About

Hobbs of Henley – the best in boating since 1870.

Hobbs provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Royal River Thames from public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out, to its newest boats, luxury Linssen self-drive cruisers, the only ones for hire in the UK. Ideal for that special occasion or holiday. Charter by the weekend or the week.

Enjoy relaxing and discovering the heritage and beauty of the Thames on a river sightseeing trip or event cruise.

River Trips - 1 & 2 hour public sightseeing cruises

Take a trip on one of the daily 60 minute sailings (April-September). 

Hobbs of Henley's passenger vessels The Consuta, The Hibernia and The Waterman operate frequent river trips on the beautiful Henley Royal Regatta Reach. Every round trip operates from the boatyard at Station Road and lasts 60 minutes, and features an informative pre-recorded commentary. Tickets can be purchased on the day, subject to availability, but to save disappointment we’d suggest booking online in advance – it’s quick and easy and you can print your tickets off before the day. Please note telephone purchase isn’t available for these trips.

Relax and discover the river between Henley Reach and Marsh Lock or Hambledon Lock on the purpose built passenger boats which offer ample seating and all-weather viewing platforms, with access for less able guests.  

The 1 hour river trips operate from April to September 30th at the following provisional times:  Monday to Sunday: 12pm/2:30pm/3:45pm.

Cost: Adult £13, OAP £11, Child £8.50, Under 3 Free

Or choose a longer 2.5 hour sightseeing cruise (July & August)

A two and a half hour sightseeing trip on one of our luxury passenger vessels will take you downstream through Hambleden Lock towards Marlow, taking in the Royal Regatta course and some stunning rural countryside with beautiful riverside  properties.  There will be a cash bar on board and bar snacks available. The two hour cruises take place at 2.30pm on selected Thursdays - 27th July, 3rd,10th,17th,24th August, 31st August.

Cost Adult £10.00, OAP £17.50.00, Child (3-16) £15.00 Under 3 Free

Find out more about the sightseeing River Trips

These sightseeing cruises can be booked in advance online  and are subject to river conditions and our standard general conditions of hire.

Event Cruises

The following cruises are running during 2023 and details are available on the What's On When section:

• Mother's Day Cruise - Sunday 19th March
• Midsomer Murders Cruise with Afternoon Tea - Wednesday 12th April and 17th June
• Wine & Cheese Tasting Cruise – Thursday 20th April.  
• Father's Day Vintage Afternoon Tea Cruise - Sunday 18th June. 
• Henley Royal Regatta Cruise - 29th June 
• Traditional Jazz Cruises - Sunday 30th July and 24th September. 
• Gin & Jazz with Purdey – Friday 11 August. 
• Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea Cruise – Sunday 14 May, 23 July, 27 August, 17 September.
• Madhatter’s Vintage Tea Party – Sunday 8 October. 
• Murder Mystery Afloat! A Titanic Termination - Saturday 14th October

Looking for somewhere to hold a special event?

 Our passenger vessels are also available for private hire. Choose from The New Orleans, a Mississippi sternwheeler with tall twin smoke stacks and paddle wheel, The Hibernia, a special experience encased in glass or the newest addition, The Waterman. Finally, come and join us for the Henley Festival or the Royal Regatta.

Take a Self Drive Boating Holiday...

You can explore the entire length of the non-tidal River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to Teddington, you may need a week or two to make the trip. Choose the seven-day Midsomer Itinerary and cruise on one of the luxury Linnsen motor cruisers. Find out more