Autumn along the River Thames

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the River Thames and explore its spectacular Autumn gardens. Take a boat trip to catch the Autumn colours, the red and gold leaves in all their glory. Enjoy a walk along the Thames Path National Trail and stop off at one of the local riverside pubs and inns. It is also the time of pumpkins and Halloween and wonderful fireworks lighting the night skies.

Take a boat trip to see the Autumn Colours

• Cruise from Maidenhead with French Brothers through the magnificent hanging woods at Cliveden and experience the beautiful colours of Autumn. Choose from a morning trip with hearty ploughman's lunch and an afternoon trip with a full English tea. Dates: 19,20,26,27 October 2019
• Enjoy a Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea with Hobbs of Henley as you view the Autumn colours on the riverbank.
• Thames Rivercruise Two hours cruising through Wind in the Willows country with us on the Thames from Reading, enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea menu served to you and your guests that has been baked with passion and flair.

Autumn is the time of year to explore the gardens

• Savill Garden & Windsor Great Park’s stunning Autumn Colour is a feast for the eyes – especially the maples and cherries, and for families, a fascinating Autumn Nature Trail is not to be missed.
• Hampton Court Palace is the perfect place to relax in over 60 acres of the beautiful gardens that run down to the River Thames, featuring sparkling fountains, glorious displays of over 200,000 flowering bulbs and 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland. Autumn colours add to the gardens, especially in the Tiltyard, Wilderness and 20th Century Garden.
• Cliveden National Trust  In Autumn, the Japanese Water Garden offers the golden yellows and burnished reds of the Norway and Japanese maples and look out for the acers. The woodlands hold a huge variety of glowing bronze and golden tones and the sweeping views from the chalky cliff top over the Thames are the ideal place to see the county with its autumnal tones. The Grand Avenue from the Fountain of Love up to the house glows with a deep rich autumnal hue, while the lime tree avenues elsewhere turn a warm yellow which are particularly lovely if you catch the afternoon light through them. 

Garden Tours: Autumn - Led by a member of our gardens team, these garden tours are your opportunity to learn more about around Cliveden's ancient formal gardens. 

Apple Day 21 October 2019 - Taste Cliveden's apples, explore the trail, sample local cider and take part in a range of apple themed activities.

Great Pubs and Inns for Autumn Walks

• The Bull and Butcher – If you’re staying in Henley 6 miles away nestled between the Chiltern Hills, in the quaint village of Turville in the Hambleden Valley, is the Bull and Butcher providing delicious gastro pub food, excellent wines and fantastic real ales including Brakspear Ordinary and Oxford Gold Organic. With beautiful trails to explore Beech Woods Loop – short. (20 mins).  Views of Hambleden Valley and the windmill.
• The Row Barge  -  The Row Barge is one of Henley’s oldest coaching inns, Not far from the town centre. The stunning walks along the Thames, this 16th Century traditional pub will satisfy those in search of a good drink, great home-cooked food, four great contemporary rooms with en-suite. Our Sunday lunches are always popular.
• The Cherry Tree Inn The Cherry Tree Inn Pub & Restaurant with Rooms in the South Oxfordshire village of Stoke Row is Privately owned and run with meticulous attention to detail.  Situated in the Chiltern Hills, some 15 minutes from the main historic town of Henley on Thames, it is surrounded by beautiful beach woods and is a tranquil haven.

• The Bailiwick, Englefield Green – Take a walk in the Great Park or Valley Gardens and enjoy the Autumn colours. Afterwards stop at The Bailiwick, on the outskirts of Windsor Great Park which was built as a shop in 1877 and now offers an array of gin, whiskies and local ales as well as a fresh menu every day.
• The Miller of Mansfield – Enjoy a stay at the Miller of Mansfield and explore the Goring Gap, the valley of the Thames is situated between the Chilterns and the North Wessex Downs. Goring and Streatley are linked together by a long bridge across the Thames. Walk from Goring to Pangbourne and catch the train back.

Take an Autumn Break

• Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow – Autumn Break Offer  A romantic riverside retreat, quietly nestled on the banks of the Thames. There are two award winning restaurants, both offering delicious food and drink, and afterwards you can relax in luxurious four-star ensuite accommodation from £120 room only and £147 B&B.
• Runnymede on Thames Hotel & Spa – Stress Free Sunday Break Wander along the riverbank and enjoy the Autumn colours, you might even spot a Kingfisher. Relax in the warm and cosy spa with a treatment, tuck into Sunday lunch in the riverside enjoy a lazy breakfast with late check out of 2pm. £158pp
•  Oakley Court, Windsor - Why not treat yourself and the special one in your life to a romantic break away, You can put those feet up, cosy up in front of a log fire, enjoy a hot drink or two and unwind with one of our many board games in The Library, plus so much more. Whether it’s a flying visit or a week long break away, our luxury hotel rooms have exactly what you need to unwind – we’ll even welcome your dog!
• Cliveden, Nr Windsor – A Taste of Cliveden Experience the luxurious Spa this Autumn before enjoying a complimentary dinner for 2 when staying overnight. From £495 per room, per night.
• Danesfield House Autumn Relaxation Spa Break The leaves are turning, and a cool breeze accompanies the late afternoon sunshine… what could be more romantic than an autumn spa break? Let the stresses of today dissolve away with a 50-minute bespoke treatment combining a Jasmine Power Boost facial; designed to leave your skin heavenly smooth and brighten up your day! Let your journey continue with our tranquillity Scalp Massage to ease away tension and strains. Highlights: Pure Indulgence Treatment 50 min, Full English breakfast, Three-course dinner from our Du Jour Menu and Use of the Spa facilities from check in until check out from £350.10 per Room Per Night
• Walk the Thames Path National Trail Take a look at our Thames Path Rail Trails. We’ve created a selection of walks that are great for Autumn and if you are travelling by train you can use your ticket to claim some discounts.
• Chilterns Walking Festival provides over 70 opportunities to enjoy beech woodlands, nature reserves, family trails, river walks and much more all in the expert care of a knowledgeable guide.

Places to Visit this Autumn

• Stonor food Festival - From the 19^th - 20^th October 2019 There will be a wide range of up to 60 artisan food and drink stalls selling local and regional produce. Our Autumn Festival Kitchen will focus on seasonality and will have some amazing demonstrations, talks, and tastings. This event marks the beginning of the transition into warm and wintery culinary delights.