Places you will see on the river from Westminster to Greenwich

The River Thames In comparison with major rivers of the world, the Thames is a very small river. It has a total length of just 346 km (215 miles) and is the longest river wholly in England. The Thames begins in the gentle countryside of the Cotswold Hills in Gloucestershire, meandering eastwards through picturesque villages and towns before passing through the vibrant heart of the city of London, and ending in the busy waterborne traffic of the North Sea.

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. The Thames flows through London, the capital city, and has played a central role in British history for some 2000 years.

The river runs from west to east, beginning life as a gentle stream. Near the source Looking across the mouth of the Thames. A trip down the Thames is a lovely way to see many of the attractions close to the river.

A voyage of discovery from source to sea for children of all ages! Start of Voyage down the Thames Contents PageIntroduction Facts about the ThamesFloodingThames Basin PollutionErosionTributaries IndustriesRivers Homework Help pages

Did you like your trip? Here is a brief summary from source to Sea.