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.
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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.
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Henley Sales & Charter Ltd.
The Classic Boat Collection comprises of a range of stylish, iconic river launches operated by…
The Little Green Boat Company - Marlow
Launching from our prime spot in Higginson Park, Marlow, dive into excitement with our…
Abingdon Abbey Buildings
Abingdon Abbey Buildings are the well-preserved domestic buildings of the Abbey of Abingdon, which…
Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial
This memorial overlooks the River Thames and commemorates by name over 20,000 airmen who were lost…
Evening Dinner Cruises on the Thames with City Cruises
Enjoy an evening in London on a Thames dinner cruise! See spectacular views of London’s iconic…
Scavenger Challenge - Team Activity Group
The scavenger challenge is a fun-filled and challenging game that lets your team get to know each…
Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips
Enjoy relaxing and discovering the heritage and beauty of the Thames on a river sightseeing trip or…
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Le Boat on the River Thames - The Royal Cruise
Le Boat provides boating holidays on the River Thames with two bases Benson and Chertsey.
Thames Cruise aboard the African Queen
The award-winning African Queen is approximately 30.5 metres with two decks. It has…
MyRiverCruising
Welcome aboard to myrivercruising boating holidays idyllically situated on the River Thames also…
Crowne Plaza Reading East
Exceptional new, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star, Crowne Plaza Reading East, near the River…
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Angel on the Bridge
The Angel opened in 1728 and the pub has timber beams and retains many original features with its…
Astor Grill, Cliveden House
Newly opened in April 2016 and located in the charming old stable block, The Astor Grill offers…
The Anchor
The Anchor pub is a 400+ year old Inn that boasts numerous low oak ship beams, wood burning stove…
The Plough Inn
The Plough Inn is a 17th century Grade II listed pub situated on the River Thames in the village of…
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Henley Town and Visitors Regatta
The Henley Town and Visitors' Regatta provides an opportunity for the locals and visitors to watch…
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…
Hobbs of Henley Traditional Jazz Cruise
Enjoy the sounds of a traditional jazz band as this iconic paddle steamer takes you downriver…
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Faringdon
The market town of Faringdon is perched on a golden limestone ridge between two river valleys – the…
Kelmscott
Kelmscott is a small very rural village on the north bank of the River Thames in West Oxfordshire,…
Datchet
Despite much modern development, Datchet still manages to retain many features of the quiet…
Bray
A pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor,…
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.