{"id":46403,"date":"2021-11-24T12:08:19","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T01:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=46403"},"modified":"2023-12-01T17:51:19","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T06:51:19","slug":"fun-things-to-do-on-the-river-thames-outside-of-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/fun-things-to-do-on-the-river-thames-outside-of-london\/","title":{"rendered":"8 fun things to do on the River Thames (outside of London)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you close your eyes and imagine the River Thames<\/a>, chances are you\u2019ll think of the murky waters that run through London…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, this is the most iconic image of the Thames, but there\u2019s a whole bunch of adventures waiting outside of the big smoke. We\u2019ve put together some of our favourite things to do on the Thames that will get you out of London and into the stunning English countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Go rambling <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you like walking, you\u2019re in for a treat. The Thames Path National Trail is a 184-mile walking route from Kemble in Gloucester to Woolwich in South East London. It showcases some of southern England\u2019s prettiest scenery, including lush meadows, quaint villages and abandoned railway tracks lined with historic buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking is also one of the best ways to see the life that lives on and by the water, from bevies of elegant swans gliding past colourful barge boats to the bobbing heads of wild swimmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cycle along the river <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cycling along the Thames is joy on wheels. Although you can\u2019t cycle from source to sea due to many of the riverbanks being privately owned, there are still plenty of long stretches to peddle. <\/strong>There’s also the lush Chiltern Hills route which is mostly paved and well signposted to ensure fun for the whole family, as well as some steeper climbs and descents if you\u2019re looking for a challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Go kayaking <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kayaking is a fun way to discover the Thames whether you\u2019re a pro or novice. There\u2019s something so tranquil about being on the river and hearing the water lapping against your kayak or ducks quacking beside you. Go solo, round your mates or get the whole family involved. Pack a tasty picnic or stop for a riverside pub lunch along the way to refuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Embrace the outdoors on a stand-up paddleboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Get a different perspective of the Thames on a stand-up paddleboard. Float from Eyndsham all the way to Oxford while you soak up a sea of green scenery. You might even get a few friendly waves from ramblers! Don’t worry about any wibble wobbles, you\u2019ll be cruising down the river with a big smile on your face in no time. Paddleboarding can work up quite an appetite, but there are plenty of pubs and riverside cafes to grab a bite and rest along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Go wild swimming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is there a better way to recharge the batteries than taking a dip in fresh water? You don\u2019t need plastic slides and chlorine when you have the gorgeous Thames. The Cotswold Water Park <\/a>is a local favourite for wild swimming, followed by Lechlade River Park, Hurley Island and Cheese Wharf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Catch a glimpse of royal life in Windsor Castle <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever fancied glimpsing inside the world\u2019s largest occupied castle, now\u2019s your chance. Windsor Castle is over 900 years old, and if the walls could talk they\u2019d have some fascinating stories to share. The castle has a whopping 1,000 rooms, 300 fireplaces and perfectly manicured gardens. It\u2019s also said to be one of the most haunted places in England with countless ghost stories that\u2019ll make your hairs stand on end. Rumour has it Windsor is Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s favourite weekend digs. Keep an eye out for the royal flag \u2013 if it\u2019s up you know the Queen is home!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Step back in time in Bampton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bampton is full of old-world charm. You might even recognise it from the hit series, Downton Abbey<\/em>. It feels like you\u2019ve stepped back in time as you wander down cobbled streets with centuries-old buildings and quaint shops. Hop on a bicycle, explore on foot, sip your way through tea rooms and pubs, or simply find a patch of grass to watch the world go by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Explore quintessentially English villages <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Did you know the River Thames (or River Isis as they call it in Oxford) inspired Lewis Carrol\u2019s 1865 novel, Alice in Wonderland<\/em>? The Cotswolds’ rolling hills, stone cottages and bubbling streams have been inspiring literary giants and artists for centuries. Lechlade, Cricklade, Moreton-in-Marsh and Eynsham are just a few of the postcard-perfect villages dotted along the Thames\u2019 path. Spend a few hours getting lost and taking in the beauty of these ancient settlements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover the hidden gems along the river for yourself on a River Thames<\/a> tour.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There’s much more to the River Thames than meets the (London) eye. Check out our favourite things to do on the Thames.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16233,"featured_media":46434,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,14],"tags":[233,232],"class_list":["post-46403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-news","tag-england","tag-united-kingdom","ipf_region-united-kingdom"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n8 Fun Things to Do on the River Thames | Intrepid Travel Blog - The Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get out of the big smoke and into the gorgeous English countryside. 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