The Royal River Thames, from the Cotswolds to London
Welcome to the essential guide to places to visit, things to do, accommodation and events along the Royal River Thames and Thames Path National Trail, providing great experiences, stretching from Lechlade in Gloucestershire, through London with its iconic views and out to the sea.
Why not take this opportunity to take a look through the website and discover great places to visit and things to do for future days out and short breaks. Explore before you plan your visit.
The River Thames offers plenty of inspiration for the Easter Holidays.
HOBBS OF HENLY EASTER OFFER - 15% off online bookings for self-drive boat hire (25 Mar-14 Apr 2024). Code Easter15
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Murder comes to Marlow!
A gripping new cosy crime and mystery series 'The Marlow Murder Club', by Robert Thorogood, the creator of the hit TV series Death in Paradise, sets a series of murders in and around Marlow. Watch out for the TV series, airing 6 and & March, 2024 at 8pm Drama and UKTV Play.
Take a look at the other Murder TV series Marlow connections.
A great way to experience the river Thames is by boat, and for those looking for something more active, there's plenty of choice: try kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, or why not have a go at punting? Or for something a little easier what about a rowing boat or a self-drive cruiser. You can hire the boats by the hour, half day or day from various locations from Oxford to London. Read more about hiring a boat here, there's all the information you need to hire a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard or water bike on the River Thames.
For those planning days out, short breaks or staycations, we have provided some inspiration ‘Escape the Everyday along the Thames’.
The Thames offers so many outdoor experiences from boating and watersports to walking the Thames Path National Trail and wonderful gardens. Take a look at the Things To Do section.
Explore the Thames Valley with GWR and take a look at the Rail Trails we've put together to inspire a walk along the Thames Path National Trail.
Enjoy a short break or day out along the River Thames, a walk along the Thames Path National Trail, or choose a circular walk that starts from the river bank. Stop off at one of the great riverside pubs and hotels along the way, and refresh yourself with a drink or sample locally sourced meals.
Take to the water on a pleasure cruise along the Thames and see the sights, trips are available from London, Runnymede, Windsor, Reading, Henley and Oxford. Read more about Boat trips on the Thames and choose from Wildlife cruises, comedy nights, Sundowner cruises and many more.
Why not plan your escape for a short break, family holiday along the Thames in 2023. There’s some lovely riverside hotels on the website or explore the river on one of the wide variety of boating holidays on offer. We've created a selection of holiday ideas to inspire you.
Are you thinking about buying…
Are you thinking about buying your own boat? Henley Boat Club 'Membership Boating' is the easy way to take to the river it gives you freedom to enjoy a choice of boats with none of the cost or hassle of ownership. Our ‘Owning a boat on the River Thames’ section has useful information including a guide to buying a pre-owned boat which will help you through the process.
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Highlights
Salter Steamers Ltd - Reading
We are a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for over…
Spa at The Runnymede on Thames
Come and work out, wind down and drift away into a state of bliss at the spa at the…
Abingdon Museum
The former County Hall for Berkshire dating from 1678, displays and interprets archaeological…
Exploring the Goring Gap on the Ridgeway & Thames Path
One of the most dramatic locations along the whole length of the Thames is the Goring Gap, a deep…
Quad Wellness & Spa at Crowne Plaza Marlow
Relax, unwind and be pampered by one of our fully qualified Beauty Therapists in any of our four…
Changing the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually…
The Chilterns - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Chilterns AONB stretches from the River Thames between Wallingford and Marlow up through…
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Crowne Plaza Reading East
Exceptional new, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star, Crowne Plaza Reading East, near the River…
Kris Cruisers
Kris Cruisers is a family run business with over 40 years experience in self drive hire. We operate…
Beetle & Wedge Boathouse
Fabulous food, delicious wines, charming accommodation on the banks of the River Thames.
Hilton Hotel, Reading
Relax in a warm and inviting atmosphere at Hilton Reading, winner of the Brand Service Award 2015.…
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Eating at Cliveden House
Cliveden has a long tradition of fine food and warm hospitality. George Bernard Shaw enjoyed many a…
Caprice at Crowne Plaza Reading East
Sat within the new, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East, the 2 AA Rosette…
The Lock Bar and Kitchen
The Lock Bar and Kitchen located on the banks of the River Thames right beside the ‘Bell Weir Lock’…
Astor Grill, Cliveden House
Newly opened in April 2016 and located in the charming old stable block, The Astor Grill offers…
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Saturday Evening Sundowner Cruise with Thames Rivercruise
An early evening cruise on the Upper Thames.
Totally Thames
Totally Thames takes place over the month of September and brings the river to life via an exciting…
London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
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Faringdon
The market town of Faringdon is perched on a golden limestone ridge between two river valleys – the…
Wallingford
Wallingford is a pretty market town nestled between the River Thames and the ancient ruins of…
Bray
A pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor,…
Elmbridge Borough
Elmbridge is where town and country meet: a green Surrey borough within easy travelling distance of…
Inspire Me
Thames Path National Trail
n celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the foundation of the Thames Path National Trail, the Ramblers Association took on the massive feat of walking the entire Thames Path National Trail from the source of the Thames to the Barrier in London. This short film shows the natural beauty of the journey of this glorious riverside trail.