🌊 River Thames Headwaters (Thames Head)
Seasonal springs in the Cotswolds
📌 Fast Facts
- Located near Coates village, 3 miles southwest of Cirencester, Gloucestershire
- Springs are seasonal and can dry up during summer months
- Alternative source claimed at Seven Springs, 11 miles away near Cheltenham
- Popular hiking destination in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Thames Head represents the traditionally accepted source of the River Thames, consisting of a group of seasonal springs situated in the Cotswolds near the village of Coates. The exact origin of England's most iconic river remains subject to geographical debate, as the springs here are intermittent and often cease flowing during drier months. The location is accessible to walkers and attracts visitors interested in tracing the Thames to its beginning ...