Swan Upping Bike Tour

2024 dates TBA -See this annual event of swan marking on the River Thames using our bikes.

The mute swan was given royal status in the 12th Century and Swan upping is the marking of the new cygnets to prove ownership to either 2 livery companies, the Vintners, the Dyers or the Queen.

Enjoy the first day of this annual week long event, starting from Shepperton Train Station to Staines Upon Thames. We will see the 2 livery companies and the royal swan markers in full regalia marking swans on the River Thames.

The Uppers boats and the flags for the Vintners and the Dyers, the 2 guilds responsible to swan marking

The top Upper being interviewed during their lunch break, it is a tiring event, lifting swans and cygnets out of the river all day

The swans are weighed, checked over to ensure they have no fishing tackle or hooks in their mouths and then allocated to either guilds of the king with a leg ring.

The swan Uppers wear full regalia and wear a swan feather in their caps, they are responsible for checking the swans over , counting and ringing them