The Thames is the longest river in England, the second longest in the United Kingdom. It flows from the west in the Cotswolds, passing through Oxford and London, ending at the sea at Southend-on-Sea in Essex. As far up as Teddington on the western edge of London, the river is tidal. Once the lifeline of London trade and communication, it's still busy with boats: sightseeing boats and houseboats mainly.
Once the only way across the river was to ford it, then London Bridge was built by the Romans. Nowadays many bridges criss-cross the river, the pedestrian Millennium Bridge, Tower Bridge and Albert Bridge are among the prettiest.
The Thames is home to many species of fish and birds - particularly white swans which are to this day all still owned by the Queen. The river is also used by rowers and yachtsman but not swimmers - the water is not the cleanest.
Tourist boats will take you from Westminster to Greenwich, or from Kew and Richmond upriver to Hampton Court Palace passing through Teddington Lock. The Thames Barrier, designed to protect London from floods, is also worth a visit. There are lots of walking paths next to the Thames, South Bank is particularly popular or head up to Richmond. Or you can do what Londoners do: find a riverside pub and enjoy a pint of lager or a roast lunch and just watch the world go by.
