Boating Holidays in England - The River
Thames
Perhaps England's most famous and historic river,
the Thames takes you close by a number of major attractions
including Richmond, Hampton Court, Royal Windsor, Legoland,
Eton, Henley and many famous landmarks.
 From
Teddington Lock in west London the Thames can be cruised on
a non-tidal 124 mile (200 km) section via Oxford to Lechlade
in Gloucestershire. There are 44 locks, normally operated by
lock keepers. Lock tolls are included in the Thames licence.
Moorings are easy to find in villages and towns, mostly free.
There are many riverside pubs and eating places.
Close to Teddington is Hampton Court Palace, famous
as a residence of Henry VIII and now open daily. Cruise past
Magna Carta Island and the great expanse of Runnymede with its
memorial to President Kennedy.
Historic Windsor is 24 miles (40 km) from Teddington,
with its 900 year old castle open when the Queen is not in residence.
Nearby is the family attraction of Legoland, and Eton with its
College, founded in 1440 by Henry VI.
The river continues west to Maidenhead, noted for its Brunel
built railway bridge with wide brick-built spans, and pass the
beech-wooded heights of Cliveden towards elegant Marlow. The
Georgian town of Henley has many interesting pubs, and holds
its famous Regatta in July.
The
Thames meets the Kennet and Avon Canal near Reading, and becomes
more peaceful as it heads through Wallingford and the ancient
market town of Abingdon to reach Oxford with its historic University,
‘dreaming spires’, and Inspector Morse TV locations.
Above Oxford, the Thames flows through rolling
countryside with more frequent locks to reach Lechlade.
Possible Holidays on the River Thames
In two weeks it is possible to travel the
Teddington-Oxford section and back with some time for sightseeing.
In one week it is possible to go out-and-back from Teddington
to Windsor and beyond, or around the Oxford area. Short breaks
are available on sections of the Thames.
 Holidays
in the UK has four cruiser boat bases on the River Thames. One
is at Datchet, near Windsor, two are at Reading in the central
part of the river, with the fourth at Benson near Oxford. Cruiser
hire includes a River Thames licence.
Narrowboats can travel the river on routes from
nearby bases (Thames licence is payable).
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