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

Chilterns Walking Festival - Gone Rustic up a Fair Mile (1502)

Type

Type:

Guided Walk

Henley

A ‘Literary Hitchhike’ from the historic riverside market town of Henley-on-Thames. Our route takes us along the Henley Riverside and up the Fair Mile to Lower Assendon where author Cecil Roberts once lived.
Tourism For All

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

Princess Marina National Historic Ship Cruise With Thames Rivercruise

Type

Type:

Heritage & History

Reading

To celebrate being awarded National Historic Ship Of The Year we are hosting intimate river history cruises.
Tourism For All

Henley on Thames

Type

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

Taste of Britain Cruise with City Cruises

Type

Type:

Water Based Activities

London

Enjoy the taste of Britain, a relazed evening cruise along the Thames while watching the world go by. Taste traditional British fayre whilst listening to music made famous by British artists, performed by a live singer.
Tourism For All

The Windsor Guildhall

Type

Type:

Conferences & Weddings Conferences Category

Windsor

Centrally located in the heart of the vibrant town of Windsor, The Windsor Guildhall is a stunning private hire venue, ideal for weddings, dinners, event hire and filming opportunities. Offering a flexible and affordable approach to all guests, The…
Tourism For All

London Luxury Afloat

Type

Type:

Show / Display

London

Bringing the very best of luxury yachting to the heart of London, London Luxury Afloat is a new showcase event taking place at St. Katharine Docks, RivertThames, central London.
Tourism For All

The Lounge at The Runnymede on Thames

Type

Type:

Café

Egham

Comfy seating and light bites.
Tourism For All

Windsor Castle

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Windsor

The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and it was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite weekend home.
Tourism For All

Bray

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

A pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor, Bray has become a very popular stopping place for visitors to the Royal Borough as it features a wealth of cottages, houses and fine dining.