A Place for Leisure

Nowadays, the river is used more for leisure, entertainment and sporting purposes than for trade and war. One of the earliest signs of this was in the 1600s, when the river used to freeze in Winter. Londoners would use the icy surfaces to hold ‘Frost Fairs’ which included market stalls, dancing and ice-skating. This tradition lasted until the early 1800’s. Due to climate change, the Thames now rarely freezes over. The last known occasion, was January 1963.

Watersports are one of the most common uses of the today’s Thames. There are numerous rowing, sailing and kayaking clubs along the river. One of the most popular national sporting events each year is the University Boat Race, when rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge Universities race each other through West London. The Henley Royal Regatta is another. The Regatta is a series of rowing races held across six days in the town of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire which attracts spectators from all over the world.

It is not just watersport fanatics who can enjoy the experience of being on the Thames. Numerous passenger boats, including the Thames Clipper and Thames River Tours in London can be enjoyed by any visitor. These serve as a great way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks whilst floating along a key stretch of this most iconic river.

The Thames can be visited as part of the London Taster Course.