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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 1168

, currently showing 1 to 10.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tourism For All

The Runnymede on Thames

Type

Type:

Hotel

Egham

The Runnymede on Thames is a true original on the banks of the Thames in Egham, just minutes from Royal Windsor. The Runnymede offers luxury accommodation, along with an award winning spa and riverside dining.
The contemporary, comfortable…
Tourism For All

Bray Marine Sales

Type

Type:

Boat Sales / Brokers

Bray, MAIDENHEAD

Bray Marine Sales on the River Thames is an award-winning boat company and one of the most successful brokerage operations in the South East.
Tourism For All

Hobbs of Henley Slow-Cation

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Henley On Thames

If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference why not hire a luxuriously appointed Linssen Motor Yacht from Hobbs of Henley and cruise the River Thames?
Tourism For All

Macdonald Compleat Angler

Type

Type:

Wedding Organisers & Services

Marlow

The renowned Macdonald Compleat Angler is a classic 400 year old English Country House located in an idyllic location on the banks of the River Thames. The high quality award winning cuisine sets it apart from many.
Tourism For All

Family Fun Day

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Long Wittenham, Abingdon

A music and fun for the family day at the Plough in aid of Help the Helen help the Philippines fund
Tourism For All

Thames Traditional Boat Festival

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

Henley On Thames

An exciting and fun day out for the whole family, a celebration of all that's best in British boatbuilding and craftsmanship evoking the nostalgia of boating from a bygone era.
Tourism For All

Boating at the Macdonald Compleat Angler

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Marlow

Cruising the Thames doesnt come any more relaxing than when you hire one of our private launches and explore the upper Thames under the expert eye of our experienced skipper.
Tourism For All

Murder Mystery Dinner with City Cruises

Type

Type:

Show / Display

London

The RS Hispaniola is presenting a Sherlock Holmes murder mystery dinner on the fabulously located restaurant ships situated on the Embankment in Westminster.
Tourism For All

British Life Photography Award

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

This photographic competition for professional and amateurs is a showcase for contemporary and imaginative images that capture the very essence and spirit of British life. Covering everything from; street life, rural life, portraiture…
Tourism For All

MDL Marinas

Type

Type:

Marinas & Services

MDL Marinas has 40 years operating in the marina sector and has 18 marinas in the UK. With beautiful locations it is committed to environmental improvement and supports The Green Blue; the environmental awareness campaign for the boating community.