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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P&O Ferries

Type

Type:

Boat

Dover

Sail from Calais to Dover where you can continue your onward journey towards the River Thames.
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Riverside Restaurant at Macdonald Compleat Angler

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Marlow

At the award winning Bowaters restaurant, you can enjoy fine dining by candlelight as lights dance on the water.
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London's New Year's Eve Stargazer Cruise on the Thames with City Cruises

Type

Type:

Water Based Activities

London

London's New Year's Eve Stargazer Cruise on the Thames with City Cruises
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Hobbs of Henley - Overboard with Brian Blessed!

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

Ahoy there shipmates! Join (un)official tour-guide Brian Blessed for a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing tour along the Thames on our flagship vessel The New Orleans!
Tourism For All

Bray

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

A pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor, Bray has become a very popular stopping place for visitors to the Royal Borough as it features a wealth of cottages and houses, fine dining and…
Tourism For All

Faringdon

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

Faringdon

The market town of Faringdon is perched on a golden limestone ridge between two river valleys – the Ock and the Thames. Just 2.5 miles from the River Thames, Faringdon enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Tourism For All

Henley on Thames

Type

Type:

Town

Henley On Thames

This 13th century market town is one of the most beautiful towns in England. Henley on Thames enjoys a wonderful stretch of river with delightful independent shops, brilliant pubs, numerous cafes and great restaurants, while throughout the summer…
Tourism For All

Le Boat - Boat Ownership Program

Type

Type:

Marinas & Services

Surbiton

Le Boat is Europe’s No 1 boating holiday company and provides a wide selection of boats, with different features and styles and sizes to suit any party size. Le Boat operates from two bases on the River Thames – Benson and Chertsey.
Tourism For All

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.
Tourism For All

London

Type

Type:

Towns & Villages

London

The Thames flows through Central London and provides a stunning backdrop to many of the city's top tourist attractions.