Introduction to the River Thames

The River Thames seeps out of the earth in a Gloucestershire field near Cirencester. Two hundred and fifteen miles and six counties later, it is swallowed by the North Sea. The Thames is by far the best known river in Britain, although it is not the longest (the River Severn is 6 miles, 10 kilometres, longer).

A voyage of discovery from source to sea for children of all ages!

The Thames flows through London, the capital city, and has played a central role in British history for some 2000 years. From the Roman invasions of 43 BC to the turn of the millennium in AD 2000, some of the most famous events in British history have taken place on or near the Thames. These include the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, the plot to blow up the houses of Parliament in 1605 and the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The importance of the Thames can be seen in the settlements that line its banks. Royal palaces, government buildings, great trading houses, market squares and river crossings all provide links with the past. Many of these settlements have changed little in hundreds of years. We have over 90 pages with 400 photographs showing you the towns and villages along the River Thames.

Click on the arrows to follow our virtual tour of the Thames from source to sea. Alternatively you can visit our contents page for a full list of places along the river.

Introduction to the Thames

(Click on Pooh in his boat, at the top of every page, to return to this page)

Comments from visitors

"I walked the Thames 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the photos and reading all about it again. Very accurate information" T.G

"I love this Website. I always use it to help me with my homework and find out more on a topic at school. I think sending Winnie the Pooh down the thames was a great way to learn about rivers. All the pictures were great to! Thanks so much," Jess and her school.