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A holiday guide to the Thames


There’s no river quite like the Thames. From the quiet Cotswolds to the heart of the Capital, you’ll find an astonishing array of attractions, places to eat and historic sites to discover.

Historic Oxford, majestic Windsor and bustling London all stand proud on the banks of the Thames, eager to tempt you away from the peace of the river. The beauty of a holiday on England’s Royal River is that you can enjoy both in one trip.

The Thames by boat
You could spend a whole summer exploring the Thames by boat and still only scratch the surface. There are 135 miles of easy, non-tidal waters to cruise, not forgetting the 25 miles of the London ‘tideway’. The latter is perhaps best seen from the comfort of one of the river ferries, which ply their way along the waters of the capital. But why not become your own skipper on the freshwater Thames?

You can hire a comfortable cruiser for a week from one of the many bases on the river, where new luxury craft are setting the standard for holiday cruising in Britain. It is a uniquely relaxing boating experience, especially because full-time lock keepers operate the 44 locks for you.

The Thames also has more day-boats and canoes for hire than any other river, so you can set out for the afternoon under your own power. And don’t forget the famous ‘steamers’ passenger boats plying the most popular reaches of the river every summer.

From the riverbank
There’s another way to see more of the Thames – and that’s on foot.

The Thames Path follows the river from its humble beginnings in the Cotswold Hills all the way to the starkly impressive Thames Barrier in East London: 180 miles in all. It is one of Britain’s most popular National Trails, thanks in part to its gentle gradient. Of course you don’t have to walk the whole route: the river offers many opportunities for short strolls, not least from the tourist meccas of Henley and Windsor.

Places to go
Without a doubt the Thames is lined with some of the most opulent houses in Britain, many of which are open to the public. It’s not all heritage and culture; there are adventure parks and white water rafting experiences for the more active. And did we mention the pubs? Without a doubt, the river has played a pivotal role in the fortunes of the nation. From the Magna Carta, sealed on its banks in 1215, to the Second World War defences that dot the upper Thames, there’s history at every turn.

So it’s no surprise that two of England’s greatest palaces are situated on the Thames. Windsor Castle has been a royal fortress for over 900 years, and is still an official residence of the Queen. A little further downstream, Hampton Court Palace has many a story to tell, with King Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell among its infamous inhabitants.

Cities such as Oxford and London can speak for themselves. But much of the appeal of the Thames comes from the unexpected surprises that litter the rural river. Take sleepy Medmenham for example: the height of decorum today, but headquarters for notorious ne’er-do-well aristocrat Sir Francis Dashwood and his Hell Fire Club in the 18th century. Or how about Dorney Court, near Bray, where the first pineapple was grown in Britain and presented to King Charles II?

Whether you’re seeking rural tranquillity, historic houses, city lights – or a little bit of everything – the Thames has many secrets to disclose.

Last updated: 16/07/2009