- Iconic rivers like the Thames, Tyne, and Wye are celebrated for their natural beauty, making them ideal spots for couples seeking picturesque wedding settings and memorable photo opportunities
- The River Thames tops the list with over 1.1 million Instagram posts
- Completing the top five are the River Clyde, River Severn, River Tyne, and River Wye
Instagram hashtag data for major UK rivers was analysed to uncover those most celebrated for their ‘picture-perfect’ appeal making them the ideal destinations for capturing stunning wedding photos and enjoying romantic getaways.
Ferry travel expert GetByFerry studied Instagram hashtags linked to over 30 of the UK’s longest rivers. By examining the number of posts tagged for each river, the analysis identified the most frequently shared rivers on the platform.
The findings ranked the top ten UK rivers that visitors and locals are most inspired to share on social media, based on their online popularity.
The UK’s Top 10 Most Instagrammable Rivers
| Rank | River | Instagram Hashtag Volume |
| 1 | River Thames | 1,100,000 |
| 2 | River Clyde | 109,000 |
| 3 | River Severn | 107,000 |
| 4 | River Tyne | 93,100 |
| 5 | River Wye | 83,500 |
| 6 | River Mersey | 82,100 |
| 7 | River Tay | 65,400 |
| 8 | River Trent | 58,100 |
| 9 | River Ouse | 54,400 |
| 10 | River Medway | 34,200 |
The results found that the River Thames is the most Instagrammable UK river, with an incredible 1.1 million posts on the social media platform. Running through the capital, it’s no surprise the river attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to share their experiences online. Many other iconic landmarks can be seen from the banks of the Thames, including Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.
Outside of London and topping the list for Scotland is the River Clyde. The analysis found that the Glasgow situated river has 109,000 posts on Instagram, tagging #RiverClyde and sights that can be seen along the waterway, including The Clyde Arc road bridge in Glasgow city centre.
Great Britain’s longest river, the River Severn totalling an incredible 354 km in length, ranks the third-most picturesque in the country. The river that flows through both English and Welsh counties has amassed an impressive 107,000 posts on Instagram, of people showing off its idyllic beauty.
Situated in the North East of England and flowing through Newcastle upon Tyne, the River Tyne ranks fourth. The social media study revealed that there are 93,100 posts on Instagram tagging #RiverTyne, showcasing spots along its banks or the iconic Tyne Bridge.
The River Wye ranks fifth on the list of the UK’s most Instagrammable rivers. The fourth-longest river in the UK has 83,500 posts tagging #RiverWye, sharing spots along its impressive 250 km stretch.
The iconic River Mersey ranks sixth, with 82,100 Instagram posts tagging the river. Made famous by Liverpool’s music scene in the sixties, spearheaded by the success of The Beatles, often referred to as ‘Merseybeat’, referencing the city’s river.
The longest river in Scotland, the River Tay places seventh among the most picturesque UK rivers. The analysis revealed that it has amassed 65,400 Instagram posts, sharing snapshots of its picturesque banks, flowing from the slopes of Ben Lui into the North Sea just south of Dundee.
Eight is the River Trent, the third-longest river in the UK at just under 300 km in length. Flowing through Staffordshire and the popular city of Nottingham. According to the findings, the Trent has plenty of picture-perfect spots to share on social media, with 58,100 posts on Instagram with #RiverTrent.
North Yorkshire’s River Ouse takes the ninth spot. On Instagram, the river boasts an impressive 54,400 posts tagging #RiverOuse. With countless idyllic spots along its rural banks, the river notably flows through the city of York, with river walks allowing visitors to take in the city and share snapshots along the way.
Rounding out the top 10 rivers on Instagram is the River Medway, with 34,200 posts tagging the South Eastern river. Stretching 113 km from Sussex, through the county of Kent, where it enters the Thames estuary, it is the second-longest river in the South of England after the Thames.
Ante Dagelić, CEO of GetByFerry commented:“Many people now seek destinations not only for relaxation or adventure but also for those moments worth sharing online. UK rivers, with their natural beauty and calm winter landscapes, provide a great setting for capturing the perfect shot.
“While the River Thames taking the top spot by a large volume of posts is expected due to its setting in the UK‘s capital and popular tourist spot, seeing others such as the Clyde and the River Tyne among the top highlights the nationwide appeal for visitors eager to share their travels.”
