Buccaneer Bay

The Thames at Buccaneer Bay feels properly different from the rest of London's riverfront - there's an energy here that catches you off guard. What started as a quirky themed attraction has evolved into a spot where locals actually hang about, not just tourists ticking boxes. You get the pirate theming without it being cheesy, with decent views across the water and enough going on to hold attention for a couple of hours.

Families with kids aged 5-12 will get the most mileage from it. The whole pirate angle plays well, and there's actually room to move about rather than being crammed shoulder-to-shoulder like you get at some London attractions. Older teenagers and adults after genuine riverside interest might find it a bit lightweight, but it's undeniably solid for a rainy afternoon or as a break from central London's chaos.

If you're basing yourself at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping just down the road, it's absolutely worth the short drive or bus ride over. You could easily combine it with a proper walk along the Thames Path - the stretch through this area is genuinely pleasant. Come midweek if possible; weekends get rammed.

Admission details are a bit vague online, so ring ahead or check their social media before you go. Allow two to three hours if you're taking the kids, or ninety minutes if you're just having a look. It's the kind of place that doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and that's actually refreshing.