Five of the best on the River Thames

Our pick of the five best activities on the River Thames this summer. From boating to camping and canoeing to picnics, there's something for everyone on this beautiful river.

1) Hire a boat and enjoy a picnic afloat

Hire a charter boat or opt for self drive and enjoy a picnic with a difference this summer: bobbing along on the River Thames. There's something to suit every budget from wooden rowing boats to luxury cruisers. Try runnymede-on-thames, Swan at Streatley or Beetle and Wedge.

2) Take a passenger boat trip

A passenger boat trip is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery of the River Thames. There are passenger boats operating from all major towns and cities along the rural River Thames, so jump aboard. Try Hobbs of Henley, Thames Rivercruise French Brothers or Salters Steamers. Or locate your nearest operator by visiting our boat trip page.

3) Learn to paddle a canoe

Hire a canoe or Kayak for a day, weekend, or week of care free and environmentally friendly cruising on the River Thames. Paddle along one of the finest and safest canoe touring rivers in the country, winding its way through 135 miles of traditional English countryside, with excellent connections to fine riverside camping, hotels, pubs and shopping. Try Moose Canoe and SUP Hire from its stunning riverside base at the National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey, Marlow. They will also provide boats all along the River Thames.

4) Go camping at a lock

With the Environment Agency's unique lock camp sites picking up recommendations in national media and camping guides, isn't it time you checked out what all the fuss is about? You'll discover a very different style of camping in these small and friendly sites, only accessible on foot. Dixie Wills, the author of ‘Tiny Campsites', declared in his review: "Three cheers for whoever it was at the Environment Agency who thought it would be a good idea to use land at certain Thames locks for camping." Visit our camping page for more information.

5) Go on a boating holiday

All along this beautiful and tranquil stretch of water there are luxury hire boats waiting to drift you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Choose from a traditional narrowboat fully kitted out with modern facilities, a luxury cruiser or a private charter, all perfect for romantic breaks or fun family holidays. Try Hobbs of Henley, Kris Cruisers, Calmer Cruising or visit our boating holiday page for more information.

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Tourism For All

Thames Path Challenge

Type

Type:

Sporting Event

London

A stunning route with scenery that's steeped in history, and a superb backdrop for a festival of river-side challenges - with 3 unique events to join stretching from Tower Bridge to Henley!
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Hobbs of Henley Slow-Cation

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Type:

Self-Catering

Henley On Thames

If you’re looking for a holiday with a difference why not hire a luxuriously appointed Linssen Motor Yacht from Hobbs of Henley and cruise the River Thames?
Tourism For All

Sunday Brunch Cruise with City Cruises

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Type:

Participatory Event

London

City Cruises Sunday Brunch Cruise. Enjoying London's riverside landmarks with a DJ playing chill-out music. Experience includes a glass of sparkling wine before eating as much or as little as liked from the buffet.
Tourism For All

Windsor Castle

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Type:

Castle / Fort

Windsor

The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and it was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite weekend home.
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Reading Twilight Trail: Biscuit Town

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Type:

Participatory Event

Reading

Reading Twilight Trail: Biscuit Town returns to the stunning setting of the Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens from 3-31 December 2021. The Trail is a fun, fully accessible, open-air light trail experience, designed for all ages. This year’s theme…
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Saturday Evening Sundowner Cruise with Thames Rivercruise

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Reading

An early evening cruise on the Upper Thames.
Tourism For All

MDL Marinas

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Type:

Marinas & Services

MDL Marinas has 40 years operating in the marina sector and has 18 marinas in the UK. With beautiful locations it is committed to environmental improvement and supports The Green Blue; the environmental awareness campaign for the boating community.
Tourism For All

The Lock Bar and Kitchen

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Type:

Restaurant

Egham

The Lock Bar and Kitchen located on the banks of the River Thames right beside the ‘Bell Weir Lock’ offers a sense of occasion without pretence, in a relaxed and informal setting.
Tourism For All

Mikron Theatre Company play TROUPER

Type

Type:

Performance

Long Wittenham, Abingdon

The Mikron Theatre Company return to The Plough Inn with a performance of TROUPER. Beer and food available. This is an outdoor show. Bring chairs and blankets. No charge for tickets but there will be a collection will be taken after the show…
Tourism For All

Eton

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Type:

Towns & Villages

On the opposite bank of the River Thames from Windsor lies the town of Eton. Connected by a footbridge, Eton has an importance of its own both historically and commercially.