The Royal River Thames, from the Cotswolds to London
Welcome to the essential guide to places to visit, things to do, accommodation and events along the Royal River Thames and Thames Path National Trail, providing great experiences, stretching from Lechlade in Gloucestershire, through London with its iconic views and out to the sea.
Why not take this opportunity to take a look through the website and discover great places to visit and things to do for future days out and short breaks.
Why not book a boating holiday on the Thames?
A great way to experience the river Thames is by boat, and for those looking for something more active, there's plenty of choice: try kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, or why not have a go at punting? Or for something a little easier what about a rowing boat or a self-drive cruiser. You can hire the boats by the hour, half day or day from various locations from Oxford to London.
The Thames offers so many outdoor experiences from boating and watersports to exploring the Thames Path National Trail and wonderful gardens. Take a look at the Things To Do section.
Enjoy the River Thames
Enjoy a Sightseeing Boat Trip
Sit and relax as beautiful scenery glides by on a River Thames boat trip.
Hire a boat for a day, short break or boating holiday
Have fun with a choice of motor boats, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, water bikes or why not have a go at punting?
What's On
City Cruises - London Fireworks Cruise 1 November 2025
Step aboard the exclusive Fireworks Night Cruise for front-row views of the spectacular Battersea Park Fireworks Show.
Ideas for Christmas 2025
If you are looking for something to do this Christmas take a look at the locations along the river Thames.
Enjoy a short break or day out along the River Thames, a walk along the Thames Path National Trail, or choose a circular walk that starts from the river bank. Stop off at one of the great riverside pubs and hotels along the way, and refresh yourself with a drink or sample locally sourced meals.
Take to the water on a pleasure cruise along the Thames and see the sights, trips are available from London, Runnymede, Windsor, Reading, Henley and Oxford. Read more about Boat trips on the Thames and choose from Wildlife cruises, comedy nights, Sundowner cruises and many more.
Why not plan your escape for a short break, family holiday along the Thames in 2025. There’s some lovely riverside hotels on the website or explore the river on one of the wide variety of boating holidays on offer.
Our highlights
Pubs & Inns
Whether you’re looking to stay in a pub or inn, enjoy good food and ale, or these days a unique gin…
Boating on the River Thames
What better way to escape everyday stress than messing about on a boat on the river? If you have a…
Family Friendly
There are plenty of great ideas for family activities to do along the RiverThames to create…
Tours & Sightseeing
The cities, towns and villages that populate the banks of the river Thames cry out to be explored.
Start Planning Your Trip
Places to Stay
Sleep under the stars, stretch out in a luxurious four-poster bed or be gently lulled to sleep by…
Things To Do
The River Thames has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re coming to the area for a break…
Places to Eat & Drink
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or want to relax and enjoy a hearty meal, the River…
What's On
From regattas and riverside events to festivals and exhibitions, there's always something different…
Trip ideas
Walk the Thames Path
On its way the Trail passes through peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic…
Boating Holidays with Le Boat
Europe’s No 1 boating holiday company and provides a wide selection of boats, with…
Ideas for Groups
The Royal River Thames offers an abundance of places to visit for your group visit…
Buying a Boat
Henley Boat Club 'Membership Boating'
Henley Boat Club 'Membership Boating' is the easy way to take to the river it gives you freedom to…
Owning A Boat on the Thames
'Owning a boat on the River Thames’ has useful information, including a guide to buying a pre-owned…
England's Greatest River
Follow England's Greatest River
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary in 2016 of the foundation of the Thames Path National Trail…
Take a look our Blog
Abingdon-on-Thames Fireworks
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The UK’s biggest fireworks display - This weekend! Get ready for an explosive night of…
Fireworks on the banks of the Thames
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Just a short walk from The Thames Path National Trail is Barnes Sports Club, which is holding its…
Haunted Thames: Ghost Stories and Legends Along the Path
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🎃 Haunted Thames: Ghost Stories and Legends Along the Path As the nights draw in and mists…
Wildlife to Watch in October
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Wildlife to Watch in October Along the Thames Path October is a magical time to explore the Thames…
A riverside spectacle - Autumn on the Thames Path
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Autumn Colours on the Thames Path: A Riverside Spectacle! As October rolls in, the Thames Path…