Top Things to See and Do along the River Thames

The River Thames stretches along the eastern parts of the Great West Way route, from London to Reading, before meandering north to Oxford and then into the Cotswolds. From riverside walks and cycle rides to boat tours highlighting historic attractions, there is plenty to see and do along this famous waterway.

Explore a range of vibrant towns sitting along the waters edge, including Henley-on-Thames, Windsor and Reading. Step on a boat tour as you discover historic attractions like Windsor Castle or Reading’s Abbey Quarter. Read more about our Top Things to See and Do along the River Thames below…

Cities, Towns and Villages along the River Thames

Stretching across almost half of the Great West Way route, the River Thames pass through a range of beautiful towns, with each one offering plenty for a day visit!

Reading

With the River Thames and Kennet and Avon Canal flowing through, and plenty of history to discover, Reading offers the best of both worlds by combining the excitement of a modern town, with plenty of English heritage. Explore the town’s famous Abbey Quarter, where you can find churches, monuments and ruins showcasing over 900 years of history.

No visit to Reading is quite complete without a bit of retail therapy. As one of the country’s top ten retail capitals, be sure to browse through a range of high street and independent shops, before sitting down at one of Reading’s incredible eateries along the river-side.

Windsor

Known for its historic ties with Kings and Queens, the largest inhabited castle, horse raising and much more, Windsor offers the perfect day out along the River Thames this season. This Royal town thrives all year round with its cultural heritage, stunning architecture and beautiful natural scenery.

Connecting the bustling streets and overlooking the iconic Windsor Castle is Windsor Great Park’s Long Walk, a 2.5-mile tree-lined avenue which is a popular location for locals and visitors to take a stroll. Spanning nearly 5,000 acres, Windsor Great Park has plenty more to offer when travelling just outside the town, with over 1,000 years of history to discover from historical monuments, rare wildlife, beautiful gardens and open lakes.

Henley-on-Thames

Nestled along the iconic River Thames and surrounded by lush, rolling countryside, Henley-on-Thames is a quintessential English town that offers a perfect blend of charm, history, and modern appeal. Famous for its Henley Royal Regatta, an elite rowing event that has drawn visitors to the town since 1839, Henley invites you to step into its picturesque setting steeped in tradition, natural beauty and vibrant local culture.

Well-known Attractions on the River Thames

The Great West Way is home to a range of iconic attractions, with a few located a short distance from the famous River Thames. During your visit along this waterway, be sure to step inside some of these historic landmarks and learn more about the local history…

Hampton Court Palace

Located just outside of Kingston Upon Thames is Hampton Court Palace, famously known as the home of England’s King Henry VIII. Be transported from Tudor England to the late 17^th Century as you venture through the royal grounds, featuring beautifully decorate rooms, furnished with a historic collection and galleries telling stories of the past.

Venture outside to the 60-acres of riverside and landscaped gardens, complete with sparkling fountains and spectacular views of the River Thames on the palace’s doorstep.

Reading Museum

Explore galleries of historic and artistic objects at Reading Museum, in the town’s Victorian Hall. Here, you will find archaeology from Roman Silchester and Reading Abbey, vintage Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins, a Victorian copy of the Bayeaux Tapestry as well as a range of exhibitions in the Art Gallery.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle dominates the towns skyline and is a must visit during your journey along the River Thames. It is common knowledge that Windsor Castle is one of the official residencies of His Majesty the King, but did you know the Castle spreads over equivalent to 269 tennis courts! Inside, the Castle contains the magnificent State Apartments filled with treasures from the Royal Collection, and St George’s Chapel, a Royal Peculiar and one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England!

River & Rowing Museum

Located in the picturesque town of Henley on Thames, the River & Rowing Museum is one of the UK’s leading independent museums, exploring the River Thames, the international sport of rowing and the town of Henley.

The Museum hosts a lively programme of temporary and visiting exhibitions, working with partners such as the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Hayward Gallery in London.  Working closely with organisations in their area, the Museum also has a Community Gallery which showcases a wide variety of local projects.

Ways to Explore the River Thames

Make the most of the outdoors as you venture along the River Thames this season. From boat trips to the Thames Path, there are plenty ways to enjoy slow travel as you explore this iconic waterway.

River Thames Boat Trips

There’s plenty opportunities to explore hidden gems along the River Thames with a boat tour this season! Hop on board for the ultimate experience in slow travel as you embark along the east of the Great West Way route…

Thames Rivercruise

Based at the heart of the upper Thames, Thames Rivercruise offers unique boat trips through some of the most stunning reaches of this famous waterway, including Henley, Sonning and Streatley.

Scheduled river trips range from 45, 60 and 90 minutes and run on weekends and bank holidays from April to the end of October. Daily trips take place through the Easter Holidays, May Half Term and the Summer School Holidays.

French Brothers

Running boat trips along the River Thames from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead, French Brothers welcomes visitors to explore this famous waterway whilst taking in its surrounding landmarks on their 40-minute or 2 hour tours.

Hobbs of Henley

Make the most of your journey along the River Thames with a unique boat trip from Hobbs of Henley. Explore peaceful paths as you meander your way through Henley and its surrounding famous riverside towns.

Riverside Walks on Thames Path

One of the Great West Way’s National Trails is the Thames Path, which follows directly along the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds, all the way to London! Despite the ambitious length of the trail, the terrain is mostly flat and offers a peaceful insight to English Countryside, with water meadows, sleepy riverside villages and picturesque nature reserves.

You can pick up the trail at any point, or if you want to endure its entirety, start near Cirencester and walk the 184 miles all the way to Greenwich in London. Taking your time, this can be done leisurely in a couple weeks.

Places to Stay near the River Thames

Extend your stay along the Great West Way with a range of stunning hotels a short distance from the River Thames.

Greenlands Hotel, Henley-on-Thames

Set in the Oxfordshire countryside and a short drive from Henley-on-Thames, the Greenlands Hotel offers 100 superior double en-suite bedrooms including 8 luxury balcony rooms with views across the Chiltern valley and the grounds leading down to the River Thames.

The Roseate, Reading

Centrally located along the River Thames is The Roseate Reading, recognised for its artful conception and luxury. This hotel prides itself on its attention to detail, from the facilities available to making your stay cherished and memorable.

Plan your Great West Way visit to the River Thames this season…