Meet Old Father Thames at St John’s Lock, Lechdale
Our challenge was to find the Source of the Thames. We began at Buscot Lock, walking upstream to the river’s last lock and the statue of Old Father Thames, which used to mark the source.
Buscot Lock
Picturesque Buscot Lock is a working lock with a weir, bridges and swans.
The lock keepers we met were very friendly and showed my children how the manual lock works, much to their delight.
The Thames Path
Walking from Buscot Lock to St John’s Lock took us about an hour and the paths were easy to walk along.
We followed this circular path from the National Trust’s website.
You walk from Buscot Village, past Buscot Lock, along the Thames Path, staying close to the river.
When you reach the bridge you are almost at St Johns Lock.
St John’s Lock
St John’s Lock is the highest lock on the River Thames.
It has toilets, a small picnic area and a statue of Old Father Thames.
Old Father Thames
Originally carved for Crystal Palace in 1854, Old Father Thames was moved to the source of the Thames in Trewsbury Mead in 1936.
Sadly, it was vandalised and moved again to St John’s Lock.
The source of the Thames is now marked with a simple stone.
The Trout Inn
We had lunch right next to the river at The Trout Inn,
which has a large garden and lots of tables.
Buscot Play Area
Buscot Village Play Area has a long obstacle course. It is conveniently located next to the Buscot Village National Trust car park and is a good place to play at the end your walk.
Further Information
Nearest Town: Buscot, near Faringdon and Swindon
County: Oxfordshire
Nearest Postcode: SN7 8DA
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, eat at Buscot Village Tea-Rooms (SN7 8DA) or eat at The Trout Inn (GL7 3HA).
Facilities: There are toilets for customers at the Tea-Rooms and Trout Inn. There are public toilets at both locks.
How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths are fairly flat and easy to walk on. You could take an all-terrain buggy if you don’t mind bumping up and down some stairs.
Parking: Pay and display car park at Buscot Lock or The Trout Inn’s car park at St John’s Lock.
Cost of Parking: Parking at Buscot Lock is free for National Trust members; from £2 for two hours for non-members. Parking at The Trout Inn is free.
Information Written: August 2023
Ratings
Our visit to Buscot Lock near Faringdon and St John’s Lock near Lechdale, near Swindon, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
-
Fun
-
Condition
-
Value
-
Would We Go Back
You May Also Like
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
