1
0
Seeing the UK by boat is a great way to experience the famous landmarks and scenery from a new perspective, and England is home to many waterways, each with their own connection to important and historical areas.
River cruises are available in all major tourist destinations from Oxford and York to Windsor and Liverpool. No matter what iconic part of England you wish to see, there is a body of water to guide you there!
River Thames
The River Thames is undoubtedly the most famous river in England and the longest in the country. Spanning 215 miles (346 km) and split into tidal and non-tidal sections, you may be surprised to learn that the murky river is one of the cleanest in the world to flow through a major city. Despite its appearance, the water was significantly improved after the redesign of London’s sewerage system in the late 60s. So much so that it is currently home to about 125 species of fish including shads, salmon, and eels.
Experience the River Thames with a stunning London River Cruise, or venture out a little further with a Windsor Boat Trip, where you can see the historic town from a whole new perspective.
River Cherwell
Identified as the inspiration for the Withywindle River in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, River Cherwell is the primary river in Oxfordshire. A major tributary of the River Thames, the river is 40 miles (64 km) long and has long been the subject of debate over the pronunciation of its name. Those in Oxford would say ‘Charwell’, while others in north Oxfordshire say ‘Churwell’. A popular destination for punting in Oxford, the river is a wonderful spot to see the sights of the university town and enjoy the epic scenery.
Uncover the beauty and history of Oxford with an informative sightseeing cruise along the River Cherwell, or treat yourself and your friends to a Picnic or Afternoon Tea Cruise!
River Mersey
Representing the historical boundary between the counties of Lancashire and Cheshire, the 70-mile-long (112 km) River Mersey currently flows through Merseyside. Derived from the Saxon words for ‘boundary’ and ‘river’, it’s thought that the river was a border between Northumbria and Mercia during Anglo-Saxon times. The Industrial Revolution played havoc on the cleanliness of the river with development negatively affecting the banks and quality of the water, but salmon, Atlantic grey seals, and bottle-nose dolphins still swim in the waterway.
Explore Liverpool from a new vantage point and see the skyline, world-famous Waterfront, Royal Albert Dock, Museum of Liverpool, and so much more on board a River Explorer Cruise.
River Ouse
The name Ouse comes from the Celtic word ‘usa’ which means ‘water’. There are disputes over the length of the River Ouse, as it is hydrologically the continuation of the River Ure. However, one thing we know for sure is that it runs for 13 miles (21km) through York – which is the best place to see it! Notable for its flooding, the River Ouse flooded often in the Middle Ages and even at times changed its course, but the worst flood in its history occurred in 2000. Rising to an astonishing 5.5 metres above its normal level, the river flooded 540 properties and put another 320 at risk. This resulted in a city standstill with an estimated £2 million worth of damage after the waters subsided. Aside from this, the river is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and boat rides.
Hit the water in style with a Self-Drive Boat and be your own captain, or learn from informative commentary on board a York Sightseeing River Cruise. If you want to see the beautiful town of York lit up at night, the Floodlit Evening Cruise will do the trick!
What’s your favourite UK river?
