Five of the best on the River Thames

Our pick of the five best activities on the River Thames this summer. From boating to camping and canoeing to picnics, there's something for everyone on this beautiful river.

1) Hire a boat and enjoy a picnic afloat

Hire a charter boat or opt for self drive and enjoy a picnic with a difference this summer: bobbing along on the River Thames. There's something to suit every budget from wooden rowing boats to luxury cruisers. Try runnymede-on-thames, Swan at Streatley or Beetle and Wedge.

2) Take a passenger boat trip

A passenger boat trip is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery of the River Thames. There are passenger boats operating from all major towns and cities along the rural River Thames, so jump aboard. Try Hobbs of Henley, Thames Rivercruise French Brothers or Salters Steamers. Or locate your nearest operator by visiting our boat trip page.

3) Learn to paddle a canoe

Hire a canoe or Kayak for a day, weekend, or week of care free and environmentally friendly cruising on the River Thames. Paddle along one of the finest and safest canoe touring rivers in the country, winding its way through 135 miles of traditional English countryside, with excellent connections to fine riverside camping, hotels, pubs and shopping. Try Moose Canoe and SUP Hire from its stunning riverside base at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey, Marlow. They will also provide boats all along the River Thames.

4) Go camping at a lock

With the Environment Agency's unique lock camp sites picking up recommendations in national media and camping guides, isn't it time you checked out what all the fuss is about? You'll discover a very different style of camping in these small and friendly sites, only accessible on foot. Dixie Wills, the author of ‘Tiny Campsites', declared in his review: "Three cheers for whoever it was at the Environment Agency who thought it would be a good idea to use land at certain Thames locks for camping." Visit our camping page for more information.

5) Go on a boating holiday

All along this beautiful and tranquil stretch of water there are luxury hire boats waiting to drift you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Choose from a traditional narrowboat fully kitted out with modern facilities, a luxury cruiser or a private charter, all perfect for romantic breaks or fun family holidays. Try Hobbs of Henley, Kris Cruisers, Calmer Cruising or visit our boating holiday page for more information.

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P&O Ferries

Type

Type:

Boat

Dover

Sail from Calais to Dover where you can continue your onward journey towards the River Thames.
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Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa

Type

Type:

Conferences & Weddings Conferences Category

Windsor

The historical Sir Christopher Wren Hotel sits directly on the River Thames in Royal Windsor.
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Hobbs of Henley - King Charles Coronation Afternoon Tea Cruise

Type

Type:

Coronation

Henley On Thames

Celebrate King Charles's Coronation with us aboard The New Orleans for a quintessential Afternoon Tea on the royal River Thames.
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Reading Walks Festival

Type

Type:

Walking

Reading

Reading Walks Festival is across nine days 11-19 May 2024, over 50 guided walks will bring to life the stories, heritage, wildlife and landscapes of Reading and the surrounding countryside.
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Hobbs of Henley

Type

Type:

British Marine

Henley-on-Thames

As well as our luxurious passenger vessels, river trips and self drive motor launches at Hobbs of Henley we also provide a comprehensive river and boating service from our Henley base on the River Thames in Oxfordshire.
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Hobbs of Henley Santa Cruise

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

Bring the magic of the festive season home to your family a little earlier this year with an entertainment-packed trip down the Thames and a visit from Father Christmas. Hobbs of Henley's ever popular Santa Cruises feature the fantastically…
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Le Boat - Boat Ownership Program

Type

Type:

Marinas & Services

Surbiton

Le Boat is Europe’s No 1 boating holiday company and provides a wide selection of boats, with different features and styles and sizes to suit any party size. Le Boat operates from two bases on the River Thames – Benson and Chertsey.
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Le Boat

Type

Type:

Boat Hire

Benson

Cruising in either direction along the Thames, you'll visit some of England's oldest and prettiest towns in the heart of England with Le Boat.
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Compleat Angler, Marlow

Type

Type:

Boat Hire

MARLOW

Boats can be hired via the concierge at the hotel. 21ft & 34ft craft ith skipper for 2 - 12 people
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Boating at the Macdonald Compleat Angler

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Marlow

Cruising the Thames doesnt come any more relaxing than when you hire one of our private launches and explore the upper Thames under the expert eye of our experienced skipper.