The River Thames is 215 miles from its source in the Cotswold Hills to the sea at Southend and it's surprising how many activities, places to visit, and things to do and see are on this lovely river. This feature highlights some of the watery delights that you can enjoy up and down the whole 215 miles.

Cruise Trips on the Thames

You can soak up the varied rural scenery of the Thames on public boat trips that depart daily throughout the summer months within short distances of Oxford, Henley, Reading Kingston, Windsor and Hampton Court. You will see a variety of boats and boaters along the way, occasionally famous ones, and with luck add to your family's experience of nature and the environment.

London boat trips

The city experience is a bit different to that of the non tidal rural Thames boating above Teddington. Exchange rural for big city river conditions-darker , faster, busier and salty. In London you can take trips all year round taking  in the best views of London- with some lively commentary from the captain. The boats are larger and faster, and depart from Westminster, Greenwich, Tower Bridge, and a variety of other piers.

There are also daily commuter services, and for the more daring there are fast trips on board RIBs (Rigid Inflateable Boats) and Amphibious craft.
For Boat Trips info see   www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/trips_cruises.htm 

Private Charters

This option grants you the freedom to choose where and when you want to go however, the prices will vary accordingly.

You will need to contact in advance  the many companies that advertise here and discuss with them what you have in mind. Charter options vary from a romantic trip for two with wine and food (perhaps a novel alternative to road transport for the bride-groom) to a 21st or 65th birthday celebration, or could even mark the deceased's last voyage before scattering the ashes. The charter operators get asked most things it seems!

For Private Charters info see  www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/charter.htm



Boating Holidays and Boat Hire

For many people there is nothing as relaxing as hiring their "own" powered  boat, steering it up and down the River Thames as they please, selecting a  riverside pub or restaurant with moorings- and tying up for the night. If this sounds like the sort of holiday you think you might enjoy there are many companies that advertise boat hire.

Holidays or Boat Hire holidays up and down the Thames.

Boating Holidays and Boat Hire info-www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/hire.htm

If you want a bit of activity to go with the scenery renting a punt, a canoe or a rowing boat is perfect. These activites are not possible below Teddington (the London bit of the Thames) because the river is too big, too powerful and too busy. However, above that section it is, so try Richmond, Kingston, Hampton Court, Datchet, Reading, Marlow, Henley and so on through to Oxford. The upper Thames is a  much different , non-tidal river governed by another set of rules and another government agency. The many boat hirers that operate here usually attract queues on sunny week-ends but you can book in advance.

 Buying a boat....

There may come a time when you decide to get serious about boating, and many do. However, to buy and run a boat is a big step so here are a few pointers... it is a large financial investment so don't do it on the spur of the moment, unless you can store it in the garage. Don't just check the cost of available moorings but check out the available craft with the advice of a professional surveyor or boat examiner. Remember you will also need a licence for it before you start out.

Boat Brokers/Boats for Sale
www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/brokers.htm 

Boat Surveyors and Examiners 
www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/misc.htm

Moorings
www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/moorings.htm

Boatbuilders
www.riverthames.co.uk/boat/builders.htm