Is it the Thames or the Thames?
Is it the Thames or the Thames? Rivers are referred to as “the Thames”, “the Severn”, “the Trent” etc. The word “the” is only dropped in place names: such as Newark-on-Trent, with the whole word hyphenated. So it's “London is on the Thames”.
Can you swim in the Thames?
Where Can You Swim? The PLA allows swimming to take place upriver of Putney Bridge through to Teddington. It is permitted in this area only but be reminded that it is still a busy section of the tidal Thames for leisure and recreational activities.