Free family fun
Fun on the River Thames doesn't always have to cost you. There are plenty of free ways to treat the family.
Go alfresco with a picnic
Pack up a hamper and head for the riverside. There are dozens of picnic hotspots all along the River Thames, perfect for a day out with the family.
Check out our list of picnic hotspots to find your nearest one. Many are near parks and some are at locks where you will find a tea room. At Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, for example, you will find an open park, paddling pool and cafe. After your picnic why not take a stroll along the river or enjoy a boat trip.
Take a stroll
The Thames Path National Trail is the only path in Europe to follow a river for its entire length, making it very easy to find and very easy to follow!
All along the trail you will find ducks and swans eager to be fed and open areas of grassland perfect for children to run off excess energy. Dotted along the way are family friendly pubs and restaurant as well as little towns, museums and shops should you need extra amuseument.
Many train stations are within walking distance of the Thames Path so leave the car at home and make a day of it! Visit the First Great Western website for timetables and fares.
The Great British Duck Race 2009
On Sunday 6th September, 2009 the ducks will be back in the water at Molesey Lock, near Hampton Court Palace for the 3rd Great British Duck Race and an attempt at a World Record of 175,000 ducks.
Take the family along and watch this fantastic spectacle as thousands of ducks make their way to the finishing line. As always there is a massive first prize of £ 10,000 for the first duck across the line as well as a further 30 great prizes for the runners up.
If you fancy adopting a duck to cheer on it is just £2. Click here to adopt your duck now.
Pooh sticks
Follow in the steps of Pooh Bear and Christopher Robin and introduce the family to a game of pooh sticks. There are over 100 bridges along the River Thames, many crossing over pretty and quiet little backwaters, perfect for a game of pooh sticks.
Get on your bike
Although most of the towpath is dedicated to walkers there are some stretches suitable for cycling. So dust of your bikes and take the family out for a cycle ride. Popular areas for cycling are:
Teddington Lock to Shepperton Ferry, Marlow to Hurley, Henley to Shiplake, Reading to Purley, Benson to Shillingford, Radley Railway Bridge to Sandford Lock, King's Lock to Swinford Bridge
Catch a fish
Think angling heaven, think River Thames – a haven for some of the best coarse fishing in the country as well as night fishing, junior fishing and fishing for people with disabilities.
Free fishing (with a valid rod licence) is available at several sites along the River Thames - click here for a list. There are 18 sites which offer fast weir water for more exciting fishing (contact the Environment Agency for a lock and weir fishing permit on 0118 953 5561).
There are 30 species of fish in the non-tidal river and 90 angling clubs lease rights to fish. So, whether you are a serious match angler or just looking for a leisurely day out, the River Thames offers many fishy delights.
See the swans get their comeuppance!
Swan Upping, when the river's swans are 'marked' takes place this year from July 20 to July 24, starting at Sunbury and ending in Abingdon.
Take the family along to watch this unique spectacle from the riverbank. Swan Upping dates from medieval times, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans (an important food source for banquets and feasts).
The Queen only exercises her ownership on certain stretches of the Thames and its tributaries and this is shared with the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies (granted rights of ownership in the fifteenth century). Six traditional Thames rowing skiffs are used in this five day journey. Scarlet uniforms are worn by The Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers and each boat flies their appropriate flags and pennants.
Visit Thames Web for dates and anticipated times at particular points along the river in 2009.