The River Thames

The River Thames

The River Thames is a famous mother river in the UK, located in southeastern England. It originates from the Cotswold Hills, flows generally eastward through London, and empties into the North Sea at the Nore. With a total length of about 338 kilometers, it is the longest river in England and also one of the world’s busiest urban rivers in terms of water traffic and one of London’s iconic landmarks.

The River Thames runs through the British capital, London, and more than 10 other cities along its banks, covering a drainage area of 13,000 square kilometers. Upstream from London, the Thames is flanked by many scenic spots such as Eton, Oxford, Henley, and Windsor. Though not as long as some of the world’s major rivers, the Thames flows through the very heart of Britain’s cultural essence — it could even be said that the Thames has nurtured the brilliant civilization of England. As people have said: “Every drop of clear water in the Thames contains a piece of British history.” This statement vividly illustrates the irreplaceable place the Thames holds in the hearts of the British people.

The estuary of the Thames is bustling with commercial ships from across Britain, while the upper reaches of the river are famed for their serene beauty and are considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. Starting in 1856, the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race during Easter and the Royal Henley Regatta in summer have been held on the river.

River Thames

Reason to visit: The longest river in England

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/County where the attraction is located: Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, and Kent County [Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London and Kent County]

Cities where the attraction is located: Oxford, London, Reading, Windsor