Luxury Canal Hotel Boat Holiday:
A trip along the River Thames, showing off the lovely scenery, riverside bungalows and chalets en route.
Departing Kingston, we normally encounter various crews training in a wide range of rowing boats along the river. The magnificent Home Park and Palace of Hampton Court, built by Henry VIII is on our right hand bank travelling upstream before the first of the wonderful Thames locks at East Molesey, and the fascinating islands and inlets of riverside chalets.
Upstream of Staines the river leaves suburbia and ahead lies a changing pattern of more spacious living with tracts of parkland and open countryside.
We can call at Runnymede; set against a backdrop of Cooper’s Hill is an area of memorials. The inspiration is the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. On top of the hill is the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial. Below are the Magna Carta Memorial and the John F Kennedy Memorial.
On through Old Windsor there are fine views across the park to Windsor between the Victoria and Albert bridges. The river through Windsor is a popular destination. On the north bank is Eton College Boat House, while Windsor Castle dominates the river for miles around.
After Maidenhead we approach Cliveden, the magnificent house built in 1851, was the home of Nancy, Lady Astor, and the location of the politically scandalous Profumo affair. The magnificent grounds and stately home are now managed by the National Trust.
On through Cookham, famous as the home of artist Stanley Spencer; there is a wonderful gallery devoted to his work. Following Cookham we visit Marlow, a very handsome and lively Georgian town, with a wide tree lined High Street connecting the bridge with the Market Place.
Further upstream is Hambledon; set back from the river and surrounded by heavily wooded hills, this is one of the most attractive villages in Buckinghamshire, all mellow with flint and brick. The 14th century church and the houses surrounding the green make it a perfect village setting, with the 17th century Manor /house in the background.
The approach to Henley is on a wide reach with interesting views. Around Temple Island and along the Regatta course, the town is seen ahead. Normally busy on and off the water, it is well worth finding time to visit the interesting Rowing Museum and the town.
The journey is 42 miles with 15 locks, all manned and operated by the friendliest lock keepers of the Environment Agency.
Join us aboard The Billet at 2pm for sparkling wine, canapés and introductory welcome and safety chat. After settling in we will cruise at 3pm. Departure on your final day will be at 10am, after a sumptuous breakfast.
Cruise Dates 2017
Sun, 30 Apr 2017 to Fri, 05 May 2017, 5 nights.
Tue, 18 Jul 2017 to Sun, 23 Jul 2017, 5 nights.
If travelling by train, we would suggest Kingston upon Thames station and Henley Railway station.