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

Bray

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Type:

Towns & Villages

A pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor, Bray has become a very popular stopping place for visitors to the Royal Borough as it features a wealth of cottages, houses and fine dining.
Tourism For All

Hobbs of Henley Boatyard Services

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Type:

British Marine

Henley-on-Thames
Tourism For All

Wallingford

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Type:

Towns & Villages

Market Place, Wallingford

Wallingford is a pretty market town nestled between the River Thames and the ancient ruins of Wallingford Castle in the glorious South Oxfordshire countryside.
Tourism For All

Bray Marine Sales

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Type:

Boat Sales / Brokers

Bray, MAIDENHEAD

Bray Marine Sales on the River Thames is an award-winning boat company and one of the most successful brokerage operations in the South East.
Tourism For All

British Life Photography Award

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Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

This photographic competition for professional and amateurs is a showcase for contemporary and imaginative images that capture the very essence and spirit of British life. Covering everything from; street life, rural life, portraiture…
Tourism For All

Hobbs of Henley - Overboard with Brian Blessed!

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

Henley On Thames

Ahoy there shipmates! Join (un)official tour-guide Brian Blessed for a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing tour along the Thames on our flagship vessel The New Orleans!
Tourism For All

Marlow

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Type:

Towns & Villages

Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames, set amongst the rich meadows of the river valley and alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills.
Tourism For All

Christmas with Thames Rivercruise

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Type:

Participatory Event

Caversham

Book A Christmas Boat Party On The Thames From Reading
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Christmas Day Cruises with City Cruises

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Type:

Participatory Event

London

Enjoy a Christmas Day with a difference on the River Thames. See the sights from Big Ben to Tower Bridge and beyond. With City Cruises the only company operating boats, it’s the day of the year when the river is at its calmest and most serene.
Tourism For All

Abingdon

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Type:

Towns & Villages

Abingdon

The Vale of White Horse's largest town can be reached on foot from the Thames Path or by boat from the river. By road it is only 6 miles, 10 kilometres from Oxford.