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.

Are you still looking to book a holiday this summer?

There's still time to book a boating holiday with Le Boat. The no.1 provider of boating holidays on the waterways of UK, Europe and Canada, currently have savings of up to 30%* on the River Thames. Their boating holidays are perfect for the whole family – even your dog. Step on board and become Captain as you explore the River Thames from your own self-drive boat. 
*See leboat.co.uk for full details. Book by 25 July 2022.

Take a look at the Family Fun section and be inspired.

NEW FOR 2022 - Hire a Water bike with Boat Rental Thames at Bisham.

Looking for something more active? 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 on water bike on the River Thames.

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.

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 2021 when it is safe to do so. 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 staycation 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.