River Thames

One of the most fascinating and beautiful rivers in the world is the Thames. From springs in Gloucestershire, via rural and urban regions, to London, and then along the massive tidal estuary into the North Sea, its 215 miles run from source to sea. The River Thames runs through London, and many of the city's top sights, including Big Ben and Westminster Palace, the Tower Bridge and Tower of London, and the London Eye, are located right along the river's banks.

From a tiny trickle at the source to an estuary several miles wide, the River Thames has varying characteristics and offers a wide range of scenery and experiences. The Thames has been divided into five sections, three non-tidal and two tidal. About Upper Thames, the first 88 miles from the source to Mapledurham, near Pangbourne, Berkshire. In Middle Thames, a stretch of 38.5 miles includes Reading, Henley-on-Thames, and Windsor. From Old Windsor to Teddington, the final 17.3 miles in which the river widens as it passes through Staines and Walton-on-Thames before the final lock at Teddington. About the upper Tideway, a short stretch (11 miles) of the tidal river passes through the heavily populated London Boroughs of Richmond and Hammersmith & Fulham as far as Putney Bridge. In Central Tideway and Estuary, probably the most famous 60 miles from Putney passing the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, London Docks, and London Gateway before entering the North Sea.

Location: London, England