The Royal River Thames, from the Cotswolds to London
Welcome to the essential guide to places to visit, things to do, accommodation and events along the Royal River Thames and Thames Path National Trail, providing great experiences, stretching from Lechlade in Gloucestershire, through London with its iconic views and out to the sea.
Why not take...… Read More
Welcome to the essential guide to places to visit, things to do, accommodation and events along the Royal River Thames and Thames Path National Trail, providing great experiences, stretching from Lechlade in Gloucestershire, through London with its iconic views and out to the sea.
Why not take this opportunity to take a look through the website and discover great places to visit and things to do for future days out and short breaks. Explore before you plan your visit.
Looking for ideas for Christmas and New Year, take a look at the Events page.
Why not book a boating holiday next year? Le Boat and Kris Cruisers are offering discounts if you book now.
SPECIAL OFFER WITH CITY CRUISES, LONDON
24 HR FAMILY RIVER PASS - UP TO 3 KIDS GO FREE
50% off on 24h River Pass. Code: PASS50. Only valid online. Book and travel from now until 16/11/2024. Only valid on 24h River Pass ticket types.
A great way to experience the river Thames is by boat, and for those looking for something more active, there's plenty of choice: try kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, or why not have a go at punting? Or for something a little easier what about a rowing boat or a self-drive cruiser. You can hire the boats by the hour, half day or day from various locations from Oxford to London. Read more about hiring a boat here, there's all the information you need to hire a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard or water bike on the River Thames.
For those planning days out, short breaks or staycations, we have provided some inspiration ‘Escape the Everyday along the Thames’.
The Thames offers so many outdoor experiences from boating and watersports to walking the Thames Path National Trail and wonderful gardens. Take a look at the Things To Do section.
Explore the Thames Valley with GWR and take a look at the Rail Trails we've put together to inspire a walk along the Thames Path National Trail.
Enjoy a short break or day out along the River Thames, a walk along the Thames Path National Trail, or choose a circular walk that starts from the river bank. Stop off at one of the great riverside pubs and hotels along the way, and refresh yourself with a drink or sample locally sourced meals.
Take to the water on a pleasure cruise along the Thames and see the sights, trips are available from London, Runnymede, Windsor, Reading, Henley and Oxford. Read more about Boat trips on the Thames and choose from Wildlife cruises, comedy nights, Sundowner cruises and many more.
Why not plan your escape for a short break, family holiday along the Thames in 2023. There’s some lovely riverside hotels on the website or explore the river on one of the wide variety of boating holidays on offer. We've created a selection of holiday ideas to inspire you.
Are you thinking about buying…
Are you thinking about buying your own boat? Henley Boat Club 'Membership Boating' is the easy way to take to the river it gives you freedom to enjoy a choice of boats with none of the cost or hassle of ownership. Our ‘Owning a boat on the River Thames’ section has useful information including a guide to buying a pre-owned boat which will help you through the process.
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Windsor Guard March & Changing the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually…
Penton Hook Marina
Set in 80 acres and with 575 berths, Penton Hook is Britain's largest inland marina.
Esprit Wellness & Spa, Crowne Plaza Reading East
The Esprit Wellness & Spa is the perfect place to escape the pressures of every day stresses and…
Bray Marine Sales
If you are enjoying boating on the River Thames and thinking about buying a boat, then look no…
Beetle and Wedge Boathouse
As well as a fantastic foodie offering in The Boathouse Restaurant, The Beetle & Wedge provides a…
Kalbarri Thames Charters
Charter a beautifully restored, skippered private classic gentleman’s motor yacht. Based at Bray…
Hobbs of Henley Boat Hire
Hobbs provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Royal River Thames from public cruises or self-drive…
Hampton Court Palace
This magnificent palace set in delightful gardens was famously one of Henry VIII’s favourite…
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Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
Looking out towards the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills, Danesfield House Hotel arguably enjoys…
Cliveden
Cliveden is one of the finest five red star luxury hotels, set in 376 acres of National Trust…
Novotel Reading Centre Hotel
Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior…
Compleat Angler Hotel - Macdonald Hotels
Dating back to the 17th century, the hotel has lovely river views while others are within sight and…
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The Plough Inn
The Plough Inn is a 17th century Grade II listed pub situated on the River Thames in the village of…
The Bull Inn, Sonning-on-Thames
A historic Tudor pub, originally called Church House, the inn provided accommodation for pilgrims…
Eating at Cliveden House
Cliveden has a long tradition of fine food and warm hospitality. George Bernard Shaw enjoyed many a…
Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
Looking out towards the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills, Danesfield House Hotel has earned…
Highlights
Henley Town and Visitors Regatta
The Henley Town and Visitors' Regatta provides an opportunity for the locals and visitors to watch…
Marlow Carols on the Causeway
Christmas carols around the Christmas Tree in Marlow More information will be available nearer the…
Season Opener at Royal Windsor Racecourse
Racing returns to the Royal Windsor Racecourse with the 2019 Season Opening Meet
London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
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Kempsford
Kempsford is a village in Gloucestershire, situated on the edge of the Cotswolds between Cricklade…
Teddington
In 2021 The Sunday Times voted Teddington the 'Best place to live in London' with its towpath, the…
South Oxfordshire
You may find that with so many great things to see and do on offer in South Oxfordshire, you might…
Kelmscott
Kelmscott is a small very rural village on the north bank of the River Thames in West Oxfordshire,…
Inspire Me
Thames Path National Trail
n celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the foundation of the Thames Path National Trail, the Ramblers Association took on the massive feat of walking the entire Thames Path National Trail from the source of the Thames to the Barrier in London. This short film shows the natural beauty of the journey of this glorious riverside trail.