Canal Holidays Guide to 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.
Narrowboats traverse the river as part of the Grand
Ring, or on routes from nearby bases (Thames licence is payable).
Cruisers are available from bases near London and near Oxford; cruiser
hire includes river licence.
Cruising the Thames
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. Pass Runnymede
of Magna Carta fame. Historic Windsor is 24 miles (40 km) from Teddington,
with its 900 year old castle open when the Queen is not in residence.
Nearby are the contrasts of Legoland and Eton 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
the elegant town of 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.
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