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

Le Boat

Type

Type:

Boat Hire

Benson

Cruising in either direction along the Thames, you'll visit some of England's oldest and prettiest towns in the heart of England with Le Boat.
Tourism For All

Gala Dinner New Year's Eve Cruise with City Cruises

Type

Type:

Fireworks

London

Gala Dinner New Year's Eve Cruise with City Cruises
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Saturday Evening Sundowner Cruise with Thames Rivercruise

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Reading

An early evening cruise on the Upper Thames.
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Hobbs of Henley Slow-Cation

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Henley On Thames

If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference why not hire a luxuriously appointed Linssen Motor Yacht from Hobbs of Henley and cruise the River Thames?
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Hobbs of Henley Christmas Lunch Cruise

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

There's nothing like celebrating the festive season than a river cruise on The New Orleans with Hobbs of Henley on a Thames Christmas Lunch Cruise or a Christmas Party Night in December.
Tourism For All

Reading Heritage Open Days

Type

Type:

Heritage & History

Reading

Reading's Heritage Open Days 2021 diverse offer includes free in-person and digital events to showcase the rich stories that make Reading such a unique place to live, work and visit.
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Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

Windsor

The jewel in the Royal Borough's crown, Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is a family friendly museum bursting with interesting facts and interactive displays of East Berkshire.
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Mikron Theatre Company play TROUPER

Type

Type:

Performance

Long Wittenham, Abingdon

The Mikron Theatre Company return to The Plough Inn with a performance of TROUPER. Beer and food available. This is an outdoor show. Bring chairs and blankets. No charge for tickets but there will be a collection will be taken after the show…
Tourism For All

Boating at the Macdonald Compleat Angler

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Marlow

Cruising the Thames doesnt come any more relaxing than when you hire one of our private launches and explore the upper Thames under the expert eye of our experienced skipper.
Tourism For All

Chilterns Walking Festival

Type

Type:

Walking

The festival provides opportunities to enjoy beech woodlands, nature reserves, family trails, river walks and much more all in the expert care of a knowledgeable guide. Meet artists, craftspeople, farmers, archaeologists, historians, countryside…