Tales from the Riverbank with Clare Balding

In the series, Clare journeys along the River Thames, navigating its extensive network of waterways. The river runs more than 200 miles, winding from its source in Gloucestershire down to the estuary at Essex, covering diverse landscapes and historic towns along its banks.

The series titled River Thames is presented as a programme, formatted as an episode. It follows a straightforward premise, focusing on a single journey along one of England’s most recognised rivers. The production keeps its scope limited to the waterway itself, offering viewers a concise look at the river’s course. In this episode, presenter Clare takes the audience along the river’s channels, navigating its various stretches. Her exploration is guided by the natural flow of the water, allowing her to move from one point to the next while highlighting the character of each segment. The journey is framed as a direct, on‑site experience. The River Thames extends for more than 200 miles, a distance that the programme traces from its source in Gloucestershire to its mouth in Essex. This extensive reach showcases the river’s transition across differing landscapes, from rural beginnings to more urbanised sections, all within the same continuous waterway. By following Clare’s route, the episode offers a linear view of the Thames, linking its geographical origins with its terminus. Viewers can appreciate how the river connects two counties, providing a natural thread through the English countryside. The programme remains focused on this singular, uninterrupted journey, without diverging into unrelated topics.