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

Thames Boat House

Type

Type:

Marinas and Services

Shepperton

Boat Sales, Moorings, Boatyard Services and Trail Boat Storage with Slipway located on the River Thames at Shepperton.
Tourism For All

Mother's Day The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Egham

Mother's Day The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa
Tourism For All

Kingston upon Thames

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames is a shopper’s delight, with over 500 stores to choose from. Situated on the banks of the Thames, this historic market town has a strong arts culture and a vibrant festival programme.
Tourism For All

Rewind Festival South

Type

Type:

Festival

Henley-On-Thames

Expect a weekend of iconic performance from musical legends, themed venues, pop-up performers and an unrivalled festival atmosphere.
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Buscot

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

Buscot is a small Thames-side village about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southeast of Lechlade. Originally part of Berkshire it is now in Oxfordshire. A short walk from the end of the village leads past Buscot Weir field to Buscot Lock on the River Thames.
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Sue Ryder Halloween and Fireworks

Type

Type:

Show / Display

Nettlebed, Henley On Thames

The Sue Ryder Fireworks and Hallowe'en Night at Nettlebed is organised by Henley Rotary Club.
Tourism For All

Reading Town Regatta

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

Reading

Rowing regattas catering for men and women at all levels of experience from novice to international competitors in the full range of racing boats.
Tourism For All

Marlow Carnival

Type

Type:

Carnival

Marlow

Each year Higginson Park hosts the Marlow Carnival which is now a well-established annual tradition.
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Henley Town and Visitors Regatta

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

Henley on Thames

The Henley Town and Visitors' Regatta provides an opportunity for the locals and visitors to watch over 200 crews race on the Henley Reach, and picnic, by the river, on the magnificent lawns owned by the Royal Regatta.
Tourism For All

Oxfordshire Cotswolds

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

Witney

The Oxfordshire Cotswolds, West Oxfordshire, covers the area to the north of the Thames from Cassington, just upstream of Oxford, to Lechlade, near the source of the Thames.