Oxfordshire

About

Changing from sparkling rivulet to magisterial river, Old Father Thames winds gently through Oxfordshire, past picturesque Cotswold villages like Kelmscott, former home of craftsman William Morris, and ancient market towns, grown wealthy from riverside trade. Near Kelmscott lies sleepy Faringdon, almost obliterated in Civil War battles, recalled by the 17th century cannon ball still lodged in its church wall. Onward it meanders, between tranquil water meadows, golden with buttercups and purple with chequered fritillaries in spring.

Past Oxford the Thames heads south, bordering Abingdon whose medieval streets and (under restoration) splendid Town Hall (look out for bun-throwing from the roof) are a delight to explore. On warm summer days families flock to the riverside open air swimming pool and splash park. Visitors enjoy the Hanson Way, a charming riverside cycle ride between Oxford and Abingdon - continuing to Didcot (don't miss the Great Western Railway Museum) for those with time and energy. On flows the Thames, between Dorchester's mysterious pre-historic earthworks to Wallingford, scene of innumerable Midsomer Murders, and so to elegant Henley famed for its Royal Regatta, Festival and Britain's only River and Rowing museum. A paddle steamer, Edwardian cruisers, electric launches, rowing boats, day boats and punts all offer the opportunity to explore the River Thames - or you could bring your own canoe! And don't forget your copy of Three Men in a Boat or Wind in the Willows, both inspired by England's greatest river.

Top 10 Things to Do along the Thames in Oxfordshire

• Explore the Wind in the Willows gallery at the River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames
• Hire a punt from Salters Steamers at Folly Bridge, Oxford
• Enjoy a gin themed cruise on the river with Hobbs of Henley, Henley on Thames
• Visit Stonor Park, Henley on Thames, the ancient home of the Stonor family, dating back to the twelfth century, the family home for over 850 years
• Enjoy a drink in a Brakspear's pub, there are plenty along or near to the river. 
• Explore Midsomer Murders country on a boating holiday with Hobbs of Henley, Henley on Thames
• Row with an Olympian on the Regatta course with Henley Rowing Experiences, Henley on Thames 
• Drive an electric boat on the river with Pure Boating, Wallingford
• Stop off for dinner at newly refurbished and reopened, The Beetle & Wedge, immortalised in 'The Wind in the Willows' and Jerome K Jerome's chronicled escapades  in 'Three Men in a Boat'.
• Take a rural ramble along the Thames Path National Trail from Oxford to Abingdon (10 miles) passing through 3 locks and a weir.