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 Linnsen 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.
You can explore the entire length of the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to London, you may need a week or two to make the trip. Choose the seven-day Midsomer Itinerary and cruise on the Midsomer Linnsen. Watch the video below to see how relaxing it is.
Hobbs offers the following ways to explore the River Thames:
River Trips
Enjoy relaxing and discovering the heritage and beauty of the Thames on a river sightseeing trip or event cruise.
Public Cruise - take a trip on one of the daily 60 minute sailings (April-September). Relax and discover the river between Henley Reach and March Lock or Hambledon Lock on our purpose built passenger boats which offer ample seating and all-weather viewing platforms, with access for less able guests.
Event Cruises – Daytime Wildlife cruise or a Traditional Jazz Afternoon and evening themed cruises. With music, comedy and topical calendar events, entertainment is included and drinks are available on board. Food is only included on select cruises.
- Gin & Fizz Cruise - Saturday 8 Aug and 26 Sep. 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.
- Midsomer Cruise Afternoon Tea – Wednesday 19 Aug & 16 Sep. Cruise past several murderous locations which have featured in the TV sensation, “Midsomer Murders”
- Traditional Jazz Cruises on the Thames – Sunday 6 and 27 Sep. Enjoy the sounds of a traditional jazz band on a three hour cruise with a cash bar for the purchases of drinks. CANCELLED
- Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea Cruise – Sunday 23 Aug and 20 Sep. Cruise the Thames on one of the most spectacular vessels, The New Orleans and sample the most incredible afternoon tea whilst doing so!
- Gin, Craft Beer and Jazz Cruise – Fri 4 Sep. NEW FOR SUMMER 2020 on The New Orleans. The Ratpackers, Dennis DeMille and Marvin Muoneké are a jazz singing duo who made it all the way to the final stages of Britain's Got Talent in 2018 with their sensational cover of New York, New York but for one night only will be aboard The New Orleans entertaining you with their Jazz! Talk to West Berkshire Brewery and Mr Hobbs Gin about all things craft beer and gin. Included in the ticket price will be two drinks from Mr Hobbs range or from West Berkshire Brewery (or a mix of the two!) and a 2 course bowl food menu.
- Gin Tasting Cruise – Friday 18 Sep and 16 Oct. 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.
- Madhatter’s Vintage Tea Party – Sunday 4 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.
- Rescheduled Mother's Day Vintage Afternoon Tea Cruise - Sunday 18 Oct. 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.
