River Thames London Facts: Fun Things To Know Before You Cruise

Few rivers carry as much history in their current as the Thames. These River
Thames London facts show how deeply the waterway is woven into the capital's story and show how it has shaped the London we know today. Read on and discover amazing facts about the River Thames — the kind of stories that make a lot more sense once you've seen the river for yourself.

Quick River Thames Facts To Start With

Short on time? Here are the fun facts about the River Thames you need to know, at a glance.

• One of the most-asked questions is how long is the River Thames. It stretches around 215 miles (346 km), making it the longest river entirely in England.

• It rises at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, close to the Cotswolds.

• It flows east through Oxford, Reading and London before reaching the North Sea at the Thames Estuary.

• It has powered London's trade, transport and settlement for centuries, shaping the city into what it is today.

5 Interesting Facts About the River Thames

Beyond the basics, the Thames holds some genuinely surprising stories. Here are 5 facts about the River Thames that go beyond the obvious; the kind of interesting facts about the River Thames most visitors never hear.

1. The Thames Once Froze Solid Enough for Frost Fairs

Centuries ago, before the old London Bridge was rebuilt, the Thames sometimes froze thick enough to hold entire festivals on the ice. Londoners skated and feasted on the frozen river, even printing souvenir cards on the ice during these Frost Fairs.

2. It Stays Tidal Right Through Central London

The Thames is tidal as far upstream as Teddington Lock. That means the water level in central London rises and falls with the sea, twice a day.

3. More Than 200 Bridges Cross Its Path

From the medieval crossings of old to the ironwork of Tower Bridge, over 200 bridges span the Thames along its length, each marking a different chapter of the city's growth.

4. It Was Once Declared "Biologically Dead

In 1957, pollution in the Thames was so severe that scientists declared it biologically dead. Decades of clean-up work have since brought seals, eels and even seahorses back to its waters.

5. It Has Carried London's Trade for Nearly Two Thousand Years

Since Roman Londinium first built a port on its banks, the Thames has connected London to the world. For centuries, it carried goods and ideas along its currents, linking the city to distant shores.

The Famous London Landmarks Shaped by the Thames

Walk along the water, and you're walking through London's story. The Houses of Parliament rise from its northern bank, while Tower Bridge and the Tower of London guard the river's historic heart. St Paul's Cathedral watches over the water from the City. Further along, Shakespeare's Globe and the wider South Bank keep the river's cultural life alive today.

What You Can See From a Thames Sightseeing Cruise

A Thames sightseeing cruise lets you take in these stories from the water itself, with live commentary and landmark views setting sail from London Eye Pier. It's the River Thames cruise London people keep coming back to, time and time again.

When you're planning your visit, why not combine your river cruise with the London Eye or other things to do through multi-attraction tickets. Popular combinations include SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds London, Shrek's Adventure! London, The London Dungeon and the Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Tour, giving you more ways to explore the city in a single trip.