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 £11.50, OAP £9.50, Child £7.00, Under 3 Free

Or choose a longer 2 hour sightseeing cruise (July-September)

A two 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 3pm on selected Thursdays - 29th July, 5th,12th,19th,26th August, 2nd September.

Cost Adult £18.00, OAP £15.00, Child £13.00

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 2021:

• Gin Tasting Cruise – Friday 28 May. The Gin to My Tonic is an experienced, professional team who will take you on a gin tasting experience whilst cruising along the River Thames on ‘The New Orleans’. Included in your ticket price will be bar snacks and of course your Gin & different tonics for the evening. 
• Gin & Fizz Cruise - Saturday 19 June and 28 August. A cruise on The New Orleans for a fun afternoon of Gin, Fizz and river cruising. During the cruise you will be served your choice of drink (Gin or Fizz!) throughout the duration of the river trip whilst relaxing and soaking up the beautiful surroundings, just perfect for that Summer’s day.
• Gin and Jazz Cruise – Friday 2 July and 28 August. Back by ever popular demand, aboard our flagship vessel The New Orleans, is the incredible singer/songwriter Purdy and her band who will be providing sultry Jazz under the stars.
• Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea Cruise – Sunday 6 June, 25 July, 29 August, 19 September. Cruise the Thames on one of the most spectacular vessels, The New Orleans and sample the most incredible afternoon tea whilst doing so!
• Madhatter’s Vintage Tea Party – Sunday 3 Oct. Enjoy national Mad Hatter's Day with a vintage afternoon tea with a difference! The boat will be themed as a Mad Hatter's Tea Party and will include little gin treats such as a 'Drink me' bottle for each guest and 'eat me' Gin sweet treats!  This is an over 18's event. 
• Father's Day Vintage Afternoon Tea Cruise - Sunday 20 June. Cruise the Thames on one of the most spectacular vessels, The New Orleans and sample the most incredible afternoon tea whilst doing so!

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