Thames Path, London - Image 1
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Thames Path

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

A 185-mile journey along England's most iconic river, offering urban exploration and serene countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Thames Path, London - Image 1

Thames Path

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 185-mile journey along England's most iconic river, offering urban exploration and serene countryside.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"From epic 100km challenges to gentle riverside strolls, the Thames Path offers diverse adventures."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

Many sections are trail-based and can get muddy, especially after rain . Good footwear is essential for comfort.

🗺️ Plan your route

The Thames Path is 185 miles long! Choose a section that suits your time and fitness level .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Thames Path 100km Challenge

The Thames Path 100km Challenge

An epic ultramarathon following the river, testing endurance and spirit. A true test of grit!

Greenwich Riverside Stroll

Greenwich Riverside Stroll

Greenwich

Walk past grand architecture and enjoy stunning skyline views. A picturesque and accessible London experience.

Henley-on-Thames to Marlow

Henley-on-Thames to Marlow

Thames Path, Henley-on-Thames to Marlow

A beautiful riverside walk with swimming spots and charming pubs. Perfect for a scenic day out.

Nine Elms Thames Path

Nine Elms Thames Path

Nine Elms, London

Enjoy unbroken access to the river and nature in the heart of the city. A newly reconnected public space.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Thames Path Adventure

The Thames Path is a popular spot, especially for runners tackling the 100km challenge.TikTok+2 To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of peak summer. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more serene experience, allowing you to truly soak in the riverside views.

Navigating the Path

The Thames Path stretches for 185 miles,Instagram so plan your route! Many enjoy day trips from London to scenic sections like Henley to Marlow TikTok or Hampton Wick to Richmond.TikTok Consider public transport for easy access to different starting and ending points, especially for longer walks.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late summer afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, golden light
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn weekends
Why
Beautiful foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I ran 100km🥹🥹🥹 ( the race was the Thames Path Challenge!!!⭐️⭐️) #ultramarathon #Running #runner
@emilyjanefairs
219.4K likes • 2.3M views

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

Many sections are trail-based and can get muddy, especially after rain.TikTokInstagram Good footwear is essential for comfort.

🗺️ Plan your route

The Thames Path is 185 miles long! Choose a section that suits your time and fitness level.Instagram

That was HARD 🥵 rained for the first 50 miles making the route (mostly a trail run - 25% road) constant muddy puddles to go through, which gave me the worst blisters. Legs hurt so much, lots of tears. But felt so amazing at the end. Pain is temporary quitting lasts forever as they say 💪🏼 #natruns #100milerun #160kmrun
@nat_runs_
47.8K likes • 534.5K views
Thames Path 100km Ultramarathon. Full race vlog. Here’s the highlights from my first ever 100km ultramarathon. Safe to say it took every part of me to get this race done. #runtok #running #runner
stevewhite94
155 likes • 29.8K views

🚆 Utilize public transport

Trains from London make accessing different parts of the path easy for day trips.TikTok+1

💧 Stay hydrated

Especially important if you're tackling longer distances or during warmer months.TikTok

One Day Itinerary 📍Henley-on-Thames: Morning • Thames Path walk: Enjoy scenic riverside views from the south bank. • Henley Bridge & Temple Island: Admire the Georgian bridge and glimpse the 18th-century island folly from the water. Midday • River & Rowing Museum: Explore the Thames, rowing heritage, and The Wind in the Willows. • The Old Bell: Historic 14th-century pub for atmosphere and a ...
travelwithsevi
528 likes • 10.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

Many sections are trail-based and can get muddy, especially after rain.TikTokInstagram Good footwear is essential for comfort.

🗺️ Plan your route

The Thames Path is 185 miles long! Choose a section that suits your time and fitness level.Instagram

🚆 Utilize public transport

Trains from London make accessing different parts of the path easy for day trips.TikTok+1

💧 Stay hydrated

Especially important if you're tackling longer distances or during warmer months.TikTok

📱 Download offline maps

Signal can be spotty in some areas. Having maps downloaded ensures you won't get lost.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Thames Path is celebrated for its diverse scenery, from urban London landmarks to tranquil countryside. Many praise its accessibility for day trips and the rewarding challenge of the 100km ultra-marathon. However, some sections can be muddy and less maintained, and urban areas can be crowded.

What People Like

Scenic river views
Variety of landscapes
Accessible day trips

What People Dislike

Muddy sections
Crowded urban areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access various points of the Thames Path via London's extensive public transport network. For day trips, trains from London Paddington to Goring and Streatley or Henley-on-Thames are popular.TikTok+2 Within London, the Tube and buses provide access to riverside areas like Greenwich Instagram and Nine Elms.TikTok

Yes, many sections of the Thames Path are well-served by public transport. Train stations and bus routes often run parallel to or near the path, making it easy to start or end your walk at different points.TikTok+2

Yes, cycling is permitted on most of the Thames Path, though some sections may have restrictions or be more suitable for walking. It's a popular route for cyclists, especially for longer journeys.Reddit

For a scenic day trip, consider taking a train from London Paddington to towns like Goring & Streatley or Henley-on-Thames.TikTok+2 These offer beautiful riverside walks and are easily accessible.

Parking availability varies greatly depending on the section. In more rural areas, you might find local parking, but in London, it's often easier and more convenient to use public transport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Thames Path is a public right of way and is free to access. There are no tickets required for walking or enjoying the scenery.Instagram

Generally, no. The path itself is free. However, if you choose to visit attractions located along the path, such as museums or specific gardens, those may have their own admission fees.

The Thames Path is a public path and is generally accessible 24/7. However, specific areas or amenities along the path might have their own operating hours.

The main path is always open. However, there can be temporary closures due to maintenance, events, or construction, such as the recent reconnection of the Nine Elms section.TikTok It's always a good idea to check local advisories if you're planning a specific route.

While the path is technically open, safety can be a concern in certain areas after dark, particularly in less populated or more isolated stretches.Reddit It's advisable to stick to well-lit and busier areas if walking at night.

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The Thames Path Challenge is a popular ultramarathon event where participants run or walk 100km along the River Thames. It's a significant endurance event that attracts many runners.TikTokInstagram+7

The terrain varies greatly. In London, it's often paved and urban. Further out, it can be more rural, with towpaths, trails, and some road sections. Expect mud after rain.TikTokInstagram

Yes, many sections are very family-friendly, especially those closer to London with good transport links and amenities. Shorter, flatter sections are ideal for younger children.

Many find the stretches between Henley and Marlow,TikTokInstagram Hampton Wick and Richmond,TikTok and through Greenwich Instagram to be particularly scenic and enjoyable.

Facilities vary. In towns and cities along the path, you'll find plenty of cafes, pubs, and public toilets. In more rural or remote sections, amenities are less frequent, so it's wise to be prepared.

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic London landmarks like the Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the O2 Arena offer fantastic photo ops. Further afield, charming riverside towns, historic bridges, and the natural beauty of the riverbanks provide stunning shots.Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings can also be great for capturing misty river scenes and fewer people.

The Nine Elms Thames Path offers new public spaces with river views.TikTok Greenwich provides dramatic skyline vistas,Instagram and the sections near Henley and Marlow are known for their picturesque riverside charm.TikTokInstagram

A versatile lens is recommended, from wide-angle for landscapes to a telephoto for distant landmarks. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light shots or long exposures of the river.

Yes, the Thames Path offers views of the Thames Barrier, particularly from the North Greenwich side. It's an impressive piece of engineering to capture.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Thames Path offers many family-friendly sections, especially those closer to London. Look for paved, flat stretches with good amenities. The Greenwich section Instagram is great for its open spaces and iconic sights. Day trips to towns like Henley Instagram can also be enjoyable, with opportunities for picnics and shorter walks. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and consider the length of your walk based on your children's stamina.

🏃‍♀️ Ultra-Marathon Runners

The Thames Path 100km Challenge is a major event for you.TikTokInstagram+7 Be prepared for varied terrain, potential mud, and challenging conditions. Proper training and gear are crucial. Many runners find the mental aspect as demanding as the physical. The race offers a unique test of endurance along a historic river.

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Walkers & Day-Trippers

For a relaxed experience, focus on the shorter, scenic sections. Towns like Henley-on-Thames,Instagram Marlow,TikTokInstagram and Richmond TikTok offer beautiful riverside walks with pubs and cafes. Utilize trains from London to easily access these charming locations for a perfect day out.TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thames Path 100km Challenge: A Runner's Perspective

The Thames Path 100km Challenge is a significant event for ultra-marathon enthusiasts.TikTokInstagram+7 Runners often describe it as incredibly tough, with conditions ranging from extreme heat to relentless rain and mud.TikTokInstagram Many participants emphasize the mental fortitude required to complete such a distance, with some sharing their personal victories against challenging circumstances.TikTok The path itself, while following the river, is not always smooth, with a mix of towpaths, trails, and some road sections that can lead to blisters and fatigue.TikTokInstagram

Training for this event involves dedicated preparation, with runners increasing their mileage and intensity in the weeks leading up to the race.TikTok The experience is often described as both grueling and immensely rewarding, with finishers expressing pride in their accomplishment, regardless of their finishing time.Instagram It's an event that truly tests the limits of human endurance and spirit, set against the backdrop of one of England's most iconic rivers.

Exploring the Thames Path: Day Trips and Scenic Stretches

Beyond the extreme challenge of the 100km race, the Thames Path offers numerous opportunities for more relaxed exploration, particularly for day trips from London.TikTok+4 Popular sections include the walk from Hampton Wick to Richmond,TikTok known for its autumn beauty, and the picturesque route from Henley to Marlow,TikTokInstagram which boasts swimming spots and riverside pubs. These areas provide a refreshing escape from the city, showcasing the natural beauty and charming towns along the river.

For those seeking urban riverside experiences, the Thames Path in Greenwich offers stunning skyline views and grand architecture,Instagram while the reconnected Nine Elms section provides unbroken access to the river in the heart of London.TikTok These accessible routes are perfect for leisurely strolls, offering a different perspective of the city and its iconic waterway. The path is well-served by public transport, making it easy to hop on and off at various points, allowing for flexible itineraries.TikTok+1

Mudlarking and River Exploration

The Thames Path also offers unique opportunities for those interested in the river's history and hidden treasures. Mudlarking, the practice of searching the foreshore for historical artifacts, is a fascinating activity that can be undertaken in certain areas along the Thames.TikTok This involves exploring the riverbed at low tide, uncovering items that tell stories of London's past. It's a niche but rewarding pursuit for history enthusiasts.

Beyond mudlarking, the river itself is a focal point. The Thames Path allows for close-up views of the impressive Thames Barrier,Reddit a vital piece of engineering protecting London from tidal surges. The river is also a hub for various water-based activities, from rowing to simply enjoying the views from its banks. The River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames further delves into the region's rich rowing heritage.Instagram