GEOGRAPHY THROUGH MAPS
River Thames
The Thames drains southern England eastward to the North Sea. Its transition from inland river to tidal estuary explains London’s port history and the need to manage both river floods and storm surges.
Fast Facts
- Headwaters: Cotswolds, with Thames Head traditionally identified as the source; course through Oxford and London; mouth: Thames Estuary opening to the North Sea.
- Facing downstream, the Cherwell enters from the left and the Kennet from the right.
- Teddington marks the managed tidal limit. Greenwich and central London are downstream within the tidal river.
Connected lessons
- River ThamesMap, explanation and practice
Geographical connections
- Dover StraitRelated places
- North SeaRelated places
- English ChannelRelated places
- Seine RiverRelated places