The Great Stink
About the Trip
The Great Stink is the fascinating story of spending a penny, from Roman London to the arrival of the Victorian sewer system.
During the long hot summer of 1858 the River Thames had become little more than an open sewer. The smell became so overpowering that Parliament could no longer ignore London’s growing sanitation crisis.
The solution was one of the greatest civil engineering projects of the Victorian age, led by Sir Joseph Bazalgette.
This unusual and entertaining day combines sightseeing by coach, a short and easy walk through Westminster, a Thames cruise to Greenwich and a visit to the extraordinary Crossness Engines – the magnificent Victorian pumping station often described as the Cathedral of Sewage.
Group Booking Benefits
- You book your own coach and we organise the rest
- One free place with groups of 40+
- Top Blue Badge Tour Guide
- Very little walking
- Suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users
Day Schedule
What’s Included
Blue Badge Tour Guide
A knowledgeable London Blue Badge Guide accompanies your group throughout the day.
Morning Coffee
Coffee and biscuits are included when you meet your guide in Westminster.
Thames Cruise
Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich while following the story of London’s river and Bazalgette’s great engineering project.
Crossness Engines
Admission to the Cathedral of Sewage and the remarkable Crossness Engines is included.
Afternoon Tea
Tea or coffee and biscuits are included before you depart Crossness.
Please note: participants must bring a packed lunch to eat during the Thames cruise.
Trip Dates & Availability
| Day | Availability |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays | Available |
| Thursdays | Available |
| Fridays | Available |
Available from March until the end of October. Please contact us to check availability for your preferred date.
Booking Information
The price is £49 per person based on a minimum group of 25. Groups can normally be accommodated from 25 to 57 people and the 40th place is free.
A £50 deposit secures your booking. Final payment is due 14 days before your trip. Deposits are fully refundable for cancellations made more than 14 days before travel.
You arrange and pay for your own coach. We provide your coach company with all the information the driver needs for the day.
Enquiries: Phone: 0208 692 1133 | Email: info@cityandvillagetours.com
Photos from Previous Trips
What Our Groups Say
“I just want to say what a great trip we had yesterday and what a terrific Blue Badge Guide Doug is. I have had lovely feedback from my group and the whole day was brilliant.” Group Organiser