60 Amazing Facts About The River Thames For Your Kids

60 Amazing Facts About The River Thames For Your Kids

1. The River Thames is the second longest river in England, stretching over 215 miles.
2. It flows through London, the capital city of England.
3. The Thames is tidal, meaning its water level rises and falls with the tides.
4. It was once an important trade route for goods and materials.
5. The River Thames has over 45 locks, used to control the flow of water.
6. The first bridge across the Thames was built in the 11th century.
7. The Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges over the Thames.
8. The Thames Barrier was built to protect London from flooding.
9. The River Thames is home to many species of fish, including salmon, trout, and eels.
10. The Thames is an important source of drinking water for London.
11. The river is also used for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
12. The River Thames was once so polluted that it was referred to as “The Great Stink.”
13. The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel, sits on the banks of the Thames.
14. The Thames was once a center of shipbuilding and boatbuilding.
15. The Thames Festival is a yearly event that celebrates the river and its history.
16. The Thames is the second-longest river in the United Kingdom, after the River Severn.
17. The River Thames has been featured in many works of literature and art, including William Shakespeare’s plays.
18. The Thames was an important route for military transport during both World Wars.
19. The river is crossed by many tunnels and bridges, including the Blackwall Tunnel and the Thames Tunnel.
20. The Thames is home to many historic sites, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
21. The river is also an important source of hydroelectric power.
22. The River Thames is tidal for over 70 miles of its length.
23. The Thames provides a habitat for many species of birds, including swans and geese.
24. The river has been a source of drinking water for thousands of years.
25. The Thames was once used as a sewage dump, but today its water is clean and safe for swimming.
26. The River Thames is the centerpiece of the Thames Path, a long-distance walking route.
27. The Thames is home to many small islands, including Isle of Dogs and Eel Pie Island.
28. The river was once a center of trade, with goods being transported to and from London by boat.
29. The Thames is an important source of water for irrigation and other agricultural uses.
30. The River Thames is home to many species of plants, including reeds, water lilies, and river weeds.
31. The Thames has a rich history, with evidence of human activity on its banks dating back over 8,000 years.
32. The river was once a major source of fish, and many species of fish are still caught in the Thames today.
33. The Thames is crossed by many historic bridges, including the London Bridge and the Hammersmith Bridge.
34. The River Thames is home to many boat clubs and marinas, offering opportunities for boating and fishing.
35. The Thames has played a major role in the development of London and the surrounding areas.
36. The river has been an important transportation route for thousands of years, connecting London to the rest of England.
37. The Thames is home to many historic buildings, including the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Festival Hall.
38. The River Thames is a major tourist attraction, with over 17 million visitors each year.
39. The river is also a popular location for events and festivals, such as the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. 
40. The Thames is home to many historic ships and boats, including the Cutty Sark, a 19th-century tea clipper.
41. The river was once a major source of food for the people of London, with fish, eels, and oysters being caught in the Thames.
42. The Thames is home to many parks and green spaces, including the Thames Riverside Walk and the Thames Path.
43. The River Thames has played a significant role in the history of England, from the time of the Romans to the present day.
44. The river was once an important source of raw materials, with timber, coal, and other goods being transported by boat.
45. The Thames is also home to many species of mammals, including seals, otters, and water voles.
46. The River Thames is a vital part of the ecosystem of England, providing a habitat for many species of plants and animals.
47. The river is an important source of recreation and leisure, with many opportunities for boating, fishing, and walking.
48. The Thames is home to many museums and art galleries, including the National Maritime Museum and the Tate Modern.
49. The River Thames has played a crucial role in the development of London as a major port and commercial center.
50. The river is also home to many historic pubs and restaurants, such as the Prospect of Whitby and the Cat and Mutton.
51. The Thames is a major hub for transportation, with many roads, railroads, and airports running alongside the river.
52. The River Thames has been a major source of inspiration for writers, artists, and musicians for centuries.
53. The river is home to many iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
54. The Thames is also home to many recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, sports fields, and golf courses.
55. The River Thames has been a source of drinking water for London for many centuries, with water being pumped from the river to provide for the city’s residents.
56. The river is also an important source of irrigation water, providing water for crops and farmland in the surrounding areas.
57. The Thames is home to many schools and universities, including Oxford University and the University of Greenwich.
58. The River Thames has played a crucial role in the development of modern civilization, with many scientific and technological innovations being made along its banks.
59. The river is also home to many wildlife reserves, such as the London Wetland Centre and the Rainham Marshes.
60. The Thames continues to be an important part of the cultural and economic life of England, and is a vital resource for the country and its people.