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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 1172

, currently showing 11 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tourism For All

Vintage Afternoon Tea Cruises with Hobbs of Henley

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

A quintessentially English afternoon tea with a twist, on the spectacular New Orleans, Henley on Thames.
Tourism For All

Reading Water Fest

Type

Type:

Festival

Reading

Reading Water Fest will be the flagship event to mark the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey. It will feature an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, through live and digital performances, activities and workshops
Tourism For All

Family Fun Day

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Long Wittenham, Abingdon

A music and fun for the family day at the Plough in aid of Help the Helen help the Philippines fund
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…
Tourism For All

Hobbs of Henley - King Charles Coronation 'A Right Royal Knees Up' with DJ One Deck

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

Celebrate King Charles III's Coronation with a fun cruise on the royal River Thames
Tourism For All

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

City Cruises

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Rotherhithe,

City Cruises is the No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames! Our cruises departing every 40 minutes, every day of the week, all year round from pier locations at Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich.
Tourism For All

Benson

Type

Type:

Village

Benson, once known as Bensington, is a large Thames-side village in South Oxfordshire, a short distance from Wallingford
Tourism For All

The Boatman

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Windsor

The Boatman is an historic riverside pub on the River Thames in the shadow of Windsor Castle overlooking Eton Bridge. The main historic building dates from 1829 when it was built to serve the river trade and it has been a pub/restaurant ever since…
Tourism For All

Sunday Lunch Cruise with Thames Rivercruise

Type

Type:

Tour

Caversham

Join us on the river Thames in Caversham for a Traditional Sunday Roast. Enjoy freshly prepared Sunday Lunch onboard.