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

Stratfield Saye House

Type

Type:

Historic House / Palace

Reading

Home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. Unique collection of paintings, furniture and personal effects of the Great Duke, including his magnificent funeral carriage, military regalia and campaign trophies.
Tourism For All

Cotswold House

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Oxford

A well situated and elegant property, offering good accommodation and service. Cotswold House is in a most desirable part of Oxford.
Tourism For All

Modern Art Oxford

Type

Type:

Gallery

Oxford

Established in 1965, Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK's leading public galleries renowned for the quality of its exhibitions, activities and publications.
Tourism For All

Maidenhead Commons and Cock Marsh

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

Maidenhead

These properties include commonland and greens to the south of the River Thames. The sites include a variety of habitats, with woodland, scrub thickets, grassland, downland ponds, riverside, meadows and are ideal for walking.
Tourism For All

Chiswick - Thames Explorer Trust

Type

Type:

Education & Training

Chiswick

The Thames Explorer Trust is an environmental education charity that raises awareness of the river through a range of activities.
Tourism For All

Tingdene Boat Sales Ltd (Windsor)

Type

Type:

Boat Sales / Brokers

Windsor

Tingdene Boat Sales is located at the Racecourse Marina near the heart of Royal Windsor. Whilst trading at this location for over 30 years we have built up a reputation as one of the most successful sales sites on the River Thames.
Tourism For All

Garden View

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Henley-on-Thames

Garden View's attractive double room with ensuite bathroom offers an ideal bed and breakfast stay in Henley-on-Thames. Town centre location - 5 minutes walking distance to River Thames and beautiful countryside.
Tourism For All

Maharajahs Well

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Henley-on-Thames

A 25ft-high iron and gilt, Indian temple-style well with winding gear. Built in 1863 with gardens and orchard park, and warden's cottage (not open to public).
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The Prince of Wales

Type

Type:

Pubs

Marlow

In the airy and light 25 seater restaurant there is a choice of Thai and English cuisine, ranging from a lite-bites snack menu, through special two course business lunches, to full a la carte dining all freshly prepared in our own kitchen.
Tourism For All

White Hart Hotel

Type

Type:

Hotel

WALLINGFORD

A recently refurbished hotel, dating back to the 16th century - perfect for visitors looking for accommodation near Oxford. The twenty eight bedrooms are individually designed and include four poster beds, cottage suites and all modern comforts.