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 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.
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Murder comes to Marlow!
A gripping new cosy crime and mystery series 'The Marlow Murder Club', by Robert Thorogood, the creator of the hit TV series Death in Paradise, sets a series of murders in and around Marlow. Watch out for the TV series, airing 6 and & March, 2024 at 8pm Drama and UKTV Play.
Take a look at the other Murder TV series Marlow connections.
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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Tours2order
Graham Horn is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering tours along the River Thames towns and villages…
Thames Rivercruise Ltd.
We are based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise through some of the most stunning reaches…
Hobbs of Henley Boat Hire
Hobbs provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Royal River Thames from public cruises or self-drive…
Runnymede and Ankerwycke
The riverside site of the sealing of the Magna Carta consists of ancient meadows, historic woods…
Salters Steamers Ltd Boat Sales
Salter's have been building boats since 1858 and are renowned for producing high quality robust and…
Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory
Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory includes Dr Choc's Cafe and Chocolate Making Workshops in the…
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Thames Cruise aboard the African Queen
The award-winning African Queen is approximately 30.5 metres with two decks. It has…
Hobbs of Henley Slow-Cation
If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference why not hire a luxuriously appointed Linssen…
Hilton Hotel, Reading
Relax in a warm and inviting atmosphere at Hilton Reading, winner of the Brand Service Award 2015.…
MyRiverCruising
Welcome aboard to myrivercruising boating holidays idyllically situated on the River Thames also…
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Eating at Cliveden House
Cliveden has a long tradition of fine food and warm hospitality. George Bernard Shaw enjoyed many a…
The Oxford Kitchen
Situated in the heart of Oxford’s smart Summertown district, The Oxford Kitchen’s reputation for…
The Lock Bar and Kitchen
The Lock Bar and Kitchen located on the banks of the River Thames right beside the ‘Bell Weir Lock’…
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London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
London Showboat Cruise On The Thames with City Cruises
The best night in town is on the river! Wine, dine and dance on this great dinner cruise on the…
Hobbs of Henley Gin and Jazz Cruise
We would like to invite you to a new, exciting public cruise this Summer on our flagship vessel The…
Shiplake Cream Tea Cruise with Thames Rivercruise
Join us for a round cruise to Shiplake passing through Sonning Lock and under Sonning Bridge whilst…
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Marlow
Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames, set amongst the rich…
Chertsey
The historic town of Chertsey dates back to 666AD when Erkenwald who became the Bishop of London…
Elmbridge Borough
Elmbridge is where town and country meet: a green Surrey borough within easy travelling distance of…
Streatley-on-Thames
The village of Streatley-on-Thames stands on the opposite side of the River Thames to Goring;…
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.