Along the axis of the Dour, the land slopes gradually down towards the sea about 3 miles (5 km) distant.

[5] River once had a number of shops, but most have gradually closed; a small Co-op supermarket,[6] as well as two other grocery stores exist in the town today.

Despite its name, Kearsney Abbey was never a monastic estate but was the name given to a manor house, built by the Fector family in the early 19th century.

The park of Russell Gardens is situated on the Alkham Valley Road beyond Kearsney Abbey.

In 2021 a number of painted paving slabs were erected in the old bus terminus which were created by local resident Vicky Thomas during the 2020 COVID lockdown.

The River Dour, which runs through the village and along which Lower Road is built, once supported several water-powered flour and paper mills.

[9] The site of the other major mill in River is disused, situated at the downstream end of Kearsney Abbey.