London:
By the River by William Thompson
The
River Thames is perhaps one of London’s most iconic and well known
attractions and is well worth making the effort to see when visiting
London. With so much to see and do in the areas on and around the river
and easy transport links from most central London hotels there is
plenty going on to keep you entertained.
|
At 336km or 215 miles long the
River Thames in the longest river in England and the UK’s second
longest river flowing from its source in the Cotswolds through major
cities like London before entering the Thames Estuary near
Southend-on-Sea. No matter where your hotel accommodation in London is
situated you will be within easy reach of the river and the life that
bustles on its banks.
For
centuries the river has supported human habitation and industry and has
taken its place amongst some of London’s most famous historical
attractions as a location of rich cultural and historical significance.
In most cases Londoners will argue that everything London is and was,
has all been thanks to the River Thames as the major transport route
and life of the city.
|
 
Buy
at AllPosters.com
|
Recent
years have seen leisure and recreation activities becoming more popular
on the river and there are now numerous companies providing boating trips
and experiences along the Thames. Alongside a series of sporting and
pleasure activities on the river, the river banks are now full of
restaurants and bars for a nice relaxing drink and meal before heading
back to your hotel accommodation.
Often
considered the centre of rowing in the UK, the River Thames has many
famous rowing events and other waterside activities that bring thousands
of tourists and Londoners to the river banks. There are many riverside
businesses that will offer you the chance to get out on the river
yourself but if you don’t fancy getting your feet wet then there is
plenty for you to watch.
One
date to add to your calendar is the Henley Royal Regatta which takes
place every year during the first 5 days of July. Like many other
sporting events including Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, the Royal Regatta is
also a popular social event for which hundreds of people flock to the
River Thames to see.
High
Angle View of the Millennium Wheel, London, England, United Kingdom
Buy
at AllPosters.com
Another
event in which the Thames takes pride of place is the now infamous
University Boat Race between Cambridge University Boat Club and Oxford
University Boat Club. The race which is held in late March or early April
takes place along a championship course mapped out on the river starting
in Putney and finishing in Mortlake, West London. The event which is now
heavily publicised on television is a must see if you are in London at
this time of year.
If you
are planning a trip to London and are staying in a hotel in the central
London area then a day spent by or near the River Thames is definitely an
experience not to be missed. The sightseeing tours along the river also
give you a perfect view of some of the rivers more famous attractions
including the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament not to mention
some of the beautiful and infamous bridges.
Perhaps
the most famous bridge across the River Thames is Tower Bridge which was
built in 1894 around the same period as two other iconic London
landmarks, Big Ben and St. Pauls Cathedral. The bridge is unique not only
because of its connection with the Tower of London but also because it is
the only bascule bridges along the whole of the river. A Bascule bridge
is a bridge whose sides can be mechanically raised in order to allow
ocean going vessels to pass beneath.
The
River Thames is and has been an extremely important part of London for
centuries with much of the city’s landscape being built up on and
around the river. Most central London hotels will be able to provide you
with details about events taking place on the river or comprehensive
details can be found online prior to your visit. If you’ve still not
booked your hotel in central London why not try www.qualitycrown.com for
luxury hotel accommodation at affordable prices.
About
the author - William
Thompson
|
