Holidays along the River Thames

Holidaying in England - Choose the River Thames 

Are you looking for somewhere that is less busy with a variety of experiences? The River Thames and the Thames Path National Trail can offer those less crowded and less discovered places to Escape the Everyday. Many of the businesses are family run and have been in the family for generations, such as Hobbs of Henley. Take a look at some of the ideas for staycations, including boating holidays along the River Thames. What can be more away from the crowds than a boating holiday? A boating holiday on the River Thames is a fantastic opportunity to be active, explore history, walk along the Thames Path National Trail and spend time with nature.

Book a stay at one of the wonderful riverside hotels, they make a relaxing base to explore the area.

We look forward to welcoming you over the coming months.

Beyond the obvious - Unexpected Reading

Many people perhaps won’t think of Reading as a holiday destination, but a short break will surprise.

History and the outdoors – A stay in Reading will challenge perceptions. Not many people know it’s a royal heritage destination and offers lots of outdoors options along and beyond the Thames. It’s also a great base to explore the Chilterns with a wide range of accommodation options. The Last remaining unfound King of England is buried in Reading Abbey. The Ruins of the Abbey were reopened in 2018 and are free to explore every day. Within a short walk of the Abbey is the Abbey Gateway, where Jane Austen went to school and Reading Gaol, where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned. Lovely stretches of the Thames offer watersport opportunities and there’s plenty of places to eat outside or go open air swimmimg. Stay at the Roseate Reading - Described as ‘UK’s Sexiest Townhouse Hotel’ located in the heart of Reading’s Abbey Quarter or the Crowne Plaza Reading East.

Family Breaks – Get on the water…

Enjoy a family boating holiday on Hobbs of Henley’s Linssen SL Series 35 AC  ‘Knightsdream’. Built to carry 10 but able to sleep 4 comfortably across 2 ensuite cabins, she comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen, saloon and heating.

Or choose 'Lilibet' a brand new, British built, luxury steel motor cruiser.  Charter the boat for your holiday on the Thames or as a luxury chauffeured charter with on board catering for up to 12 passengers for the day, ideal for Henley Regatta and Henley Festival. 'Lilibet' has a luxurious double cabin with en suite shower and toilet and a galley kitchen with hob oven, microwave, fridge/freezer.  Generously sized enclosed saloon with seating for 6 and an aft seating area that seats 4.

They are a wonderful way to make the most of the Thames, the royal river of Britain. Skippered hire is available.

Weekly or 3 day hires are available as well as chauffeured day hire.

A little luxe – Stay and play along the Thames

Bray is a pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor and has become a very popular stopping place for visitors to the Royal Borough. As well as Bray’s country charm the village offers a choice of excellent restaurants namely the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn and Fat Duck and Heston’s 2AA Rosette The Crown. Make a visit to Bray memorable by chartering a beautifully restored, skippered, private classic gentleman’s motor yacht from Kalbarrie Charters. Based at Bray on the Thames, charters can be for a number of hours or by the day and the owner, who will personally drive his boat, is happy to assist in tailoring your day to your specific requirements. 

Monkey Island Estate offers luxurious and exclusive private residences in the village of Bray, with an authentic charm, oozing a perfect blend of classic style and contemporary comfort.

Bray Cottages offers a choice of one, two or three bedrooms, each cottage has been designed with exceptional flare, encompassing sumptuous fabrics, superior furnishings and splendid attention to detail.

Local restaurants: Caldesi in Campagna and The Hind’s Head  are offering local deliveries at this time. For more information on the area go to Visit Windsor

Water sports such as SUP, kayaking an canoeing  are offered at Bray Lake.

 

Relax at a waterside retreat - The Runnymede on Thames

The Runnymede on Thames is Surrey’s contemporary riverside destination hotel. The Runnymede acts as an ideal waterside retreat and base from which to explore, with its enviable location directly on the River Thames. This modern family-owned hotel has excellent transport links and is in close proximity to Windsor and a plethora of Surrey attractions. Guests can enjoy all the calming benefits of being by the water – a much-needed balm in times of stress and anxiety - with options to hire riverboats, or take in the views of the Thames on foot or two wheels. The Runnymede also offers a ‘Whirlpool by the Weir’ experience, where guests can enjoy a glass of champagne in a whirlpool situated on a private jetty.

The hotel makes the perfect base for a staycation. Take a look here

New-found fitness - Get away whilst staying at home 

You don’t need to go way to get a break. Sailing is the perfect way of developing fitness whilst learning a new skill which will stay with you for the rest of your life. Where better place to enjoy this than the River Thames. Bisham Abbey Sailing offers the opportunity to escape to the private grounds of the National Sports Centre where the whole family can learn to sail at the same time.  It is a small family owned and run sailing centre that has diverse range of equipment providing the opportunities from age 8 to adults. The sailing courses range from one day to 4 consecutive days, have low participant numbers where everyone gets there-own boat. Enjoy the comforts of home whilst trying something completely new. Or 2 hour social sailing sessions are available for those who already hold RYA Stage or Level 2. Please note this is an opportunity for free practice and fun sailing, it does not include tuition.

Details available here…

Why not make a break of it and stay at the nearby Macdonald Compleat Angler, set on the riverbank at Marlow.

New-found fitness - Enjoy a multi activity break in the Berkshire/Oxfordshire countryside

And, at the end of a busy day, return to the understated luxury of a clean & spacious hotel room, at the Swan at Streatley, overlooking the river, by the Streatley/Goring bridge.  Or wander through the restful, thoughtfully designed riverside gardens.

Create your own break to suit your fitness levels & time available or let them do it for you. Choose from: Mountain biking or Walking on the Ridgeway, Road cycling, Paddleboarding on the Thames Wild Swimming, Yoga/Pilates – in house Instructors run guided outdoor sessions with options for Sunrise sessions & Guided Meditation, watch out for the ducks! Something for everyone, from the fitness fanatic who wants to push themselves and develop as an athlete, to those who prefer their fitness at a gentler pace.

Back to nature - Does the Thames Float your boat?

London may well be known for its hustle and bustle but the River Thames takes you back in time allowing families to enjoy a mix of the Great British countryside. With pretty towns, it’s a perfect location for boating, river walks, cycling along tow paths and exploring outdoor spaces. Le Boat operates on the stretch of Thames between Oxford and Kingston, spanning four counties. This 60 mile (96 km) non-tidal section of the Thames is navigable by a series of 32 electronically controlled and manned locks which are very easy to navigate. This is an ideal destination for first time boaters from three nights to a two week holiday. Cruising from Benson base in the east, it is easy to access Oxford, Reading and Henley. From Chertsey base it is great for Hampton Court, Windsor, Eton and Thorpe Park.

Take a look at a Nature Cruise with Le Boat: Benson to Oxford here 

More ideas for short stays can be found on Escape the Everyday along the Thames.