Know Before You Go. It’s time to enjoy the River Thames. We are looking forward to welcoming you back.

We are continuing to update the information on this page as partners advise their reopening, so please keep checking. And before you leave home for socially distanced visits, check out VisitEngland's in-depth guide around domestic travel, along with the latest government advice, so you’re in the know before you go.

Following Government advice businesses along the River Thames have reopened or are making plans to. On this page we'll be bringing together information from our partners to help you plan your visits to the River Thames and its towns and villages. Many of the key tourism businesses are now open, however, there will be a staggered approach over the next few months.

Please check with any business before visiting to confirm opening times and safety procedures.  Look for the "WE'RE GOOD TO GO" mark. The industry standard is a way of letting you know which businesses have made necessary changes to their day-to-day workings, including social distancing measures and staff training. Keep an eye out for the mark when planning your trip online.

Toilet facilities at the locks are open, although showers at River Thames lock sites remain closed - an updated list of facilities that are open along or near to the Thames can be found here.

The information below is split into the following sections

On the River | Towns and Villages | Attractions and Open Spaces | Eat & Drink | Something Special 

Make the most of summer days by messing about on the River Thames

• Boat Trips on the Thames - Available - Face masks must be worn on-board for the duration of the trip, and seating will be outside regardless of the weather in line with the latest Government guide lines: City Cruises in London (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) offers sightseeing cruises. From 20 May.  | French Brothers (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is operating 40 mins (from 12 April) and 2 hour cruises from Windsor, Runnymede to Windsor (from 17 April) | Hobbs of Henley (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is operating 1 and hour cruises from Henley (from 12 April) and themed ticketed cruises from 28 May   | Thames Rivercruise at Reading (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is offering 45/60/90 minute Thames sightseeing cruises (from 13 April - selected days) and themed cruises from 19 May | Salters Steamers are hoping to start their 40 minute boat trips from Oxford and Marlow in April (date TBC) 
• Hire a boat for a day - The businesses are doing everything they can to keep you safe, all boats and life jackets will be thoroughly cleaned after each use, hand sanitiser available and all measures to keep the 2m. Day Boats can only be hired with people from your own household or support bubble. Choose from rowing boats and canoes, to motorboats or an Edwardian launch which seats up to 12: Hobbs of Henley (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) | Salters Steamers | Boat Rental Thames at Bisham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)| Kris Cruisers at Datchet | Pure Boating at Wallingford. Pre-book your boat hire to avoid disappointment.
• Classic boats with fully qualified skippers now taking bookings for up to 6, or more from 2 households from 12th April: Private Boat Hire at various locations along the Thames | Henley Sales & Charter - various boats available between Windsor and Wallingford | Kalbarri Charters at Bray | Hobbs of Henley  (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) | Salters Steamers at Oxford

          Full information on day boat hire can be found here 

• Take to the water on a paddleboard - Moose Canoe and SUP Hire at Bisham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) has a fleet of Canadian canoes, SUPs and Sit on Top Kayaks to hire from a half or full day. Open For Canoes & Kayaks (SUPs 1 May). Everyone is welcome from experienced paddlers to complete novices. .
• Henley Rowing Experiences offers having a go at rowing in Henley - home to the World’s most prestigious regatta! They will be offering outings for members of the same family in these Covid times and individual sessions with an Olympian or a fully qualified coach. Prices ranging from £60-£190. Please call in advance to confirm. Beginners welcome!  Call 07881205545
• Holiday boats are operating again from 12 April. Book a boating holiday/staycation with motorboats from: Le Boat at Benson or Penton Hook (April 14) | Kris Cruisers at Datchet | Hobbs of Henley | Choose a Dutch barge from Calmer Cruising at Bisham | A luxury wooden boat from Bygone Boating at Benson (from 21 June). Or treat yourself to a relaxing cruise on a hotel boat. Hotel Boat Kailani (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) (from 18 May).
• Buying a boat (viewings available from 12 April) - if you are inspired to spend more time on the river, why not buy your own boat. Boat sales are now open: TBS Boats at Bray or Penton Hook | Henley Sales & Charter at Henley or Beale Park | Bushnells at Wargrave, Reading | Thames Boat House at Shepperton | Stanley & Thomas Boat Builders at Windsor

For something not on the water for groups of up to 5 people:

Team Activity Group currently has a range of outdoor activities that they can organise at a location on the Oxfordshire / Berkshire / Buckinghamshire border for groups of 5 people, whilst maintaining social distance guidelines. Choose from Archery, Axe Throwing, Crazy Golf, Croquet, Gun Dogs/Ferrets and Harris Hawks, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Masterpiece, Paddle Boarding, Segways, Task Master andYoga.

They have been adapting to the new ‘norm’ and would like to reassure their clients that strict safety measures will be in place for all of their activities so you can enjoy coming together with your colleagues. To find out more on these activities email sarah@tag-events.com

Visit the towns and villages along the Thames

Non-essential shops are now open, as long as they follow Government guidelines. Towns and villages have been preparing for this and you'll notice extra safety measures are in place to ensure residents and anyone visiting or working in the local businesses stays safe.  This includes introducing an enhanced schedule of cleaning and sanitising of public spaces, social distancing and directional signage,  and safe access for shoppers. Here’s some of our favourites:

• Windsor - Browse the pedestrian-only shopping centres and shop-lined streets offering shoppers a great mixture of high-street names and independent retailers.
• Reading is the premier shopping destination in the south east outside London with everything you could want all in one place; from quirky boutiques to high end jewellers, independent stores alongside major high street brands in Broad Street and The Oracle Reading. Living Reading has created an interactive map of the shops, pubs and restaurants that have opened to date.
• Henley on Thames has a wide range of shops, including boutiques, galleries, speciality food shops and antique shops. It has also produced information on the shops that are opening and specific information about safety.
• Marlow has an historic high street offering an array of hidden treasures with designer brands, independent boutiques and antique shops.
• Wallingford's wealth of independent shops, historical connections and traditional English architecture make Wallingford a perfect weekend get-away.
• Abingdon 

Attractions and Open Spaces

Some attractions along and nearby the River Thames with outdoor spaces have been partially open or from April 12, others will vary:

• National Trust properties (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) including Cliveden where the formal gardens and wider estate are open, along with the toilet facilities, Conservatory Cafe and refreshment kiosk and Basildon Park. Pre-booking your ticket to the estate is essential in order to guarantee entry. 
• Beale Wildlife Park - (open 12 April) all the animals and staff are looking forward to welcoming you back. This outdoor wildlife park is set within 30 acres against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
• The River & Rowing Museum (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) reopens its doors on 20 May, Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm, The whole Museum including Café, Shop and all galleries will reopen. Last chance to see Elmer and Friends Exhibition – extended until 21 June. All tickets on sale from 27 April. There's outdoor self-led riverbank trails, a shop with a wide range of local produce and a much-missed café. Tickets must be booked in advance. The museum offers two self-led outdoor family trails: Wind in the Willows Meadow Trail and River History Trail.  Designed for families with children under 11, they make the most of the river setting over the school holidays. Both trails can be used on smart phones and are downloadable from the Museum’s website. 
• Stonor Park near Henley, (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) - With 10 acres of fun and adventure at Tumblestone Hollow and the Gardens at Stonor (Open) to explore we’re certain you’re in for a great day of fun and fabulous play together. House (TBC)
• The Thames Path National Trail - This long distance walking route starts at the source of the river in a field in the Cotswolds and follows the banks of the Thames for 184 miles (294km) through several rural counties before entering the City of London and finishing at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. On its way the Trail passes through peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities such as Oxford, Henley and Windsor, many lovely villages and some of the best known landmarks of London. The Thames Path is a gentle Trail, able to be walked by people of all ages and abilities. There are many nature reserves and circular walks along the trail.

Visit Thames has a Walks for All section suitable for those with wheelchairs and buggies as well. The trails show the width of the Path where known and offers some less well-known walks. Local walks include Goring, Pangbourne, Reading, Henley on Thames and Maidenhead.

Places to Eat & Drink

Monday 12 April marks the day that hospitality and shops can re-open their doors! 

• Many Brakspear pubs are counting down the days to welcome customers back in again with some having invested in outdoor covered areas and heaters.  Brakspear have developed a handy guide showing which pubs are taking table bookings, have outdoor heaters and even those who will welcome the dog you got during lockdown too. Customers are being encouraged to bring their own blankets, sun cream and umbrellas, ready for whatever the Great British weather has in store. The website also details those pubs with heaters and marquees as well as those with children’s play areas too. To view the site go to www.brakspear.co.uk/liftinglockdown

• Runnymede on Thames Hotel , Egham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) – Sink into a bean bag or stretch out on a deck chair and let the world pass you by as you relax by the river. Our ever-popular Airstream Trailer returns to our terrace serving refreshing drinks and ice creams (from 12 April).  NEW to our terrace and perfect for an informal bite to eat is our Runnymede Pavilion (from 17 May). Enjoy weekly changing specials that include mouth-watering burgers and hot dogs from our BBQ, homemade pizzas fresh out of our pizza oven as well as salads, sides and poke bowls. 

• Coppa Club Streatley is now open outdoors only, alongside the Gym at Streatley, the Café Bar and Grace & Gravity Yoga Studio.
• Miller of Mansfield, Goring on Thames (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)is very much looking forward to seeing you all! Serving its spring menu and brand new drinks selection. While outdoor-only rules are in place they will also be offering a takeaway service.
• Oakley Court, Windsor (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) offers ‘ALFRESCO DINING AT OUR TERRACE RESTAURANT’ (from 12 April) Table service and max of 6 people apply. Views overlooking the gardens to the River Thames. Serving home grown vegetables from the kitchen garden and fresh, locally sourced produce
• Cliveden (WE'RE GOOD TO GO): The Astor Grill, Cliveden is delighted to partially reopen and welcome guests back for fantastic feasts alfresco style! For something special AFTERNOON TEA HAMPER - £135 for two people sharing. Available for collection from 16th April
• The Plough Inn, Long Wittenham reopened 12 April. Follow their Facebook page
• Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow -  From 15 April The Riverside Restaurant at the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel is offering Traditional Afternoon Tea on the Terrace on the banks of the River Thames. 
• The Roseate Reading, Reading - Discover The Secret Garden, one of Reading’s most relaxed outside spaces. Located underneath the Roseate Reading in the centre of Reading, this is by no means an ‘underground’ Garden. This is the place to unwind by the waterfall feature and be looked after under the shade of a pomegranate tree and enjoy Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner. The Secret Garden is also available for private hire.

Places to Stay

Our partner hotels are looking forward to welcoming you when they reopen on 17 May (unless otherwise stated).

• The Runnymede on Thames Hotel, Egham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)
• Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow
• Danesfield House, Marlow (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)
• Henley Greenlands Hotel, Henley on Thames
• Cliveden,Taplow (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)
• Sir Christopher Wren, Windsor
• Oakley Court, Windsor (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)
• The Swan at Streatley, Streatley on Thames 
• The Roseate Reading, Reading
• Novotel Reading Centre Hotel, Reading
• Miller of Mansfield, Goring on Thames (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)

Take a look at our staycation ideas including boating holidays. Plan your break away now.

                                                   Looking for Something Special?

It's time to treat yourselves, make the most of the spring/summer along the River Thames with some wonderful experiences.

The Runnymede on Thames hotel is offering freshly baked pizzas from our airstream - the ideal socially distant solution for catching up with friends over a quick bite... who's hungry?" Open from 12 – 6pm daily (weather permitting), serving a range of light refreshments, including soft drinks and ice creams, from a safe social distance.  NEW to our terrace and perfect for an informal bite to eat is our Runnymede Pavilion (from 17 May). Enjoy weekly changing specials that include mouth-watering burgers and hot dogs from our BBQ, homemade pizzas fresh out of our pizza oven as well as salads, sides and poke bowls.