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
Windsor Castle
The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and it was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite…
The Savill Garden
The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35 acres of…
Abingdon Abbey Buildings
Abingdon Abbey Buildings are the well-preserved domestic buildings of the Abbey of Abingdon, which…
Windsor Leisure Centre
Situated on Stovell Road, Windsor, with the famous Windsor Castle nearby, we are a multi-purpose…
The Little Green Boat Company - Staines
Explore the tranquil beauty of the Thames on a self-drive electric boats or classic rowing boats…
The Swan at Streatley Spa
The new Spa at Streatley is open to everyone - you don't need to be a member to enjoy our wonderful…
Afternoon Tea Cruise on the Thames in London with City Cruises
Tuck into tea, scones and all the trimmings of a traditional afternoon tea while cruising past the…
Highlights
Kris Cruisers
Kris Cruisers is a family run business with over 40 years experience in self drive hire. We operate…
Thames Cruise aboard the African Queen
The award-winning African Queen is approximately 30.5 metres with two decks. It has…
Buscot Manor
A wonderfully warm welcome awaits you from Romney and her family offering a bespoke Bed and…
Novotel Reading Centre Hotel
Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior…
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The Swan at Streatley
The Swan at Streatley is in a picturesque Berkshire village with a newly refurbished modern English…
Eating at Cliveden House
Cliveden has a long tradition of fine food and warm hospitality. George Bernard Shaw enjoyed many a…
Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
Looking out towards the River Thames and the Chiltern Hills, Danesfield House Hotel has earned…
The Anchor
The Anchor pub is a 400+ year old Inn that boasts numerous low oak ship beams, wood burning stove…
Highlights
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…
Afternoon Tea On The Thames With Thames Rivercruise
Afternoon Tea cruise on the Upper Thames in Reading.
Sunday Lunch Cruise with Thames Rivercruise
Join us on the river Thames in Caversham for a Traditional Sunday Roast. Enjoy freshly prepared…
Thames Path National Trail Reading to Lower Shiplake - Reading Walks Festival
A fantastic walk from Reading to Lower Shiplake, as part of the Reading Walks Festival, along the…
Highlights
Sunbury
The name Sunbury derives from the 10th Century Saxon Lord Sunna, who built a Burgh, or settlement…
Moulsford on Thames
Originally in Berkshire, this small Thames-side village was transferred to Oxfordshire in 1974 and…
Lechlade
Lechlade is a small market town on the River Thames in Gloucestershire at the southern edge of the…
Elmbridge Borough
Elmbridge is where town and country meet: a green Surrey borough within easy travelling distance of…
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.