Destination Guide

The Royal River Thames

With over 200 miles of waterways flowing through 2000 years of history ‘Old Father Thames’ promises surprises round every corner.

England’s most famous river offers miles of non-tidal waterway to navigate. There are celebrated towns like Marlow, Henley, Windsor and Oxford with their historic pasts to explore. It could take you two weeks to cover the full distance from Teddington Lock to Lechlade in Gloucestershire. If you don’t have that much time, you can always cruise at a leisurely pace to Windsor, location of the famous royal residence, where a Blakes boatyard is just around the corner.

Through the locks

There are 44 locks on the Thames, evenly spaced between Teddington and Lechlade. All are normally operated by official lockkeepers and there are no charges to you. Moorings are plentiful on the Thames, in the towns as well as the countryside, and many are free of charge.

Thames-based narrowboats

Narrowboats based at Eynsham and Chertsey on the River Thames.

 

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Discover the local sights

Oxford

The home of one of the oldest universities in the world, Oxford is renowned for its dreaming spires and the Inspector Morse mysteries. A walk through the compact city is an easy way to spend the day, passing many of the university colleges or enjoying one of the many museums. Shopping in Oxford is a varied and pleasurable experience, with the Victorian covered market in the High Street and many other specialist shops dotted throughout the city.

Pangbourne Meadows

Moor for free and take a walk along these National Trust owned Thames-side Meadows. Visit the river scenes which inspired Wind in the Willows – maybe you will even see Toady, Ratty and their friends.

Cliveden House

This magnificent hill top Italianate mansion boasts extensive gardens with views across the Thames Valley. Open throughout the Spring and Autumn, each garden has been designed with its own unique character, from the formal water gardens to the secret gardens.

Henley

Famous across the world for the annual summer regatta, there are plenty more reasons to visit this riverside town outside of July. A visit to the River and Rowing Museum offers something for all the family – celebrate the famous Henley Regatta in the hall of fame, get hands on and challenge your skill or spend some time exploring the River Thames in the Thames Museum.

Hampton Court Palace

There is plenty to see and do at this historical palace with 60 acres of gardens, some of the finest paintings from the Royal Collection, the Flower Festival and regular summer evening concerts. Plus there is the infamous Hampton Court Maze.

Legoland, Windsor

For a fun and exciting day out, take the shuttle bus from Eton or Windsor to arrive at this award winning theme park. With more than 50 interactive attractions, shows and rides, there really is something to keep the whole family happy.

Plot your course

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