Destination: U.K

Itinerary: Slowly Flows The Thames

This route follows Britain's best-known river from picture-postcard countryside to the pumping heart of the capital. Travel by car, train or bike, or walk the whole way on the Thames Path long-distance trail, perhaps sampling a few sections by boat.

Start at the source of the Thames, a damp patch in a field near the town of Cirencester, once the second-largest city in Roman Britain. Follow the Thames through the Cotswolds to Oxford, famous for its university, and a good place to hire a boat.

Continue downstream via the leafy Chiltern Hills to charming Henley-on-Thames, site of the nation's favourite regatta.

The Thames runs past Windsor Castle, a royal residence since 850 AD, Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was signed, and Hampton Court Palace, home to Henry VIII, before reaching London. Following the riverside paths as the Thames weaves through neighbourhoods both grotty and smart is a great way to see all sides of the capital. Tower Bridge makes a stunning end to your trip.