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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Tourism For All

Carfax Tower

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Oxford

Fourteenth-century west tower of the former city church of St Martin. The clock on the eastern side chimes every quarter hour. Superb views of Oxford's 'dreaming spires'.
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The Herb Farm and Saxon Maze

Type

Type:

Garden

Reading

Specialist herb nursery and plant display garden; cottage garden plants and old-style roses. Barn shop containing wide range of unique gift ideas. Herbal, home and garden products. Saxon maze (summer only) coffee shop.
Tourism For All

The Little Angel Pub

Type

Type:

Pub/Inn

Henley on Thames, Berkshire

This cute whitewashed pub has more strings to its bow than just pulling pints.
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Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Type

Type:

Museum

GREAT MISSENDEN

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, in Great Missenden is where Roald Dahl (1916-1990) lived and wrote many of his well-loved books. This great little award-winning Museum, aimed at 6 to 12 year olds and their families, has fun galleries.
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Crowne Plaza Reading

Type

Type:

Hotel

Reading

This stunning 4 star hotel in Reading is delightfully positioned on the banks of the River Thames, yet ideally located for Reading Town Centre and the many local business parks
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Saffron

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Windsor

Saffron offers a range of mouthwatering dishes cooked with only natural herbs and spices.
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Mapledurham House

Type

Type:

Historic House / Palace

Reading

An Elizabethan manor house alongside the River Thames, containing paintings, oak staircases, and moulded ceilings. Home to the Blount family for over 500 years.
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Alouette Bed & Breakfast

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Wallingford

Modern and comfortable accommodation in detached home. We pride ourselves on attention to detail and a warm welcome awaits you.
Tourism For All

Bicester Village

Type

Type:

Shop / Shopping Centre

Bicester

Bicester Village - The ultimate shopping experience
Discover the UK’s leading luxury shopping experience at Bicester Village, located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds, where spacious boutiques showcase the…
Tourism For All

The Kingfisher Inn

Type

Type:

Inn

Wallingford

Modern inn at head of Old Wharf Road, serving home-made Mediterranean influenced food. Short walk to banks of River Thames.