Hobbs of Henley Family Boating Holiday

Get on the water with Hobbs of Henley

Take a boating holiday and explore Britain’s most historic river or just relax and let the world drift by with Hobbs of Henley. Hobbs of Henley is celebrating 150 years on the Thames at Henley this year. The Chairman, Tony Hobbs was appointed a Royal Waterman to Her Majesty the Queen in 1981, undertaking royal duties at Buckingham and St James Palaces and Windsor Castle including visits from overseas sovereigns and many state openings of parliament. Tony’s son, Jonathan Hobbs MD, was appointed as a Royal Waterman in 2019.

Your holiday is aboard a Linssen Grand Sturdy ‘Midsomer’. Built to carry 10 but sleep 6 in 2 cabins, she features a fully equipped saloon and dinette upholstered in leather, with a Corian counter top in the galley and American cherry wood panelling as standard, with two showers and WCs close to hand. White Company products are provided in the en suite facilities for your use and your complimentary welcome gifts include a chilled bottle of Prosecco, newspapers and fresh flowers. Book a picnic hamper to get you in the mood at the start of your journey. 

Bookings from the 15th July.

Week-long hires are from Saturday 2pm - Saturday 9am

• July/August £2700 per week
• September – October varies per week £2500-£1900

Midweek short breaks are from Tuesday 2pm – Friday 10am. (3 nights)

Weekend short breaks are from Friday 2pm – Monday 10am. (3 nights)

• July & August: £1650
• Sept & Oct: £1400

Your boat acts as your accommodation and transport and offers access to a variety of activities along its banks. Depending where you are mooring, you can have a go at rowing, canoeing, kayaking, punting or paddleboarding! The river provides a backdrop of history on its riverbanks and a natural playground with many nature reserves and a daily walk along the Thames Path National Trail.

From its base at Henley on Thames you can head upstream towards Oxford or downstream towards Windsor. This family itinerary heads downstream to Windsor passing through Marlow and Maidenhead.

BOATING HOLIDAY ITINERARY HENLEY ON THAMES TO WINDSOR

Duration: 7 days

Either start of finish your journey spending some time moored in Henley as there is plenty to do:

• Hobbs also offers rowing boat hire and a few minutes’ walk from the boatyard is the River & Rowing Museum (potential limited re-opening late July - TBC) which has a Wind in the Willows Gallery.
• You can also book a family rowing session or row with an Olympian at Henley Rowing Association, Henley - home to the World’s most prestigious regatta! Outings are available for members of the same family, as in accordance with British Rowing guidelines. Beginners welcome! Also individual sessions with an Olympian or a fully qualified coach. Prices ranging from £60-£190. Please call in advance to confirm. www.henleyrowingassociation.com/ | rowingexperience@gmail.com |07881 205 545
• Take a drive to Stonor, 6 miles from Henley where you can visit the gardens.  Visit Wednesdays to Sundays. They have organised some fantastic Street Food vendors to park up at the Car Park at Stonor and provide mouthwatering food to either eat on the grass in the picnic area or to take home. Garden visits are available with timed slots which are 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm and 3pm to 5pm. Access by pre-booked timed tickets only and you will need to book a FREE timed slot on their website to collect your food. Cashless payments only. Please note : Wonder Woods Adventure Playground, Stonor House, Chapel, Visitor Centre, Chilterns Pit Stop Cafe and The Pantry are currently closed until further notice. Prices: Gardens: Adult £6.50 | Adult (NHS Staff and Care Workers) £5 | Child 2-15 £5.50, 0-1 yrs Free | Stonor Season Ticket Holder FreeCar Park: Required if not visiting Gardens £5 | Stonor Season Ticket Holders Free
• Include a weekend in your staycation and book a Taster Family Weekend at Longridge Activity Centre, Marlow - On land there’s high ropes, climbing, lazer tag, water orbs, and Go Karts. On the water; kayaking, canoeing, bell boating, dragon boating, Stand Up Paddleboards, rowing, and rafting. All of the activities can be adapted to suit all ages (6+) and abilities. (booking available now for school holiday weekends) – they are creating moorings so that you can stay on your boat. Each activity session costs £5 (under 18) and £6 (18 and over) | www.longridge.org.uk/families/
• Head to Cliveden and moor up for a visit to Cliveden National Trust Gardens, the gardens, woodlands and toilets are open.  Discover the baboons, a pair of granite statues, thought to be between 2,000 and 2,500 years old. (Gardens open from 3 June, but visits need to be booked in advance). Prices: Adult£10.00 Child£5.00 Family£25.00 1 adult family £15.00 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
• Boulter’s Island, near Maidenhead remains a firm favourite with its bird aviary, beautiful gardens and great views of Maidenhead weir. For families, Riverside gardens is always popular with its extensive lawns, park and crazy golf, all completed with a visit to the famous Jenner’s Café (golf and cafe open from July), a family owned business that has been running for three generations since 1959. Crazy Golf: Upto 11 years - £2.50, 12+ - £3.50 Price includes, hire of golf club and a low bounce ball. www.jennerscafe.com/
• Instead of a visit to Windsor Castle, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride with Windsor Carriages, a family run business for over 170 years. Tours are restarting from June 23 and can be booked online. www.windsorcarriages.co.uk/windsortours
• Take a taxi from Windsor and have a day out at Legoland Windsor. Opens from 4 July. www.legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/opening-hours/