The Royal River Thames offers an abundance of places to visit from the iconic Windsor Castle and Oxford’s dreaming spires to magnificent gardens and museums.
Windsor & Runnymede | Henley-on-Thames | Oxford | Accommodation for Groups | Reading
There’s no better way to explore the Thames than by boat and there’s plenty of operators to choose from to discover different sections of the river. Base yourself at the Hilton at Reading and explore a different part of the Thames each day with the Cruise & Muse itinerary or develop your own itinerary from the places below or download the Visit Thames Group Travel Guide which includes suggestions for places to eat as well.
Windsor & Runnymede
French Brothers operate fantastic boat trips on the Thames from Windsor, Maidenhead and Runnymede. These include a combined boat trip with visit to Savill Garden, a royal garden created in the 1930s, set within the heart of Windsor Great Park, only a few minutes drive from Windsor Castle.
Choose a 2.5 hour morning cruise and lunch and then visit Savill Garden with Afternoon Tea or choose morning at the Garden and lunch followed by cruise and afternoon tea. Both are half day attractions that complement each other and are located a mere 2½ miles apart. Groups are able to book a combined visit with a single telephone call.
Savill Garden is Britain's finest ornamental garden. It's a garden for all seasons and a place of beauty and colour that's loved by horticulturalists and enthusiasts alike. Visitors can journey through 35 acres of interconnecting gardens and exotic woodland. Every garden has its own unique attraction, featuring a distinctive group of plants that introduce a fresh burst of vibrant colour throughout the seasons.
To book or ask any questions about group visits, please call the Group Bookings Co-ordinator, on 01753 847543, or take a look at the Groups Information Coach parties need to book as soon as possible as there is a maximum number of coach parties per day.
Henley-on-Thames
Make a day of it in Henley and include a scavenger challenge organised by Team Activity Group (TAG), exploring the historic town of Henley. Teams of up to six will take pictures, find objects, answer questions and complete different cryptic challenges.
Combine this with a scenic river tour with Hobbs of Henley and a visit to the River & Rowing Museum. Hobbs offers a 2 hour exclusive group tour featuring live commentary from a Blue Badge guide onboard the Hibernia. The Hibernia’s glass saloon offers fabulous views whilst being under cover and enjoy the Midsomer cruise.
Situated just yards from the river in the beautiful Mill Meadows, The River & Rowing Museum is easy to find and sign-posted from all entrances to the town, which is a leisurely ten minute walk away or Hobbs can drop you off or pick you up at the museums’ own landing stage. The Museum has three galleries dedicated to Rowing, Rivers and the history of Henley on Thames.
The Museum is also home to the magical Wind in the Willows exhibition, which brings to life the much-loved story with 3D models, lighting and music. Pre-book your group to get the Group Admission rate (minimum 10 people). Why not book a combined River & Rowing Museum and Boat Trip?
Stonor, close to Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and a stone’s throw from London, is the ancient home of the Stonor family, dating back to the twelfth century, this has been their family home for over 850 years. Nestled in a Chiltern Valley the house dominates a magnificent view of the beautiful deer park and woodland. Highlights include the grand Gothic revival hall, atmospheric 17th century library and dramatic long gallery opening onto the beautiful Italianate gardens, with borders full of seasonal flowers and stunning lily ponds.
Why not make a base in Henley and combine a visit to Marlow and Oxford. Henley Greenlands Hotel is set within the 30-acre Henley Business School estate in the Oxfordshire countryside, this magnificent Grade II Listed Building is steeped in history dating as far back as 1480. The WH Smith family purchased the House in 1871 and extended it considerably making it their country home where renovation of rooms within the main house started, which are still to this day kept to the original design. The accommodation is in the separate Thames Court building adjacent to the main house. Comprising of 100 superior double en-suite bedrooms.
Take a look at our Travel Trade Guide to the River Thames or Reading's Travel Trade information.
For those interested in Midsomer Murders locations download the ‘Midsomer Muders locations along the Thames’ itinerary or Cruise the Thames 4-5 day itinerary.