Source of the River Thames

A small spring bubbling up from the ground near Coates in Gloucestershire - that's where England's most famous river begins its 215-mile journey to the sea. You won't find much fanfare here, which is rather the point. There's a modest stone marker, some explanatory boards, and a genuine sense of standing at the birthplace of something genuinely significant, even if the Thames itself looks more like a trickle than a proper river at this stage.

The walk to reach it is pleasant enough - roughly twenty minutes from the nearest car park through farmland and footpaths. It's the kind of spot that appeals to serious walkers and geography enthusiasts more than casual day-trippers. Kids might find the novelty of the source itself interesting for ten minutes, then want to move on. Summer's the best time to visit when water flow is more visible, though winter walkers will appreciate the quieter approach and muddy paths that come with the season.

Free to visit, naturally. No facilities on site, so plan accordingly. From Cirencester - just a few miles south - you can easily combine this with exploring the town itself or staying at one of the nearby parks. Hoburne Cotswold Holiday Park, about five miles away with solid reviews, makes a decent base if you're after proper amenities. It's not a destination in itself, but if you're in the Cotswolds anyway, the source deserves a morning detour. Proper bit of English geography.