Geography: Rivers

The River Severn wends its way through the countryside near Bristol, UK.

The River Great Ouse

The United Kingdom, with its rich history and varied landscapes, is interlaced with a network of major rivers that have played a crucial role in shaping its history, culture, and economy. Rivers such as the Thames, Severn, and Trent flow through the heart of the country, winding through cities, rolling countryside, and industrial regions. These waterways have been vital for agriculture, providing irrigation and supporting livestock. They have also been crucial for transportation, trade, and industrial development throughout British history, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. Today, they continue to support economic activities, including energy generation and tourism. The rivers of the UK are also central to its ecology, supporting diverse habitats and wildlife. Beyond their practical uses, British rivers hold deep cultural significance, featuring in literature, art, and folklore, and serving as settings for historical events and everyday life. The table below presents an overview of the major rivers in the United Kingdom, detailing their lengths, sources, and outflows.

River Name	Length	Source	Outflow
River Severn	354 km (220 mi)	Plynlimon, Wales	Bristol Channel
River Thames	346 km (215 mi)	Thames Head, England	North Sea
River Trent	297 km (185 mi)	Biddulph Moor, England	Humber Estuary
River Great Ouse	230 km (143 mi)	Syresham, England	The Wash
River Wye	215 km (134 mi)	Plynlimon, Wales	Severn Estuary
River Tay	193 km (120 mi)	Ben Lui, Scotland	Firth of Tay
River Spey	172 km (107 mi)	Loch Spey, Scotland	Moray Firth
River Tweed	156 km (97 mi)	Tweed's Well, Scotland	North Sea
River Clyde	176 km (110 mi)	Lowther Hills, Scotland	Firth of Clyde
River Dee	140 km (87 mi)	Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland	North Sea