Short Break Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Reading and Return - 35 miles, 10 locks, 13 hours total
Leaving Benson, journey south along the River Thames and pass through Benson Lock. You’ll soon arrive in the Royal Borough of Wallingford. The town received its charter in 1155 and evidence of the Saxon period is still visible along the river banks. The town is easily accessible from the river where there are shops, a market square and the remains of a Norman Castle. Heading south towards Moulsford the river widens; a pleasant stretch of water. There’s even a riverside boathouse restaurant with a jetty and moorings available if you wish to stop for refreshments. Passing through Cleeve Lock, then Goring Lock, you’ll see Goring Mill just after the Bridge; a replica of the original timber structure. Departing Goring you pass through the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty which continues all the way to Henley-on-Thames. Pass through a couple of locks at Whitchurch and Mapledurham, heading towards Pangbourne. This stretch of the River is often busy with rowing and sailing boats, as Pangbourne College is nearby. Pangbourne Meadow is a very tranquil, scenic area, run by the National Trust. The quaint Church Cottage in the village is very picturesque and was once home to Scottish author Kenneth Grahame who wrote “Wind in the Willows”. The river continues towards Reading where it becomes quite wide. Passing under Caversham Bridge and Reading Bridge you’ll approach Caversham Lock. Caversham Lock is on the edge of Kings’s Meadow. Piper’s Island can be accessed from Caversham Bridge and has a bar/restaurant which offers uninterrupted views of the River. Reading lies to the south and here you can access and enjoy amenities such as shops, museums and the Abbey ruins. There are also various restaurants in the town centre, along the banks of the river.
Intermediate route: Oxford and Return - 40 miles, 14 locks, 15.5 hours total
Departing Benson, cruise north under Shillingford Bridge. As you approach Wittenham Wood you’ll see the River Thame join the Thames on the opposite side. Only small craft can pass under the footbridge to moor up below Dorchester Bridge – there are alternative moorings at Day’s Lock from where you can follow the footpath over Dyke Hills to the pretty village of Dorchester. The World “Poohsticks” Championships are held at Days Lock every March. The river then meanders round to Clifton Cut and Lock; if you have time you could stop for some refreshments here at the thatched pub dating from c1350. Continue through Culham Lock before arriving at Abingdon. There are lots of amenities and some pubs if you choose to stop here overnight. Passing through Abingdon Lock you leave the busy market town behind and continue towards Oxford, passing Radley College Boathouse where students learn how to row. There are 2 further locks before you approach Kennington Railway Bridge, then the Isis Bridge, indicating your arrival in Oxford. The area below Osney Bridge is a lovely stretch of urban waterway and moorings can be found there. The first night’s mooring is free, any subsequent nights are chargeable. Oxford has many things to see and do including a visit to colleges, libraries, galleries, museums, botanic gardens, churches and various parks.
Active route: Henley-on-Thames and Return – 54 miles, 18 locks, 20.5 hours total
Follow the “relaxed route” (above) to Reading, then continue towards Sonning. The entrance to the Kennet and Avon Canal can also be seen as you depart Reading. Sonning village is very pretty and you’ll see Sonning Mill on your approach - this is a restaurant, bar and theatre, making for an enjoyable evening out. Use the large central arch when going under Sonning Bridge. The bridge marks the western extremity of the village which sits back from the river. There is a further lock at Shiplake, with the large village of Wargrave to the east. The remains of a Druid’s Temple can be seen as you approach Marsh Lock, which is the last lock before you arrive at scenic Henley-on-Thames. The town is very busy during the first week of July when the famous Regatta takes place. Henley itself lies to the west, with visitor’s moorings available nearby. Mooring fees apply and are available from ticket machines in the car park or from park wardens. The River & Rowing Museum can be found close to the moorings and there is a plentiful selection of pubs and restaurants in the town. After exploring Henley at your leisure, turn around and return to Benson.
Weekly Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Marlow and Return – 71 miles, 24 locks, 27 hours total
Start your journey on the River Thames heading south through the historic market town of Wallingford, stopping at riverside pubs along the way for refreshment if needed. Continue on towards Basildon, where there are moorings for the Beale Park wildlife park. Travel through Pangbourne with its riverside pub and on through Mapledurham, where you’ll pass a cluster of period houses and cottages on the banks. Cruise on towards the town of Reading, mooring by Reading Bridge to visit the town’s attractions such as The Oracle shopping centre, the Abbey Ruins and Reading Gaol. Travel past the pretty village of Sonning and the attractive market town of Henley-on-Thames. Use one of the several mooring spots available close to the town to visit the fantastic array of independent shops, the River & Rowing Museum or some of the many pubs, bars and eateries. Continue on from Henley-on-Thames to the attractive town of Marlow, mooring up to take a walk through the pretty, historic streets and browse the independent and quirky shops on offer. Turn your boat at Marlow to start the relaxed return journey back to Benson, with plenty of time to stop off at attractions en route.
Intermediate route: Windsor and Return – 96 miles, 34 locks, 36.5 hours total
Starting from the base at Benson, travel south through Wallingford, passing riverside pubs along the way towards Basildon, where there are moorings for the Beale Park wildlife park. Travel through Pangbourne with its riverside pub and on through Mapledurham, where you’ll pass a cluster of period houses and cottages on the banks. Cruise on towards the town of Reading, mooring by Reading Bridge to visit the town’s attractions such as The Oracle shopping centre, the Abbey Ruins and Reading Gaol. Travel past the pretty village of Sonning and the attractive market town of Henley-on-Thames. Use one of the several mooring spots available close to the town to visit the fantastic array of independent shops, the River & Rowing Museum or some of the many pubs, bars and eateries. Continuing along the River Thames you’ll pass many attractive towns and villages including Marlow and Cookham, both home to a great selection of pubs and restaurants. Cruising on from here and onto the town of Windsor, stop here to visit attractions such as Windsor Castle and Legoland. Turn the boat at Windsor to begin the journey back to base.
Active route: Lechlade and Return – 99 miles, 36 locks, 38 hours total
From the base travel northwards past Oxford for a real rural escape travelling through quiet, open meadowland, past picturesque riverside pubs and villages. Cruise upstream, passing through Pinkhill Lock and the waterside pub at Hythe and under one of the oldest stone bridges on the river at Newbridge. Continue through Shifford Lock, following the contours of the river past a riverside pub at Tadpole and through a couple of locks on the way to Radcot. Pass under the impressive triple-arched 13th Century stone bridge and continue through Grafton Lock and then you are in beautiful countryside en route to the pristine village of Kelmscott, home to Kelmscott Manor, built in 1570. The house and gardens are open to the public at selected times of the year. The river meanders its way to St John’s Lock, after which there are several mooring points to choose from to stop and visit the market town of Lechlade; watch out for the cows on the field moorings - they can be very curious! The tall spire visible from the river belongs to the 15th Century church of St Lawrence. Take a stroll around this idyllic Cotswold town or sample one of the many pubs, cafes and browse the antique shops. Turn either at one of the boatyards or at the Round House winding hole a little further on.
Fortnight Route Suggestions:
Relaxed route: Kingston-upon-Thames and Return – 141 miles, 50 locks, 54 hours total
A relaxed fortnightly route allowing boater’s time to stop off at the many attractions along the River Thames. Start your journey heading through the market town of Wallingford, stopping at riverside pubs along the way for refreshment if needed. Continue on towards Basildon, where there are moorings for the Beale Park wildlife park. Travel through Pangbourne with its riverside pub and on through Mapledurham, where you’ll pass a cluster of period houses and cottages on the banks. Cruise on towards the town of Reading, mooring by Reading Bridge to visit the town’s attractions such as The Oracle shopping centre, the Abbey Ruins and Reading Gaol. Travel past the pretty village of Sonning and the attractive market town of Henley-on-Thames. Use one of the several mooring spots available close to the town to visit the fantastic array of independent shops, the River & Rowing Museum or some of the many pubs, bars and eateries. Continuing along the River Thames you’ll pass many attractive towns and villages including Marlow and Cookham, both home to a great selection of pubs and restaurants. Cruising on from here and onto the town of Windsor, stop here to visit attractions such as Windsor Castle and Legoland. Continue cruising through Runnymede and Staines-upon-Thames and moor at Penton Hook marina to visit one of the UK’s biggest theme parks- Thorpe Park. Travel on past the towns of Chertsey and Weybridge on the approach to Hampton Court. Moor up at the palace moorings to explore the home of Henry VIII, visit the grand gardens and famous maze and spend time walking the corridors steeped in Tudor history. Continue on to Kingston upon Thames. Kingston has excellent shopping housed within stylish Tudor buildings and a great variety of eateries. Kingston is known as the ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned. The sweeping Queen’s Promenade was inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1856. Turn at Kingston to start the return journey to Benson.
Intermediate route: Guildford and Return – 155 miles, 70 locks, 63.5 hours total
An enjoyable fortnightly route allowing boaters the opportunity to experience one of Surrey’s best kept secrets- the River Wey. Start your journey passing through the historic market town of Wallingford. Continue cruising past picturesque riverside towns and villages on the way to the town of Reading, where the scenery changes from rural to urban. Reading is home to Reading Gaol, the Abbey Ruins and The Oracle shopping centre, as well as a multitude of restaurants, bars and pubs. Cruise on through the pretty village of Sonning and the attractive market town of Henley-on-Thames. Continuing along the River Thames you’ll pass the attractive towns and villages including Marlow and Cookham, both home to a great selection of pubs and restaurants. Two of the UK’s theme parks can be reached from the Thames, moor at Windsor to visit Legoland or at Penton Hook marina to visit Thorpe Park. Continue on through the town of Chertsey and through Shepperton Lock, where the River Thames meets the River Wey. Join onto the River Wey (a licence can be purchased from the Thames Lock) and make your way south down this delightfully peaceful river, travelling through numerous waterside villages and past pretty riverside pubs. Make your way to the moorings near Onslow Bridge for a short walk into Guildford town centre, visit some of the many attractions including Guildford Castle and Guildford Cathedral or spend an afternoon indulging in a bit of retail therapy or sampling one of the many bars, pubs and restaurants Guildford has to offer. Use the winding hole by Guildford Town Bridge to turn your boat, ready for the return journey.
Active Route: Lechlade, Kingston and Return- 241 miles, 86 locks, 92 hours total
A brilliant but busy route allowing boaters to explore a very large portion of the River Thames. From the base travel northwards past Oxford for a real rural escape travelling through quiet, open meadowland, past picturesque riverside pubs and villages. Cruise upstream, passing through Pinkhill Lock and the waterside pub at Hythe and under one of the oldest stone bridges on the river at Newbridge. Continue through Shifford Lock, following the contours of the river past a riverside pub at Tadpole and through a couple of locks on the way to Radcot. Pass under the impressive triple-arched 13th Century stone bridge and continue through Grafton Lock and then you are in beautiful countryside en route to the pristine village of Kelmscott, home to Kelmscott Manor, built in 1570. The house and gardens are open to the public at selected times of the year. The river meanders its way to St John’s Lock, after which there are several mooring points to choose from to stop and visit the market town of Lechlade; watch out for the cows on the field moorings - they can be very curious! The tall spire visible from the river belongs to the 15th Century church of St Lawrence. Take a stroll around this idyllic Cotswold town or sample one of the many pubs, cafes and browse the antique shops. Turn at Lechlade and cruise back past the base at Benson, continuing past the towns of Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. Cruising on from here and onto the town of Windsor, stop here to visit attractions such as Windsor Castle and Legoland. Travel on past the towns of Chertsey and Weybridge on the approach to Hampton Court. Moor up at the palace moorings to explore the home of Henry VIII, visit the grand gardens and famous maze and spend time walking the corridors steeped in Tudor history. Continue on to Kingston upon Thames. Kingston has excellent shopping housed within stylish Tudor buildings and a great variety of eateries. Turn at Kingston to start the return journey back to Benson.
Boats are fully licensed for the whole stretch of the River Thames, but not for the Kennet & Avon Canal, Oxford Canal or the River Wey Navigation.
