The Severn Bore is one of the largest tidal bores in the world, a single breaking wave that surges up the River Severn from the Bristol Channel during the highest tides of the year. Although not the biggest bore on earth — the Amazon's pororoca and China's Silver Dragon are more dramatic — the Severn Bore is a genuine spectacle, rolling upstream at speeds of up to 13 mph and reaching heights of two metres on the largest events.
The bore occurs throughout the year but is most impressive around the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the tidal range in the Bristol Channel is at its peak. The best viewing spots are along the riverbank between Minsterworth and Stonebench in Gloucestershire; Minsterworth village is particularly popular. Surfers and kayakers ride the wave for several miles upstream — the Severn Bore surf record is over 12 kilometres.
Dates and times of significant bores are published on dedicated websites and are predictable years in advance.