FAQs - River Homes, London, UK

Q. Who is responsible for the tidal Thames in London?

A. The river is tidal from Teddington to the sea and is the responsibility of the Port of London Authority for navigation management. The Port of London Authority can be contacted via their website as found on our links page. The Environment Agency's jurisdiction as navigation authority ends a few metres downstream of Teddington Lock.

Q. Where is the source of the River Thames?

A. The source of the Thames lies at Trewsbury Mead, Thames Head in a remote Gloucestershire meadow and for most of the year the spring is dry and the riverbed can remain without water for some distance. The infant river eventually reaches the town of Cricklade where the right of upstream navigation ends. As the river continues its path to Inglesham the flow of the river is increased by the flow of the River Coln which joins it.

Q. What type of properties are available along the banks of the Thames?

A. There is a huge variety of property on the stretch of the River from Twickenham to Westminster. Some people prefer to be nearer to Town and the City and benefit from the new and exciting architecture that Battersea and Vauxhall have to offer, often with stunning ‘picture postcard ‘ views of world-famous London landmarks. Others prefer the quiet tranquillity of Kew, Richmond and Twickenham, favouring period houses and the sense of living in the heart of the countryside but close to the City. In truth, though, most areas along our stretch of the Thames are like Chelsea and Chiswick which have a real mix of properties – including houseboats. Whatever the area, riverhomes.co.uk’s properties not only meet peoples’ needs, they exceed expectations.

Q. How long is the Thames Path?

A. The Thames Path National Trail offers 184 miles of easy, level walking and can be enjoyed in many ways, whether for an afternoon stroll, a weekend break or a full scale trek of the entire length from its source to Teddington and on to the Thames Barrier. The Thames Path is one of only 13 National Trails in England and can be enjoyed at any time of year but the months between April and November are considered the best for wildlife and the changing countryside colours. Lightweight comfortable shoes are suitable for gentle walking in the summer but in the wet months put on your wellingtons or walking boots. Take care when cycling as parts of the Thames Path require cyclist to dismount and walk for short distances.

Q. Where can I obtain a boat licence?

A. For an application forms for boat registration on the tidal Thames, contact the Port of London Authority and for the non-tidal Thames, contact the Craft Registration team: both links are on our links page.

Do YOU have questions/answers/information/experiences about the River that may enhance the ‘riverhomes experience’? If so, please call John Day on 020 8996 0600 or email him at john@riverhomes.co.uk.