At a glance: The magnificent 'River Thames' of London

The River Thames is the longest river of England and the second longest in the United Kingdom, after the River Severn. It flows through southern England.The river gives its name to three informal areas: Thames Valley, Thames Gateway and Thames Estuary.The river is best known for flowing through Central London providing a stunning backdrop to many of the city's top tourist attractions. It also flows alongside other towns and cities, including Oxford, Reading, Henley-on-Thames, and Windsor.The 2,000 year old river harbours much of London's history as well as provides ongoing inspiration for artists, musicians and writers.The Thames is a tidal river, rising and falling as much as 26 ft. between high and low tides. Today, the river is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe.River bus services are popular with visitors and commuters alike and are a great way of beating the traffic and enjoying fantastic views. There are also river tours and cruises that feature sightseeing and commentary, dancing, music and fine dining.It has a long history as a conduit for trade and is the perfect way to relax and see the city or to commute in a calm and comfortable environment.Here goes a list of top 10 facts about River ThamesLength 346 km (215 miles)Source is about a mile north of the village of Kemble, near CirencesterThere are in all 47 locks,The Thames has been frozen over at various times, the earliest recorded occasion being AD 115075 bridges cross over the non-tidal Thames29 bridges cross over the tidal ThamesThere is a 23ft (7m) difference between low and high tide at London BridgeThe non-tidal part of the Thames from the source to Teddington stretches for 237 km (147 miles) and falls some 104.2 metres (342 feet)It is estimated that the river carries some 300,000 tonnes of sediment a yearMore than 100 fish species have been recorded in the river estuaryMain tributariesLeach (30 km) joins the Thames near Lechlade, GloucestershireChurn (37 km) joins the Thames at Cricklade, WiltshireColn (52 km) joins the Thames at Inglesham, WiltshireWindrush (48 km) joins the Thames near Standlake, OxfordshireKennet (77 km) joins the Thames at Reading, BerkshireEvenlode (68 km) joins the Thames near Bladdon, OxfordshireOck (37 km) joins the Thames at Abingdon, OxfordshireLoddon (32 km) joins the Thames at Wargrave, BerkshireIt is said that the River Thames used to be a tributary of the River Rhine. Around 4,75,000 years ago glaciers forced the river southwards along its present course.Things to do & see on the riverTower of London: Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.The Shard: The Shard is an 87-story skyscraper in London that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. Standing approximately 309 metres (1,014 ft) high, it is currently the tallest building in the European Union. It is the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom, after the concrete tower at the Emley Moor transmitting station.It is said that the River Thames used to be a tributary of the River Rhine. Around 4,75,000 years ago glaciers forced the river southwards along its present course.Things to do & see on the riverTower of London: Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.The Shard: The Shard is an 87-story skyscraper in London that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. Standing approximately 309 metres (1,014 ft) high, it is currently the tallest building in the European Union. It is the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom, after the concrete tower at the Emley Moor transmitting station.The London Eye: The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is a major feature of London's skyline.Thames river cruise: This is one of the best ways to see London, meandering through the heart of the city and past so many of its most famous attractions.Hampton Court Palace: Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The palace is 11.7 miles (18.8 kilometres) south west of Charing Cross and upstream of central London on the River Thames.Southbank Centre: Southbank Centre is a complex of artistic venues in London, on the South Bank of the River Thames. It comprises three main buildings the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Hayward Gallery. It is also Europe's largest centre for the arts. It attracts more than three million visitors annually.