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 and some such as museums may not be opening until August/September.

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.

Thanks to those of you who used the 'EAT OUT TO HELP OUT' scheme to support our businesses. Some of them are continuing to provide offers during September.

Toilet facilities at the locks are still 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 - Started from 4 July at various locations: City Cruises in London (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) offers sightseeing cruises. Dining cruises are also coming back – Afternoon tea and lunch from 1st of August and then Showboat and evening cruises from 8th of August.  | French Brothers (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is operating 40 mins and 2 hour cruises from Windsor, Runnymede to Windsor and Runnymed hop-on-hop-off service | Hobbs of Henley (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is operating 1 and 2 hour cruises from Henley and themed ticketed cruises e.g. Wilflife (next 4 August) Gin & Fizz (next 8 August)  | Thames Rivercruise at Reading (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is offering 45/60/90 minute cruises and Friday Evening Sundowner Fizz Cruises - take a look at their August programme | Salters Steamers are hoping to start their 40 minute boat trips from Oxford soon 
• 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 | Henley Canoe Hire | Moose Canoe Hire at Bisham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO)| Kris Cruisers at Datchet |Pure Boating at Wallingford (extended opening to 8pm) are all offering day hire boats by pre-booking only now.
• Classic boats with fully qualified skippers: Private Boat Hire at various locations along the Thames | Henley Sales & Charter - Midsomer Maiden at Henley (seats 12) | 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. Everyone is welcome from experienced paddlers to complete novices. The Bisham to Bisham route is the most popular and is great for families. Paddlers head upstream to Hurley lock before heading back at a leisurely pace.
• 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 4 July. Book a boating holiday/staycation with motorboats from: Le Boat at Benson or Penton Hook | 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. Or treat yourself to a relaxing cruise on a hotel boat. Hotel Boat Kailani (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) 
• Buying a boat - 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, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Masterpiece, Yoga.

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.

Attractions and Open Spaces

Some attractions along and nearby the River Thames with outdoor spaces have partially opened:

• National Trust properties including Cliveden (see Something Special below) and Basildon Park where you will need to book your visit in advance. You will be turned away if you arrive without a booking. New tickets are released online every Friday but sell out very quickly.
• Beale Wildlife Park - Starting by limiting the number of visitors per day with ongoing reviews to see if they can increase numbers. As no pre-booking is available, we recommend that you check their Facebook page and twitter feed prior to visiting. Indoor parts of the Park such as Bertie’s Beasts and Bugs, the Toddler Village and the Indoor Picnic area will remain closed. All play areas will remain closed including the paddling pool and sandpits. There is a takeaway only service from the restaurant. The narrow-gauge railway will be running but, to enable social distancing, the number of places in carriages have been reduced. All of the animal enclosures, apart from the beehives, are accessible and there is plenty to see and do throughout the Park including a new Toddler Trail and a number of family discovery trails planned throughout the summer.
• The River & Rowing Museum reopened its doors on 6^th August, Thursday to Monday 10am to 4pm, with limited access but a special ticketed offer to see the final run of the acclaimed Gertrude Hermes exhibition and the Wind in the Willows gallery, 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 stunning riverside Café will provide a takeaway service with outside seating space. Picnic boxes will also be available – perfect for a lazy day by the banks of the river. Visitors need only bring a picnic blanket and a small selection of socially distancing friends. 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. The museum will be fully reopened from 10 September. 
• Stonor Park near Henley, (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) - The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday Please note: timed pre-booked Garden tickets have to be purchased on their website prior to arrival. Some events are now going ahead e.g. Medieval Jousting, Stonor ParkFit Outdoor Workout Session, Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Southern Alfa Day 2020, Stonor Breakfast Club.
• Windsor Castle (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) is open to the public Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).  Tickets must be booked in advance from the online ticket office. In line with Government guidance, Royal Collection Trust has introduced a number of measures to ensure that Windsor Castle can reopen safely and visitors can return with confidence. In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, they have closed the following rooms where social distancing cannot be easily maintained: Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, The Moat Room, The King’s Closet, The King’s Dressing Room, The King’s Bedroom, and The King’s Drawing Room. Precinct Tours will not be available in the short term. They hope to reopen these spaces soon and when it is safe to do so.

• 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

As pubs and restaurants reopen, some are still offering take-aways including:

• Henley businesses offering take-aways and home deliveries can be found on Henley Basket
• Runnymede on Thames Hotel , Egham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) – Freshly prepared seasonal dishes in the Leftbank Restaurant, indulge in a decadent three-tiered afternoon tea at The Lock Bar & Kitchen, or a light bite with a fabulous ambience and wonderful views of the Thames in The Lounge. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Thames, freshly baked pizzas or a unique private dining experience (see Looking for Something Special)
• Coppa Club Streatley offers takeaway and click-and-collect of some of your favourite Coppa dishes – hand stretched pizzas, salads & burgers, plus ice-cream, tea & coffee. Tues – Sat 12noon – 8.30pm, Sun 12noon – 7pm. Pop in or call ahead on 01491 529 315. Contactless card payments only please. Coppa Club lounge, bar and dining space is open Mon – Sat 8.00am – 10.00pm  Sun 8.30am – 8.00pm
• Miller of Mansfield, Goring on Thames, The bar, hotel and restaurant – inside and outside is open with revised opening hours.  They will be continuing with their Miller at Home offering as well as welcoming you back to The Miller albeit with a revised layout and service offering.
• Oakley Court, Windsor (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) offers ‘ALFRESCO DINING AT OUR TERRACE RESTAURANT’ . Pre-booked tables only. This will help us manage demand and ensure we fully comply with the social distancing measures dictated by the Government. We will be making full use of our beautiful decking area and spreading our tables out on the Terrace but this will reduce our capacity so please book with plenty of notice.
• Cliveden (WE'RE GOOD TO GO): The Astor Grill, Cliveden  Taplow has reopened for non-resident lunch bookings. Dinner bookings will be available from 1st September 2020. We will take limited bookings for this service during this time. Lunch and dinner for hotel residents is available to book as normal. Cliveden is thrilled to welcome guests into the Cliveden Dining Room on Monday through to Saturday between 12:00 noon and 14:30 to indulge in afternoon tea, and on Sundays in the Great Hall between 14:15 and 16:30. Or enjoy an iconic picnic (see Looking For Something Special).
• The Plough Inn, Long Wittenham will be reopening from 4 July. Follow their Facebook page
• The Swan at Streatley hotel bar is open Sun-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-9pm 
• Brakspear Pubs – we understand that some will be re-opening in July but please check the individual pubs for their offer e.g. The Angel on the Bridge, Henley on Thames will be operating the terrace menu only with some specials initially. They will be taking reservations for lunch and dinner up to a maximum of 6 for tables in the bar and dining room. The outdoor terrace will operate on a first come, first served basis as they are not adequately covered if it rains.
• Danesfield House Hotel Restaurant, Marlow has reopened for non-resident Lunch, Dinner and Afternoon Tea bookings from Saturday 1^st August 2020, with limited bookings available. (Reservations only). Dining for hotel residents is available to book as normal. Lunch: Daily - 12pm - 2.00pm, Dinner: Sun-Thurs  - 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Fri & Sat - 6.00pm - 9.30pm Afternoon Tea: Weekdays: 2.00pm - 5.30pm. Weekends: 3.30pm - 5.30pm
• Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow - Dinner, Lunch, Traditional Afternoon Tea or Hamper Afternoon Tea. Or Sindhu Restaurant at the Compleat Angler serves menus that pay homage to Atul Kochhar’s love of traditional Southern Indian cuisine and exploring innovative and modern British touches.

Places to Stay

• The Runnymede on Thames Hotel, Egham (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) reopened Monday 20 July (See Something Special below)
• Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow reopened Saturday 4 July - Up to 10% off when booking direct in August for August and September
• Danesfield House, Marlow reopened Friday 31 July
• Cliveden,Taplow (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) reopened Saturday 4 July  (See Something Special below)
• Sir Christopher Wren, Windsor reopened Saturday 4 July
• Oakley Court, Windsor (WE'RE GOOD TO GO) reopened Monday 20 July for hotel stays
• The Swan at Streatley, Streatley on Thames reopened Saturday 4 July
• The Roseate Reading reopened Saturday 4 July
• Miller of Mansfield, Goring on Thames reopened Wednesday 15 July

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 summer along the River Thames with these newly created experiences.

Hobbs of Henley with Bistro at the Boathouse is opening up The New Orleans for Drinks with Mr Hobbs Gin and Bistro Hotdogs! From Saturday 4th July (and then every Fri-Sun) 12-6pm. The boat will remain moored up and the upper deck will have some limited tables. Social distancing will be in place as will all safety and hygiene measures. You will not be able to reserve a table. Find out more on their Facebook page

The Runnymede on Thames hotel on the bank of  the River Thames offers three outdoor dining oprtions: "We're thrilled to announce we'll now be 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. Please note – all refreshments are available for take away only. Or indulge in a British tradition with a picnic including freshly made scotch eggs to fragrant salads and seasonal strawberries, nothing quite beats a picnic in the great outdoors on a balmy summer’s day. From Monday 20 July, we will be offering a choice of three picnic baskets. Simply pre-order, collect your basket, blanket and bubbles then find a sunny riverside spot for an al fresco treat. Treat yourself to a unique private dining experience in the Dome nestled on the river bank it's the perfect private setting for all manner of celebrations. Available daily until 27th September 2020.