Gloucestershire Tourist Guide - Articles

Visit Lechlade which is located at the southern edge of the Cotswolds. The town is named after the River Leach.The town is a popular venue for tourism and river-based activities. There is a convenience store, food outlets, a garden centre and a 'Christmas shop'.

Lechlade is the highest town to which the River Thames is navigable by narrowboats. It is a popular 'resort' for Thames boating. Boats of different types can be hired from Lechlade, from rowing boats to river cruisers. It is possible to travel by river from here to London, or to walk there (or to the traditional source of the Thames at Thames Head) on the Thames Path. The river is actually navigable for a short way further upstream, near to the village of Inglesham, where the Thames and Severn Canal joins the River Thames. Rowing boats can reach even further upstream, to Cricklade.

The highest lock on the Thames is St John's Lock, at Lechlade (above), where there is a statue of Old Father Thames overlooking the boating activities. The view from St John's Bridge across the lock and the meadows to the spire of St Lawrence's church is memorable. The River Leach flows into the Thames at St John's Bridge.

Lechlade has a number of activities available to its younger citizens, most of which are centred around the Memorial hall and its adjacent structure, the Lechlade Pavilion Hall. Behind the town hall are large playing fields and a skate park. However, Lechlade has been a popular place for thrill seekers. Jumping off the main bridge into the water (when the police are not in the vicinity) is very popular in the summer months!.