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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Sindhu by Atul Kochhar

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Marlow

Sindhu by Atul Kochhar is the latest venture by the Michelin-starred chef and will offer diners the very best of traditional Indian cuisine in a contemporary manner.
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Benson

Type

Type:

Village

Benson, once known as Bensington, is a large Thames-side village in South Oxfordshire, a short distance from Wallingford
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London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises

Type

Type:

Fireworks

London

London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
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The Lock Bar and Kitchen

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Egham

The Lock Bar and Kitchen located on the banks of the River Thames right beside the ‘Bell Weir Lock’ offers a sense of occasion without pretence, in a relaxed and informal setting.
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…
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Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Henley-on-Thames

Enjoy relaxing and discovering the heritage and beauty of the Thames on a river sightseeing trip or event cruise with Hobbs of Henley.
Tourism For All

Royal Swan Upping along the Thames

Type

Type:

Ceremony

Royal Swan Upping is the annual census of the swan population on stretches of the Thames in the counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. This historic ceremony dates from the twelfth century, when the Crown claimed…
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Mother's Day with City Cruises

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Type:

Show / Display

London

This Mother's Day spend some quality time with mum on a delightful Mother’s Day Dining Cruise!
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Watersports Short Break Package at Macdonald Compleat Angler

Type

Type:

Hotel

Marlow

Combine a relaxing 3-4 night stay at the Macdonald Compleat Angler on the riverside at Marlow, with a variety of watersports: canoeing, paddleboarding and waterbiking with Boat Rental Thames!
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Afternoon Tea Cruise on the Thames in London with City Cruises

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Rotherhithe, London

Tuck into tea, scones and all the trimmings of a traditional afternoon tea while cruising past the sights of London.