Boating on the River Thames

What better way to escape everyday stress than messing about on a boat on the river? If you have a day, a week or just a few hours, you can unwind and discover the hidden treasures of the River Thames.

Visit Thames offers comprehensive boating information on hiring a boat along the River Thames whether for a day or boating holiday. There’s a fantastic choice from self-drive cruisers or choose a skippered cruiser, electric boats, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and narrowboats.

Check the latest river conditions before taking a boat out on the river.

Relax and enjoy the river while someone else does the hard work on a boat trip. Or take charge of your own river adventure and hire a boat. Find out more on our boat trips and boat hire on the Thames pages.

If you're feeling more energetic why not try canoeing, kayaking, punting, rowing or sailing? What is the difference between canoeing and kayaking? Sitting position: In a canoe the paddler either kneels on the bottom of the boat or sits on a raised seat. In a kayak the paddler sits on a low seat with their legs extended in front. Number of blades on the paddle: A canoe paddle has a blade on one end, while a kayak paddle is bladed at both ends. (Wikipedia). Or have a go at paddleboarding.

 If a day’s not enough, why not hire a boat for a week or a few days there’s plenty of choice for a Boating Holiday.

If you already own your own boat or would like to find out more, visit our owning a boat section. The Environment Agency has information on registering a boat, water and boat safety, river closures, restrictions and conditions and a boaters checklist.

Visit the Thames Traditional Boat Festival in July.

First held 37 years ago, it showcases trades and crafts of a bygone era, as well as providing a fun day out for all the family. Highlights include: Gloriana - Her Majesty's Royal Rowbarge, "Little Ships" of Dunkirk, Amphibians, Battle of Britain Memorial, Classic & Vintage cars, motorcycles and bikes, Punch & Judy, Pop-up Pub and even camping on site.

Whatever way you decide to explore the river, for all you need to know about boating on the river take a look at our information for boaters or watch the video below.

If an adrenaline thrill is what you are looking for then experience high speed aquabatics with Thamesjet passing under some of London’s great bridges!

For those cruising on the River Thames there are many marinas to choose from offering pleasant stays and a range of services.

Have you thought about owning your own boat but it’s too much an investment of time and money? Henley Boat Club 'Membership Boating' is the easy way to take to the river whenever you want to safe in the knowledge that your boat is maintained and looked after by Hobbs of Henley. 'Membership of The Henley Boat Club gives you freedom to enjoy a choice of Hobbs Boats with none of the cost or hassle of ownership'.

Are you looking to buy a boat? If you’ve not brought a boat before, check out our handy Beginners Guide to choosing your first boat