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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Beetle and Wedge Boathouse

Type

Type:

Boat Hire

Wallingford

As well as a fantastic foodie offering in The Boathouse Restaurant, The Beetle & Wedge provides a selection of private hire boats, whether you’re looking for self-drive or a chauffeured experience.
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Miller of Mansfield

Type

Type:

Restaurant with Rooms

Goring, Reading

The 18th century, Miller of Mansfield is the modern inn; a rural retreat near to the Thames, hot on its food, with a serious cellar and boldly bespoke bedrooms provide a very 21st century twist.
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Cliveden

Type

Type:

Garden

Taplow, Nr Maidenhead

Nestled high above the River Thames with panoramic views over the Berkshire countryside, these National Trust gardens capture the grandeur of a bygone age.
Over the course of 300 years, each family that fell in love with this place added their own…
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Disco Night On The Thames With Thames Rivercruise

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Reading

Afternoon Tea cruise on the Upper Thames in Reading.
Tourism For All

Pub In The Park

Type

Type:

Festival

Marlow

Tom Kerridge presents Pub in the Park, a laid-back celebration of the very best food, drink and music.
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Henley Women's Regatta

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

Henley On Thames

The Henley Women’s Regatta is the premier rowing regatta for Women in the UK. Over one thousand women aim to compete and win at the regatta annually.
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ThamesJet New Year's Eve Fireworks

Type

Type:

Fireworks

London

ThamesJet New Year's Eve Fireworks
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Richmond upon Thames

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

Richmond upon Thames

Richmond possesses a timeless charm more akin to a village than a town. Henry VII named Richmond after his favourite Earldom, Richmond in Yorkshire, and the gateway of his magnificent Palace, favoured by Elizabeth I, still remains.
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Red Lion, Cricklade

Type

Type:

Inn

Swindon

Situated just off the Thames Path in historic Cricklade, on the edge of the Cotswolds, this 16th century traditional pub offers five newly decorated en-suite bedrooms. Ideally placed just off of the Thames Path for walkers who are weary or for those…
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Tree Climbing at Cliveden

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Maidenhead

Tree Climbing at Cliveden