The River Thames

Audio Transcript

You are standing beside England’s most famous river.

The River Thames flows for more than 215 miles from its source in the Cotswolds to the North Sea, passing through towns, villages and the heart of London along the way. Although the River Severn is slightly longer overall, the Thames is England’s longest river.

For centuries, the Thames has been one of the country’s most important transport routes. Long before modern roads and railways, goods, people and ideas travelled up and down the river by boat. The Thames Path, which follows much of the river’s course, allows walkers today to experience this historic route.

The river you see here is not entirely natural. Locks and weirs help control the water level, allowing boats to travel safely upstream and downstream. Further downstream, the river becomes tidal, with the sea influencing the water levels as far upstream as Teddington.

The Thames has changed dramatically over the years. During the Victorian period it became badly polluted, leading to the infamous Great Stink of 1858 in London. Yet today the river is cleaner than it has been for many generations.

More than 125 species of fish live in the Thames, including salmon, eels and pike. Seals are now regularly spotted in the river, and in 2006 even a bottlenose whale famously swam into the Thames.

The river remains central to life in Walton. Each year, rowing, boating and regattas bring people onto the water, continuing traditions that have existed here for centuries.

Take a moment to enjoy the river views before continuing your walk along the Thames Path.

The River That Shaped Walton

The River Thames is over 215 miles, or 345 kilometres, long and is England’s longest river. It rises in the Cotswolds and flows through Oxford, Reading, Windsor, Walton and London before reaching the North Sea.

For centuries, the Thames served as one of Britain’s most important trade routes. Before railways and modern roads, barges carried goods along the river, linking towns and industries throughout southern England.

Locks, Weirs and Tides

Water naturally flows downhill, but boats need a consistent depth of water to navigate safely. Locks allow water levels to be raised and lowered so vessels can travel upstream and downstream, while weirs help control the river’s flow.

The Thames is both tidal and non-tidal. The section through Walton is non-tidal, but the influence of the sea reaches as far as Teddington Lock downstream.

Wildlife

Today the Thames supports more than 125 species of fish, including salmon, eels, perch and pike. Seals are increasingly common in the river, and harbour porpoises occasionally enter the estuary.

In 2006, a bottlenose whale became famous after swimming into central London.

The Great Stink

By the mid-19th century, London’s sewage flowed directly into the Thames, creating terrible pollution. The hot summer of 1858 became known as the Great Stink, eventually leading to major improvements in London’s sewer system.

During particularly cold winters, the river even froze over in London, allowing Frost Fairs to be held on the ice.

The Thames Today

Around two-thirds of London’s drinking water ultimately comes from the Thames after extensive treatment. The river also supplies water for agriculture and industry.

The Thames Barrier, opened in 1982, protects London from tidal flooding and is one of the world’s largest movable flood barriers.

More than 80 islands can be found along the Thames, and the river continues to support leisure activities, wildlife and communities throughout its entire length.

Walton on the Thames

The river remains central to life in Walton today. Annual events include:

• Walton & Weybridge Regatta, first held in 1862 – held in May
• Walton Reach Regatta – held in August
• Rowing, sailing and boating events throughout the year.

And just upstream stands Walton Bridge — the newest bridge across the entire River Thames.