Which river flows through London before emptying into the North Sea?

The River Thames flows through London before emptying into the North Sea.

The Thames rises at Thames Head in Gloucestershire and travels eastward through southern England. It passes historic places including Oxford, Windsor, and London, then enters the broad Thames Estuary before reaching the North Sea. The river is tidal through much of London, so its water level rises and falls with the sea.

London developed around the Thames because the river provided transport, water access, a defensive feature, and a route to international trade. Famous crossings include Tower Bridge, Westminster Bridge, and London Bridge, though Tower Bridge is often incorrectly called London Bridge.

The Thames is not Britain's longest river; that distinction is generally given to the River Severn. However, the Thames has exceptional historical and economic importance because it runs through the United Kingdom's capital and major port region.