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.
Highlights
Highlights
Cliveden Pavilion Spa
The Cliveden Spa offers a unique historic experience in breath-taking rural surroundings like…
River & Rowing Museum
On the banks of the river, the museum explores the River Thames, the international sport of Rowing…
Windsor Castle
The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and it was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite…
Danesfield House Hotel and Spa
Danesfield House Hotel provides a wonderful setting for the Spa with its views of the River Thames…
Abingdon Abbey Buildings
Abingdon Abbey Buildings are the well-preserved domestic buildings of the Abbey of Abingdon, which…
Eton College Dorney Lake
Open to the public all year round, come and experience the awe inspiring 2,200m Olympic Standard…
Alexandra Gardens
Plans to create a riverside garden in this area date from 1893 although the possibilities must have…
Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory
Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory includes Dr Choc's Cafe and Chocolate Making Workshops in the…
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Crowne Plaza Reading East
Exceptional new, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star, Crowne Plaza Reading East, near the River…
Crowne Plaza Marlow
The stunning lakeside location of this luxury hotel in Buckinghamshire, set in 5 acres of beautiful…
Compleat Angler Hotel - Macdonald Hotels
Dating back to the 17th century, the hotel has lovely river views while others are within sight and…
Novotel Reading Centre Hotel
Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior…
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The Oxford Kitchen
Situated in the heart of Oxford’s smart Summertown district, The Oxford Kitchen’s reputation for…
Caprice at Crowne Plaza Reading East
Sat within the new, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East, the 2 AA Rosette…
The Swan at Streatley
The Swan at Streatley is in a picturesque Berkshire village with a newly refurbished modern English…
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Marlow Carnival
Each year Higginson Park hosts the Marlow Carnival which is now a well-established annual tradition.
Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best known regatta in the world and is both one of the…
London Showboat Cruise On The Thames with City Cruises
The best night in town is on the river! Wine, dine and dance on this great dinner cruise on the…
London New Year's Eve Stargazer Cruise with City Cruises
London New Year's Eve Celestial Cruise with City Cruises
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Wallingford
Wallingford is a pretty market town nestled between the River Thames and the ancient ruins of…
Cricklade
Cricklade is the only Wiltshire town on the young River Thames. Although there had been earlier…
Chertsey
The historic town of Chertsey dates back to 666AD when Erkenwald who became the Bishop of London…
Datchet
Despite much modern development, Datchet still manages to retain many features of the quiet…
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.