Things to do around the East of the Thames

The River Thames flows through the heart of this area, from London all the way to the Cotswolds. Supplying both visitors and locals along the way with ancient traditions, abundant wildlife and lots of river-based fun.

There’s no better way to appreciate its beauty than by boat. Take a restful river cruise and soak it all in. Thames Rivercruise offers various experiences, allowing you to spot kingfishers, sing along to live music or watch the sun go down with a drink on the foredeck. Hobbs of Henley, meanwhile, runs much-loved Gin Tasting Cruises.

Henley on Thames, home to Henley Royal Regatta, is a must-visit for its rowing heritage. Visit the interactive River & Rowing Museum and see the boat Sir Steve Redgrave won his 5th Olympic gold medal in. You can even have a go yourself - Henley Rowing Association offers rowing taster sessions.

The River Thames may run through Reading, but there’s always time for more waterside relaxation. Retreat to Thames Lido for a refreshing swim, a soothing spa treatment or a Mediterranean meal in the poolside restaurant.

There’s lots to do on dry land, too. Visit some of the magnificent historic properties, such as Stonor Park with its 17th century library and fallow deer park. Or Apsley House, a Georgian address once proudly known as ‘No 1 London’. And of course Hampton Court Palace, renowned as the pleasure palace of King Henry VIII.

And don’t forget the museums - The Museum of English Rural Life and The Abbey Quarter are both excellent attractions in Reading.

See the listings below for more things to see and do in the Thames area.

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Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the family home of 39 British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and is today one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. Open to visitors throughout the year, today The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle.
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Henley on Thames

South Oxfordshire is an area full of natural beauty, picturesque villages, shops to browse and places to stay and to eat.
National Trust around Berkshire and Thames

Discover National Trust properties around Berkshire and the River Thames along the Great West Way.
Marlow

Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames. Situated on a broad sweep of the river between Henley and Windsor and alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills the charming Georgian market town is made up of historic streets, boutique shops and plenty of character.
Richmond upon Thames

Richmond possesses a timeless charm more akin to a village than a town. Henry VII named Richmond after his favourite Earldom, Richmond in Yorkshire, and the gateway of his magnificent Palace, favoured by Elizabeth I, still remains.
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Welcome to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Crowned by stunning Windsor Castle – the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world and the Queen's favourite weekend home – and linked by the beautiful River Thames, the Royal Borough is one of South East England’s loveliest short break destinations and a 'must see' for everyone's list. Close to Heathrow and less than an hour by public transport to the capital, we are London’s country estate – the perfect place from which to enjoy the city and the countryside! Witness the colourful – and very ‘British’ spectacle – of the guards marching through the streets of Windsor for the Changing the Guard ceremony within Windsor Castle's walls - it's a sight not to be missed!
Canal & River Trust

The beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal (or K&A as its known) flows along 87 miles of the Great West Way. From Bath to Reading, it winds through quintessential rolling Wiltshire hills, bustling towns and even a World Heritage Site. Since 1810, narrowboats have drifted along at four miles an hour, plying their trade from Bristol to London. Today, you'll find a mixture of holiday and live-aboard boaters, all seeking the calm and tranquillity that comes from life on or by the water.
On the Water
River Thames

The River Thames is the longest and most well-known river in England. It is navigable for 215 miles starting as a small trickle in the Cotswolds; flowing through nine English counties; right through the centre of London; past the Thames Barrier out through the Thames Estuary to the North Sea.