Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 9 May 2024
| 4 May 2024 until further notice | Teddington Barge Lock | Handwind only, please expect delays. |
| 23 April 2024 until further notice | Caversham reach | Submerged boat reported in central third of navigation channel, just upstream of St Marys Island. Boaters should navigate with caution and avoid using middle of the navigation at this location. |
| 20 April 2024 Until further notice | Whitchurch head lock cut | Obstruction to navigation above head gates. Boaters should navigate with caution when entering or exiting the upstream lock cut. |
| 1 October 2023 until further notice | Teddington Launch Lock | Lock is closed for repairs to lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. |
| Until further notice | Clifton weir stream | Shoal reported downstream of The Plough public house. Boaters are advised not to navigate up Clifton weir stream. |
| Until further notice | Canal Bridge, Radcot | A vehicle has damaged Canal Bridge, where Radcot Road A4095 crosses the River Thames. Please be cautious of falling debris if navigating near the bridge. |
| Until further notice | Boulters Lock | Gates on the pedestal side do not open fully. Width of the tail gates is restricted to no more than 5.5 metres (18). Please use caution when entering and exiting the lock. |
River closures: updated 18 April 2024
There are currently no river closures planned.
River restrictions: updated 10 May 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 25 March to Monday 17 June 2024 | Hambleden reach | Henley Royal Regatta 2024 course construction: boaters travelling downstream should use left, Berkshire/Remenham side of the river within the regatta course. Boaters travelling upstream should use the right, Buckinghamshire/Fawley Court side of the river. |
| Sunday 12 May 2024 9am to 1pm | Bell Weir reach | Wraysbury Skiff & Punting Club Long Distance Paddle 2024: multiple dragon boats and outrigger canoes will be engaged in racing between a marker buoy outside Wraysbury Skiff and Punting Club and a marker buoy in the natural course of the river to the rear of Old Windsor Lock Island. |
| Saturday 18 May 2024 7am to 8pm | Teddington reach | Thames Ditton Regatta 2024: the navigation channel will be on the right, Hampton Court, Middlesex side of the river. |
| Saturday 18 May and Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 May 2024 | Iffley reach | Rowing On and Summer Eights 2024: racing will be held at half hourly intervals. |
| Sunday 19 May 2024 8am to 6pm | Bray reach | Maidenhead Junior Regatta 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Taplow, right side of the river. |
| Saturday 25 May 2024 10:30am to 2:30pm | Sunbury reach | Elmbridge Canoe Club Sprint Regatta 2024: the navigation channel will be around the old river channel at Shepperton. |
| Sunday 26 May 2024 6am to 11am | Marlow reach | The One on the River Triathlon 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Marlow, Buckinghamshire side of the river. |
Planned lock closures: updated 3 April 2024
The Environment Agency carries out a programme of works on the River Thames every year between October and the end of March. This results in the closure of a number of locks sometimes for relatively long periods.
The first issue of the programme is published in August each year. This is so that river users can plan their winter cruising and boat movements well in advance.
This programme of work is subject to change, due to weather and other circumstances. Revised issues of the programme of works are published throughout the winter, so river users can keep up to date. To receive this information, sign up to the email update service.
Email updates and newsletter
You can subscribe to newsletters about navigation on the River Thames and email updates on River Thames closures and restrictions.
To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this service, email riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk with subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject line.
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Last updated 10 May 2024 +show all updates
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New restriction notice for Wraysbury Skiff & Punting Club Long Distance Paddle 2024 (Sunday 12 May).
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Update to navigation issues. Tree obstructing main downstream navigation arch at Cookham Bridge has now been removed. Bridge arches open for clear navigation.
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Update to navigation issues. The tree obstructing the main downstream navigation arch of Cookham Bridge is scheduled to be removed Thursday 9 May 2024. Boaters should use other arches and approach with caution as works are underway.
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Abingdon Lock has now been repaired. Public power is available when a lock keeper is unavailable.
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Abingdon Lock public power is currently unavailable. You can use the lock by handwinding if a lock keeper is unavailable. We will update this webpage when public power is available again. Teddington Barge Lock is handwind only, please expect delays.