The River Thames

Liquid History

The River Thames is so entwined with England's historical past that it has often been described as 'liquid history'. With so much to explore, why not float back in time and rediscover times gone by?

You could make a start at one of the Thames' most iconic royal residences, Windsor Castle. A royal home and fortress for over 900 years as well as the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, there are state apartments, fine paintings, the royal chapel and even Queen Mary's dolls house to discover. In May 2008, in celebration of the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, the Castle is hosting "Royal Weddings" an exhibition telling the story of five royal weddings. While in Windsor, why not take a break at the Crooked House tearoom? Where you can choose from their wide selection of afternoon teas, all named after British royals!

Just a stone's throw from Windsor is The Royal Landscape, covering 1000 acres of woodlands, lakes and gardens for you to enjoy at a relaxed pace - why not have a picnic or pick up some gardening tips at The Savill Garden, with its 35 acres of exotic and native plant species. With colour and interest throughout the year, there'll be something to see whatever the season. If you want to make the most of the great outdoors and see the river in all its glory, why not take a gentle amble along the Thames Path, which runs along the entire stretch of the river and runs through beautiful and peaceful countryside where you can even catch a glimpse of a kingfisher!

Having seen how beautiful the river is today, why not see what Thames life used to look like? Reading Museum is holding an exhibition, 'In the footsteps of Henry Taunt', from February 2008, showcasing Taunt's stunning Victorian photographs of the River Thames from as early as 1860.

No trip to the Thames would be complete without a nod to its rich literary past, why not revisit the tales of Ratty, Toad, Mole and Badger from Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows or explore the land famously described in Jerome K Jerome's comic novel Three Men in a Boat, which includes a mention of the Bull Inn at Sonning, a 400-year old timbered inn which still serves customers today. Why not pop in and enjoy their home cooked traditional pub grub? There are countless country pubs dotted all along the banks of the rural River Thames, many with fascinating stories and rich histories, where you can refuel and relax after a visit to one of the river's iconic attractions.

Fact Box

For more ideas and for things to do and see along the River Thames go to www.visitthames.co.uk/liquidhistory