Thames Head

Thames Head is a river source in the Cotswolds where seasonal springs emerge near the villages of Coates and Kemble, located on either side of the A433 road. The site consists of a damp hollow in an agricultural field, with a stone marker indicating the official start of the watercourse.

The location was first documented as the origin of the Thames in 1546 by antiquarian John Leland. The stone marker was added later to make the spot clearly identifiable for visitors and researchers.

The stone marker carries an inscription marking the beginning of England's longest river and forms part of a long tradition of making sources visible to walkers. Visitors often follow the path winding through pastures and use the spot as a symbolic starting point for longer tours along the watercourse.

Access to the source involves a roughly half-hour walk from Kemble village along the Thames Path National Trail through agricultural fields. The ground can be muddy in wet conditions, so sturdy footwear is advisable for crossing the pastures.

During the 2022 heat wave, the source completely dried up, causing the actual beginning of the river to shift temporarily about five miles downstream. This phenomenon shows how sensitive even large rivers can be to extreme weather conditions.

Location: Cotswold

Made from material: stone

Operator: Conservators of the River Thames

Address: Trewsbury Rd, Coates, Cirencester GL7 6NY, UK

GPS coordinates: 51.69452,-2.02968

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:31