The River Thames

Historic market towns, ancient pathways, waterside meadows and views of the Cotswold Hills, Chilterns and Berkshire Downs

The mighty River Thames, England’s longest river, has been used for transportation since prehistoric times.

The River Thames runs 215 miles from its source at Thames Head in Gloucestershire to the Thames Estuary where it flows into the sea. It links Lechlade in the Cotswolds with the tidal Thames at Teddington.

The River Thames connects with the Oxford Canal at Oxford and the Kennet & Avon Canal at Reading.

As well as the world famous city of Oxford and Royal Windsor, the navigation flows through some our best loved market towns, including Abingdon, Pangbourne, Henley and Marlow.

Canal boat holiday makers travelling slowly through the Thames Valley experience a variety of landscapes, including ancient woodland, waterside meadows and farmland. There are views of the Cotswold Hills, the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs.  The Thames Path National Trail follows the River Thames for 213 miles between Thames Head and the Thames Barrier.  The Ridgeway Path crosses the Thames at Goring.