Explore All Rivers in the UK: A–Z River Directory
Hundreds of rivers flowing through England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Explore Every Major River Across the United Kingdom
With hundreds of rivers flowing through England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK has a rich network of waterways waiting to be explored. This page features every river in the UK, listed alphabetically and regionally for easy navigation.
Whether you're researching names of rivers in the UK or planning a trip to a specific region, our comprehensive directory provides essential details, wildlife facts, and interactive river maps.
River Aire
EnglandThe River Aire flows through Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales, featuring spectacular waterfalls at Malham....
River Avon
EnglandThe Warwickshire Avon flows through Shakespeare country. Known for its scenic beauty and connection to Stratford-upon-Avon....
River Avon (Bristol)
EnglandThe Bristol Avon flows through Bath and Bristol, famous for the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge....
River Bann
Northern IrelandThe River Bann is Northern Ireland's longest river, flowing through Lough Neagh to the Atlantic Ocean....
River Calder
EnglandThe River Calder flows through West Yorkshire, joining the River Aire at Castleford....
River Clyde
ScotlandThe River Clyde flows through Glasgow and was once one of the world's most important shipbuilding rivers. Now undergoing environmental regeneration....
River Conwy
WalesThe River Conwy flows through Snowdonia National Park to Conwy Bay. Scenic river with mountain backdrop....
River Dart
EnglandThe River Dart rises on Dartmoor and flows through a spectacular wooded valley to Dartmouth....
River Dee
ScotlandThe River Dee flows through Aberdeenshire and is famous for its salmon fishing and royal connections. Known to contain gold deposits....
River Dee (Wales)
WalesThe Welsh River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) flows from Snowdonia through Chester to the Irish Sea....
River Derwent (Derbyshire)
EnglandThe Derbyshire Derwent flows through the Peak District and Derby, joining the River Trent....
River Don (Aberdeenshire)
ScotlandThe Aberdeenshire Don flows through the Grampians to Aberdeen. Important salmon river with scenic valleys....
River Don (South Yorkshire)
EnglandThe River Don flows through Sheffield and Doncaster, historically important for steel industry....
River Eden (Cumbria)
EnglandThe River Eden flows through Cumbria, one of England's finest salmon rivers and a designated Special Area of Conservation....
River Exe
EnglandThe River Exe flows through Devon to Exeter and forms a beautiful estuary. Popular for water sports and wildlife....
River Forth
ScotlandThe River Forth flows through Stirling and forms the Firth of Forth estuary. Historically significant for Scottish battles....
River Foyle
Northern IrelandThe River Foyle flows into Lough Foyle at Derry/Londonderry. Important for salmon fishing....
River Great Ouse
EnglandThe Great Ouse flows through East Anglia, an important river for drainage and navigation. Passes through Bedford and Ely....
River Humber
EnglandThe Humber is a large tidal estuary formed by the confluence of the Trent and Ouse. One of the most important estuaries in England....
River Itchen
EnglandThe River Itchen is a famous Hampshire chalk stream, one of the world's finest trout fishing rivers....
River Lagan
Northern IrelandThe River Lagan flows through Belfast, undergoing significant environmental regeneration in recent decades....
River Lea
EnglandThe River Lea flows through Hertfordshire and East London, joining the Thames. Important for London's water supply and industry....
River Lune
EnglandThe River Lune flows through Lancashire, passing Lancaster and featuring the spectacular Lune Gorge....
River Medway
EnglandThe River Medway flows through Kent, an important waterway with historic dockyards at Chatham....
River Mersey
EnglandThe River Mersey flows through Liverpool and Manchester, forming a major estuary. Historically vital for trade and industry in Northwest England....
River Ness
ScotlandThe River Ness flows from Loch Ness through Inverness to the Moray Firth. Short but important salmon river....
River Ouse
EnglandThe River Ouse flows through York and North Yorkshire before joining the River Trent. Rich in history with Roman and Viking connections....
River Ribble
EnglandThe River Ribble flows through Lancashire from the Yorkshire Dales to the Irish Sea....
River Severn
EnglandThe River Severn is the longest river in the UK, flowing from Wales through western England to the Bristol Channel. It has a distinctive tidal bore an...
River Spey
ScotlandThe River Spey is Scotland's second longest river and fastest flowing. Famous for salmon fishing and the whisky distilleries along its banks....
River Taff
WalesThe River Taff flows through Cardiff, historically important for coal industry. Now a regenerated urban river....
River Tamar
EnglandThe River Tamar forms most of the border between Devon and Cornwall, flowing into Plymouth Sound....
River Tay
ScotlandThe River Tay is Scotland's longest river and has the largest discharge of any river in Britain. Famous for Atlantic salmon and known to contain gold ...
River Tees
EnglandThe River Tees rises in the Pennines and flows through Teesside. Features the spectacular High Force waterfall....
River Teifi
WalesThe River Teifi flows through West Wales, famous for salmon and sea trout fishing. Forms spectacular gorges....
River Test
EnglandThe River Test is England's premier chalk stream, world-famous for fly fishing. Crystal-clear waters support unique ecosystems....
River Thames
EnglandThe River Thames flows through southern England and London. It is the second longest river in the UK and has played a crucial role in British history,...
River Trent
EnglandThe River Trent is England's third-longest river, flowing through the Midlands and joining the River Ouse to form the Humber Estuary. Important for na...
River Tweed
ScotlandThe River Tweed forms part of the Scotland-England border. One of Britain's greatest salmon rivers....
River Tyne
EnglandThe River Tyne flows through Newcastle and was central to shipbuilding and coal exports. Now a regenerated waterway with improved water quality....
River Tywi
WalesThe River Tywi (Towy) is the longest river entirely in Wales. Excellent for salmon and sea trout....
River Usk
WalesThe River Usk flows through South Wales, designated a Special Area of Conservation. Excellent for salmon and trout fishing....
River Wear
EnglandThe River Wear flows through Durham City, creating a dramatic horseshoe bend around the historic cathedral and castle....
River Wye
WalesThe River Wye flows through Wales and England, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Known for its outstanding natural beauty and impor...
Your Gateway to UK River Exploration
Our comprehensive UK river index serves as an essential resource designed for students conducting geographical research, outdoor enthusiasts planning hiking and camping adventures, conservationists studying aquatic ecosystems, and anyone passionate about discovering the remarkable waterways flowing through Britain. Dive deep into each detailed river page to learn about its fascinating history, diverse native wildlife populations, available outdoor activities, current conservation status, and environmental challenges. This authoritative directory features rivers in the UK from all four nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—providing thoroughly researched information about the names of rivers in the UK, their precise geographic locations, accurate measurements of river lengths, and the unique ecological characteristics that make each British waterway special and worthy of protection for future generations.
Whether you're searching for detailed information about the longest rivers in the UK like the 220-mile River Severn or exploring smaller tributaries and chalk streams, our extensive map of rivers in UK database includes comprehensive details about every significant watercourse. From the mighty River Severn flowing 220 miles through the Welsh highlands and English countryside, to renowned Scottish salmon rivers like the Tay and Spey that attract anglers worldwide, to the scenic Welsh valleys magnificently carved by the Wye and Usk over millennia, the extraordinary diversity of UK rivers reflects the rich geographical heritage and remarkable ecological significance of the British Isles. Each river entry in our directory provides practical, actionable information for riverside visitors, dedicated conservationists, academic researchers, and outdoor adventurers exploring the rivers of the UK responsibly and sustainably.
FAQs
What are the cleanest rivers in the UK?
Chalk rivers like the River Itchen and River Test are among the cleanest, with crystal-clear water flowing over chalk bedrock. Many Scottish Highland rivers also maintain excellent water quality due to minimal pollution and natural filtration through peat and rock.
Which UK rivers contain gold?
The River Tay and River Dee in Scotland are known for containing gold deposits. Small amounts of gold can be found in several other Scottish and Welsh rivers, deposited through natural erosion of gold-bearing rocks in the highlands.
When can you fish in UK rivers?
Fishing seasons vary by species and region. Coarse fishing is typically available year-round, while salmon and trout have closed seasons (usually October to March for salmon). Always check local regulations and obtain proper permits before fishing.
What are the best campsites near rivers in the UK?
Popular riverside camping areas include the River Wye valley, Thames riverside sites, Scottish Highland rivers, and Lake District rivers. Many offer facilities for water activities, fishing, and nature walks.
What fish live in UK rivers?
UK rivers support diverse fish species including salmon, brown trout, sea trout, pike, perch, roach, chub, barbel, bream, carp, and various others. Chalk rivers are particularly important for brown trout populations.
What is the longest river in the UK?
The River Severn is the longest river in the United Kingdom at 220 miles (354 km), flowing from Wales through England to the Bristol Channel. The River Thames is the second longest at 215 miles (346 km).