Five of the best on the River Thames

Our pick of the five best activities on the River Thames this summer. From boating to camping and canoeing to picnics, there's something for everyone on this beautiful river.

1) Hire a boat and enjoy a picnic afloat

Hire a charter boat or opt for self drive and enjoy a picnic with a difference this summer: bobbing along on the River Thames. There's something to suit every budget from wooden rowing boats to luxury cruisers. Try runnymede-on-thames, Swan at Streatley or Beetle and Wedge.

2) Take a passenger boat trip

A passenger boat trip is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery of the River Thames. There are passenger boats operating from all major towns and cities along the rural River Thames, so jump aboard. Try Hobbs of Henley, Thames Rivercruise French Brothers or Salters Steamers. Or locate your nearest operator by visiting our boat trip page.

3) Learn to paddle a canoe

Hire a canoe or Kayak for a day, weekend, or week of care free and environmentally friendly cruising on the River Thames. Paddle along one of the finest and safest canoe touring rivers in the country, winding its way through 135 miles of traditional English countryside, with excellent connections to fine riverside camping, hotels, pubs and shopping. Try Moose Canoe and SUP Hire from its stunning riverside base at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey, Marlow. They will also provide boats all along the River Thames.

4) Go camping at a lock

With the Environment Agency's unique lock camp sites picking up recommendations in national media and camping guides, isn't it time you checked out what all the fuss is about? You'll discover a very different style of camping in these small and friendly sites, only accessible on foot. Dixie Wills, the author of ‘Tiny Campsites', declared in his review: "Three cheers for whoever it was at the Environment Agency who thought it would be a good idea to use land at certain Thames locks for camping." Visit our camping page for more information.

5) Go on a boating holiday

All along this beautiful and tranquil stretch of water there are luxury hire boats waiting to drift you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Choose from a traditional narrowboat fully kitted out with modern facilities, a luxury cruiser or a private charter, all perfect for romantic breaks or fun family holidays. Try Hobbs of Henley, Kris Cruisers, Calmer Cruising or visit our boating holiday page for more information.

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Tourism For All

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa

Type

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Conferences & Weddings Conferences Category

Windsor

The historical Sir Christopher Wren Hotel sits directly on the River Thames in Royal Windsor.
Tourism For All

Reading

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Type:

Towns & Villages

Reading

One of the UK's top ten retail destinations alongside the River Thames and River Kennet and 900 years of history at its heart with Reading Abbey Quarter and an array of well-known and local events.
Tourism For All

Bray Marine Sales

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Type:

Boat Sales

Bray, Maidenhead

If you are enjoying boating on the River Thames and thinking about buying a boat, then look no further than Bray Marine Sales, an award-winning boat company and one of the most successful brokerage operations in the South East.
Tourism For All

Le Boat - Boat Ownership Program

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Marinas & Services

Surbiton

Le Boat is Europe’s No 1 boating holiday company and provides a wide selection of boats, with different features and styles and sizes to suit any party size. Le Boat operates from two bases on the River Thames – Benson and Chertsey.
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Marlow

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Type:

Towns & Villages

Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames, set amongst the rich meadows of the river valley and alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills.
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Hobbs of Henley Boat Hire

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Henley-on-Thames

Hobbs provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Royal River Thames from public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out, to its newest boats, luxury Linssen self-drive cruisers, the only ones for hire in the UK. Ideal for that special…
Tourism For All

Livestream: Liam Gallagher plays Down By The River Thames

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Virtual Event

British rock musician Liam Gallagher is set to make a return to performing with Down By The River Thames, a one-of-a-kind virtual event streamed globally on Saturday 5 December.
Tourism For All

Gaia comes to Reading

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Type:

Arts

Reading

The world famous Earth artwork, Gaia, created from NASA imagery, will be coming to Reading this June.
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Henley on Thames

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Type:

Town

Henley On Thames

This 13th century market town is one of the most beautiful towns in England. Henley on Thames enjoys a wonderful stretch of river with delightful independent shops, brilliant pubs, numerous cafes and great restaurants, while throughout the summer…
Tourism For All

Thames Path Challenge

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Type:

Sporting Event

London

A stunning route with scenery that's steeped in history, and a superb backdrop for a festival of river-side challenges - with 3 unique events to join stretching from Tower Bridge to Henley!