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. 

Take a boat trip to see the Autumn Colours

• Take a 2 hour cruise from Windsor with French Brothers Leaving Windsor Promenade, passengers can enjoy excellent views of Windsor Castle and Eton College. After passing Windsor Racecourse, the boat passes through Boveney Lock and passes Sutherland Grange, The Willows and Bray Film Studios.
• 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 and countryside

• Stonor At the current time the house is not open, but the gardens and parkland are a delight to visit. Set within the heart of the Chiltern Hills, there are three gardens to discover – from the ponds and fountains of the 17th Century Italianate Pleasure Garden to the old Kitchen Garden designed and nurtured by Lady Camoys and the eclectically treed Arboretum. Explore the parkland fringed by a host of centuries-old beech and ash trees. Open at weekends to end of October and daily October Half Term.
• 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. 
• Beale Wildlife Park & Gardens - Set against a stunning backdrop of the River Thames in Berkshire, the gardens within Beale Wildlife Park offer visitors the chance to relax and enjoy nature at its best with a variety of planting styles. It is home to a fine collection of trees both native and ornamental, large and small, deciduous and evergreen.
• Savill Garden & Windsor Great Park’s stunning Autumn Colour is a feast for the eyes – especially the maples and cherries.  Visit the Art in the Garden exhibition running to 3rd November.
• 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.
• Runnymede - Step outside for an autumnal adventure. There are two circular walking trails on either side of the river, explore the meadows and woodland and discover the memorials and works of art!

Great Pubs and Inns for Autumn Walks

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.

• 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 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.
• 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.

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.   
• Runnymede on Thames Hotel & Spa – Riverside Spa 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.
•  Oakley Court, Windsor – Fresh Air Staycation Up to 25% (ends 30 Nov) off with breath taking views of the gardens and the river’s edge! Embrace the outdoors; eat an al-fresco dinner on the open air Terrace Restaurant, relax with a drink or two at the Riverside Bar, take Afternoon Tea or a picnic by the river. The hotel is a 10 minute taxi journey from Windsor & Eton Central station Take a stroll in the 33 acres of manicured grounds, immerse yourself in the nature trail, get active in the Fitness Centre, on the tennis courts or a quick spin on the complimentary bicycles?
• Cliveden, Nr Windsor – Forest Bathing Break Bring your walking boots and explore the stunning landscape of our home. From the beautiful Parterre to Thames riverbank, hidden pathways and wonderful woodland, armed with your own Forest Walking Trails, provided by the hotel, Forest Bathing, also known as 'Nature Therapy, has become an effective exercise for not only the health of the body, but the mind too. With the benefits of vitamin D, movement, fresh air and digital detoxing, Forest Bathing aims to calm the mind, body and soul in particular times of stress or worry. To help you further understand the healing powers of Forest Bathing, this break includes an insightful book all about it, of which armed with a G&T in the comfort of your bedroom could make for quite a pleasant evening don't you think?
•  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 tranquility Scalp Massage to ease away tension and strains. Includes breakfast and three-course dinner at The Restaurant.
• Roseate Reading – Aheli Indulgence for Couples Described as ‘UK’s Sexiest Townhouse Hotel’ by the Evening Standard, The Roseate Reading is recognised for its artful conception and luxury. Treat yourselves to an indulgent day with a sumptuous afternoon tea and a couples massage. Includes 120 minute Time To Reconnect experience, Afternoon Tea for 2 with bubbles and breakfast.