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.
The River Thames offers plenty of inspiration for the Easter Holidays.
HOBBS OF HENLY EASTER OFFER - 15% off online bookings for self-drive boat hire (25 Mar-14 Apr 2024). Code Easter15
BOOK A SPRINGTIME BREAK WITH LE BOAT - From 21st March to 2nd April you can benefit from : Up to 30% off* your spring holiday, Up to 25% off* on your summer holiday and Up to 20% off* on your Premium cruise. Hurry! Availability is limited and offers ends on 2nd April 2024. All information on.
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.
Highlights
Highlights
Runnymede Surrey Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Garden
Runnymede Surrey Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Garden
Cliveden
Cliveden is one of the finest five red star luxury hotels, set in 376 acres of National Trust…
Shepperton Marina
Situated in a delightful backwater between Shepperton and Sunbury locks, the Marina enjoys a…
Bray Marine Sales
If you are enjoying boating on the River Thames and thinking about buying a boat, then look no…
The Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede
Set in a symbolic acre of land donated to the United States of America by Queen Elizabeth II in…
The Little Green Boat Company - Marlow
Launching from our prime spot in Higginson Park, Marlow, dive into excitement with our…
Exploring the Goring Gap on the Ridgeway & Thames Path
One of the most dramatic locations along the whole length of the Thames is the Goring Gap, a deep…
Esprit Wellness & Spa, Crowne Plaza Reading East
The Esprit Wellness & Spa is the perfect place to escape the pressures of every day stresses and…
Highlights
Kris Cruisers
Kris Cruisers is a family run business with over 40 years experience in self drive hire. We operate…
Magna Carta, Hotel Barge
A slow, meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages – a real mixture…
Thames Cruise aboard the African Queen
The award-winning African Queen is approximately 30.5 metres with two decks. It has…
Le Boat on the River Thames - The Royal Cruise
Le Boat provides boating holidays on the River Thames with two bases Benson and Chertsey.
Highlights
The Bull Inn, Sonning-on-Thames
A historic Tudor pub, originally called Church House, the inn provided accommodation for pilgrims…
The Savill Garden Kitchen
Located in The Savill Building, the restaurant offers homemade cakes and biscuits, coffee, teas and…
Angel on the Bridge
The Angel opened in 1728 and the pub has timber beams and retains many original features with its…
The Oxford Kitchen
Situated in the heart of Oxford’s smart Summertown district, The Oxford Kitchen’s reputation for…
Highlights
Sunday Lunch Cruises with Hobbs of Henley
Sunday Lunch on the Thames at Henley on the spectacular New Orleans
Galaxy New Year's Eve Cruise with City Cruises
Galaxy New Year's Eve Cruise with City Cruises
Henley Festival
With its wonderful range of entertainment in a breathtaking setting on the banks of the River…
Highlights
Runnymede
The Borough of Runnymede is famous for its monuments, the most famous being the one to commemorate…
Chertsey
The historic town of Chertsey dates back to 666AD when Erkenwald who became the Bishop of London…
Wallingford
Wallingford is a pretty market town nestled between the River Thames and the ancient ruins of…
Marlow
Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames, set amongst the rich…
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.