Boating along the River Thames

The 125 miles and 44 locks of the non-tidal River Thames are used for all forms of boating, from motor cruising and narrowboating to sailing, rowing and sculling. On a summer's afternoon, you might see varnished 'slipper' launches, university rowing crews, Edwardian passenger steamers - all within the space of a few miles.

The river is navigable downstream of Inglesham and Lechlade, in Oxfordshire. However, canoeists and other light, unpowered vessels can navigate as far upstream as Cricklade.

The locks are manned throughout most of the day - from 9.15am to 4pm in the winter months, and extending up to 7pm in the summer. Lock-keepers are founts of local knowledge and are expert at fitting as many boats as possible into their lock. Standard practice is that you turn off your engine while in the lock, instead using ropes to hold the boat in position.

The river's quiet upper reaches give way to busier boating territory downstream of Oxford, and the river is positively thriving through Maidenhead and Henley all the way to London. As Britain's longest-established pleasure-boating river, the Thames is well-supplied for boatyards and other facilities.

Visitors from the canal system should be aware that most boats on the Thames are GRP motor cruisers. Be considerate in your use of mooring spaces - four cruisers can fit in the space of a long narrowboat - and remember that their hulls are less robust, and more easily scratched, than yours.

The Environment Agency publishes several booklets for boaters, amongst them A user's guide to the River Thames, Cruising on the River Thames, and a special guide for narrowboat owners. These contain useful lists of facilities available at locks and along the river, and are available from lock keepers or by telephoning the Thames Information Line on 0845 6015336. More information for boaters is available at the Environment Agency's www.visitthames.co.uk website.

Everything you need to know about boatyards, brokers, new and second hand boats is available in a useful free booklet, Boatyards, Marinas and Services around the River Thames. Get your copy from the Thames Boating Trades Association, 1 Parkside, Hatchet Lane, Cranbourne, Winkfield, Berkshire (Tel: 01344 886615).

The tidal river through London, downstream of Teddington Lock, is controlled by the Port of London Authority. Pleasure boaters are welcome, but should be prepared for the tidal passage, and consult the Authority's regulations and guidelines. You can find out more at www.pla.co.uk.

Everyone is familiar with London's riverside attractions, but for a new perspective, we suggest you take a riverboat trip on one of the capital's many commuter and leisure services - see below for timetables. From just a few pounds a ticket, these are a great way to discover the sights and sounds of the city.

Click here to buy the Nicholson Guide online >>

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Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.