Hobbs of Henley Family Boating Holiday

Get on the water with Hobbs of Henley

Take a boating holiday and explore Britain’s most historic river or just relax and let the world drift by with Hobbs of Henley. Hobbs of Henley is celebrating 150 years on the Thames at Henley this year. The Chairman, Tony Hobbs was appointed a Royal Waterman to Her Majesty the Queen in 1981, undertaking royal duties at Buckingham and St James Palaces and Windsor Castle including visits from overseas sovereigns and many state openings of parliament. Tony’s son, Jonathan Hobbs MD, was appointed as a Royal Waterman in 2019.

Hobbs of Henley offer a taste of luxury on the water. Take a look at the Linssen motor yacht or Piper 12C motor yacht for a cruise along the River Thames? It's the best way to discover Britain's royal river. 

The motor yachts have beautiful wooden finishes and all your comforts catered for, you’ll get wonderful views from the bright saloons as you cruise along. With spacious cabins, showers and well equipped kitchens you’ll be completely self-contained.

New for 2023 is Lilibet, a stunning 40 ft Hybrid Motor Cruiser , which is the next level in boating luxury on the River Thames. She is available for both holiday charters for up to 2 people on the Thames as well as luxury skippered charters with on board catering. 

Telephone 01491 572035 or email boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk to check availability – you can reserve either boat for 3-7 days, subject to availability. 

Your boat acts as your accommodation and transport and offers access to a variety of activities along its banks. Depending where you are mooring, you can have a go at rowing, canoeing, kayaking, punting or paddleboarding! The river provides a backdrop of history on its riverbanks and a natural playground with many nature reserves and a daily walk along the Thames Path National Trail.

From its base at Henley on Thames you can head upstream towards Oxford or downstream towards Windsor. This family itinerary heads downstream to Windsor passing through Marlow and Maidenhead.

IDEAS FOR YOUR BOATING HOLIDAY

Either start of finish your journey spending some time moored in Henley as there is plenty to do:

• Hobbs also offers rowing boat hire and a few minutes’ walk from the boatyard is the River & Rowing Museum which has a Wind in the Willows Gallery.
• You can also book a family rowing session or row with an Olympian at Henley Rowing Association, Henley - home to the World’s most prestigious regatta! Outings are available for members of the same family, as in accordance with British Rowing guidelines. Beginners welcome! Also individual sessions with an Olympian or a fully qualified coach. Prices ranging from £60-£190. Please call in advance to confirm. www.henleyrowingassociation.com/ | rowingexperience@gmail.com |07881 205 545
• Take a drive to Stonor, 6 miles from Henley where you can visit the gardens.  Visit Wednesdays to Sundays.
• Head to Cliveden and moor up for a visit to Cliveden National Trust Gardens, the gardens, woodlands and toilets are open.  Discover the baboons, a pair of granite statues, thought to be between 2,000 and 2,500 years old. 
• Boulter’s Island, near Maidenhead remains a firm favourite with its bird aviary, beautiful gardens and great views of Maidenhead weir. For families, Riverside gardens is always popular with its extensive lawns, park and crazy golf, all completed with a visit to the famous Jenner’s Café, a family owned business that has been running for three generations since 1959. Crazy Golf: Upto 11 years - £2.50, 12+ - £3.50 Price includes, hire of golf club and a low bounce ball.
• Instead of a visit to Windsor Castle, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride with Windsor Carriages, a family run business for over 170 years. 
• Take a taxi from Windsor and have a day out at Legoland Windsor.