London: By the River
by William Thompson
London
Self-Catering Accommodation / top / London
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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. |
 
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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 accomodation.
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
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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.
London
Self-Catering Accommodation / top / London
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About the author - William
Thompson |
