Hannington Wick

It's one of those rare spots where you can see the Thames before it becomes the famous waterway that passes through Oxford and London, which appeals to anyone curious about where major rivers actually come from.

The hamlet itself is genuinely peaceful and rural, with excellent walking straight along the riverbanks and across the surrounding farmland. The Thames Path runs through here, so you can head out in either direction without fuss, and the river looks at its most natural and undeveloped along this stretch. Birdwatchers find plenty to observe, and photographers tend to find the gently flowing water moving through fields worth capturing.

For getting there and finding supplies, Lechlade is the nearest village with shops and facilities, and you're within reasonable reach of Cirencester too. This is a place that works best if you're not in a hurry—ideal for a long riverside walk, a picnic, or simply stopping to watch the water and reflect on how England's second-longest river starts its journey eastward. There's no visitor centre or formal amenities here, which is rather the appeal, so come prepared with sturdy shoes and whatever you'll need for the day.