Five of the best on the River Thames

Our pick of the five best activities on the River Thames this summer. From boating to camping and canoeing to picnics, there's something for everyone on this beautiful river.

1) Hire a boat and enjoy a picnic afloat

Hire a charter boat or opt for self drive and enjoy a picnic with a difference this summer: bobbing along on the River Thames. There's something to suit every budget from wooden rowing boats to luxury cruisers. Try runnymede-on-thames, Swan at Streatley or Beetle and Wedge.

2) Take a passenger boat trip

A passenger boat trip is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery of the River Thames. There are passenger boats operating from all major towns and cities along the rural River Thames, so jump aboard. Try Hobbs of Henley, Thames Rivercruise French Brothers or Salters Steamers. Or locate your nearest operator by visiting our boat trip page.

3) Learn to paddle a canoe

Hire a canoe or Kayak for a day, weekend, or week of care free and environmentally friendly cruising on the River Thames. Paddle along one of the finest and safest canoe touring rivers in the country, winding its way through 135 miles of traditional English countryside, with excellent connections to fine riverside camping, hotels, pubs and shopping. Try Moose Canoe and SUP Hire from its stunning riverside base at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey, Marlow. They will also provide boats all along the River Thames.

4) Go camping at a lock

With the Environment Agency's unique lock camp sites picking up recommendations in national media and camping guides, isn't it time you checked out what all the fuss is about? You'll discover a very different style of camping in these small and friendly sites, only accessible on foot. Dixie Wills, the author of ‘Tiny Campsites', declared in his review: "Three cheers for whoever it was at the Environment Agency who thought it would be a good idea to use land at certain Thames locks for camping." Visit our camping page for more information.

5) Go on a boating holiday

All along this beautiful and tranquil stretch of water there are luxury hire boats waiting to drift you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Choose from a traditional narrowboat fully kitted out with modern facilities, a luxury cruiser or a private charter, all perfect for romantic breaks or fun family holidays. Try Hobbs of Henley, Kris Cruisers, Calmer Cruising or visit our boating holiday page for more information.

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Maidenhead

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

Maidenhead

Maidenhead has great rail connections and the town centre has a range of over 300 shops. It is home to Maidenhead Heritage Centre and a thriving arts and culture scene at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.
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Thames Path National Trail Reading to Lower Shiplake - Reading Walks Festival

Type

Type:

Guided Walk

Reading

A fantastic walk from Reading to Lower Shiplake, as part of the Reading Walks Festival, along the iconic Thames Path National Trail hosted by the Thames Path National Trail Team.
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Thames Path National Trail

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Oxford

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.
Tourism For All

Faringdon Information Centre

Type

Type:

Heritage/Visitor Centre

Faringdon

Make Faringdon Information Centre your first stop when visiting the area.
The friendly staff will be delighted to answer any questions you have about our beautiful town and the surrounding area which is set in the Vale of The White Horse, on…
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The Lock Bar and Kitchen

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Egham

The Lock Bar and Kitchen located on the banks of the River Thames right beside the ‘Bell Weir Lock’ offers a sense of occasion without pretence, in a relaxed and informal setting.
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Thames Path Challenge

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

London

A stunning route with scenery that's steeped in history, and a superb backdrop for a festival of river-side challenges - with 3 unique events to join stretching from Tower Bridge to Henley!
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Hobbs of Henley - King Charles Coronation Afternoon Tea Cruise

Type

Type:

Coronation

Henley On Thames

Celebrate King Charles's Coronation with us aboard The New Orleans for a quintessential Afternoon Tea on the royal River Thames.
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Royal Swan Upping along the Thames

Type

Type:

Ceremony

Royal Swan Upping is the annual census of the swan population on stretches of the Thames in the counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. This historic ceremony dates from the twelfth century, when the Crown claimed…
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Hobbs of Henley

Type

Type:

Wedding Organisers & Services

Henley on Thames

Hobbs of Henley Ltd was established in 1870 and remains to this day a family-run business, its name synonymous with bespoke river and boating service.
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Le Boat

Type

Type:

Boat Hire

Benson

Cruising in either direction along the Thames, you'll visit some of England's oldest and prettiest towns in the heart of England with Le Boat.