River Thames

View all River Thames Cruises

From the Roman invasions of 43 BC to the turn of the millennium in 2000 AD, some of the most famous events in British history have taken place along Britain’s royal river. Stretching 215 miles from source to sea, the River Thames rises in the beautiful Cotswold Hills, and winds through the prestigious university city of Oxford and great city of London in its glorious path to reach the North Sea. Yet where the river cuts a gentle swathe through the rural heart of England, it takes on a very different personality. Meandering past picturesque towns and villages, alongside fields of green and trees reaching down to the water, is the Thames that inspired Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows, and Jerome K. Jerome’s three men to go messing about in a boat. Perfect for a leisurely, one of a kind river cruise.

Things to know

The Thames is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the UK
There are 45 locks along the River Thames
The stretch of the river running through Oxford is known as the River Isis
For 35 years the World Poohsticks Championships were held annually near Day’s Lock on the River Thames
The River Thames inspired Kenneth Graham’s ‘Wind in the Willows’
A great number of celebrities have houses overlooking the River Thames

Key Ports of Call

Goring-on-Thames

At the intersection of three ancient trading route, the Ridgeway, Icknield Way and the River Thames, the picturesque village of Goring has always been a thriving community. It nestles in a beautiful valley called the Goring Gap, which is the only location in the British Isles to be situated in two separate Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs, Goring is the quintessential English village connected to equally charming Streatley by a bridge built across the Thames in 1923.

Henley-on-Thames

Overlooked by a beautiful Chiltern landscape of wooded hills and green fields, Henley-on-Thames is often considered one of England’s most attractive market towns. The quaint town, which is famous for its annual royal regatta, has many historical buildings including St Mary’s Church, the 14th century Old Bell Pub and an 18th century bridge that joins Oxfordshire to Berkshire. The town is perfect for a riverside stroll before afternoon tea in one of the charming tea rooms.

Sonning

Described by Jerome K. Jerome in his book Three Men in a Boat as ‘the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river, Sonning, with its many listed buildings and wonderful Saxon church, is the picture-perfect village. St Andrew’s Church, the Bull Inn and Sonning’s familiar brick bridge are all part of Sonning’s special charm that’s attracted a host of celebrity residents.

Things to know

Key Ports of Call

Goring-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames

Sonning

Featured River Thames Cruises

River Thames Ships