Henley-on-Thames on 10 July. It also travelled close to the river on 11 July when it passed through Reading. On the final day of the relay (27 July) the torch will pass through Teddington Lock.

Details of the Torch Relay Route

What restrictions will be in place at Teddington on Friday 27 July?

There will be a temporary river closure on the river from Hampton Court to Teddington Lock from 7.00am to 9.00am on Friday 27 July. Boats will not be able to navigate anywhere on the River Thames downstream of Molesey Lock between Hampton Court Bridge and Teddington Lock during this time.
River Thames closures and restrictions

Can I stop and watch the Torch Relay go through Teddington from the river?

For security and safety reasons, boaters will not be able to stop at Teddington to watch the Torch Relay. Short-stay moorings maybe available downstream of Kingston-upon-Thames. However, there is likely to be a high demand for these.


Can I watch the Torch Relay at Teddington Lock?

Members of the public will be able to view the Torch Relay from the towpath. Please bear in mind that large crowds are expected for this event.

Dorney reach - Boveney and Bray Locks

What river restrictions will be in place during the Games on the Dorney reach between Boveney and Bray locks?

The whole width of the river may not always be available. From the end of June to the end of the Games, there will be a five to ten metre navigation exclusion zone along the venue perimeter on the Buckinghamshire bank.

Will there be any restrictions in place before the Games in the Dorney reach?

Yes, there will be some short-term restrictions during preparatory works for the Games.

Some parts of the towpath between Bray and Boveney Locks are closed while the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) prepares the area around the venue.

The river will be closed briefly (less than a day) for the installation (and eventual removal) of a temporary pedestrian bridge from the Windsor Racecourse transport hub to the Eton Dorney venue.
River Thames closures and restrictions

Where will I find alternative short-stay moorings near the Eton Dorney venue during the Games?

All other visitor moorings in the Windsor and Maidenhead area are likely to be extremely busy during the Games. Short stay moorings are more likely to be available upstream of Cookham Lock. Please check availability with the local landowner.

Will the normal facilities at Boveney and Bray locks be available during the Games?

Yes, but there will be no moorings available.

More information about River Thames lock facilities

Can I use the Thames Path National Trail in the Dorney Reach during the Games?

The Thames Path National Trail beside the Eton Dorney Olympic venue will be closed throughout the Games. It will be diverted so walkers can continue on their way up or downstream. The diversion will be in place between Boveney Lock and the Summerleaze Bridge.

The Thames Path

Will there be access to the Eton Dorney Olympic venue from the riverbank?

No, there is no access from the towpath. Ticket holders must only use the designated entrance point. This information will be on your tickets or available from:

London 2012 - Travel to Eton Dorney

Can I travel to the Eton Dorney Olympic venue by river?

Yes, but only using the designated river shuttles which will operate a limited service between Windsor Promenade and Windsor Racecourse transport hub. For more information visit:
London 2012 - Travel to Eton Dorney
Molesey Lock
Will there be any restrictions at Molesey Lock during the road cycle races?

The route for the men and women's road cycle on 28 and 29 July, and time trials on 1 August, includes Hurst Road which passes alongside Molesey Lock. Please be prepared for delays as we are expecting an increase in visitors during this time.

Can I stop and watch the Olympic road cycle race at Molesey?

It won’t be possible to stop at the lock to watch the race or time trials. There are no short-stay moorings at the lock; boats will only be able to stop at the laybys if they are waiting for the lock to clear.

Entry Point – Teddington Lock

Will there be delays or restrictions at Teddington Lock during the Games?

Due to heightened security measures, please be prepared for some delays at Teddington Lock from 16 July. It is very important that you plan your journey in advance if you intend to travel downstream of Teddington.

To enable the Port of London Authority (PLA) to identify individual boats and their indented passage, boaters entering the Port of London through Teddington Lock will need to display a transit i.d.

If you have not already registered with the PLA for your i.d you will be able to obtain one (free of charge) at Teddington lock. You will need a detailed account of your transit or a berth or mooring booked on the tidal Thames. When you arrive at Teddington, please moor up and visit the lock office so your i.d can be issued before you go through the lock.

Once you have entererd the tideway, you must follow your declared transit or proceed to your stated mooring. You are likely to be stopped and asked to leave the tideway or re-trace your route if you do not do this or are not displaying a valid transit i.d. If you plan to travel through Brentford or Limehouse locks we advise that you pre-book well in advance.

Port of London Authority

Will I find visitor moorings downstream of Teddington Lock during the Games?

The Port of London Authority advises that mooring and boating facilities are very limited in ports, marinas and inland waterways on or near the tidal River Thames. It is essential to pre-book and confirm a mooring before you begin your journey.

There are going to be so many road closures on Saturday 28th / Sunday 29th,
getting around will be practically impossible other than by bike or on foot.
Here are some links:

Surrey info: http://www.gosurrey.info/olympic-road-cycling/road-closures/#location

Several of the files on there don't open properly, doh!
You have to save the file, rename with .pdf on the end, finally you can actually open it...
eg. List of Surrey road closures: http://www.gosurrey.info/a/3654140-4312184

Richmond map: http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/documents/richmond-borough-profile-revised.pdf