Best River Thames Tours & Holidays 2025/2026

The River Thames is so much more than meets the (London) eye...

Surrounded by lush countryside and dotted with quaint villages, there's so much to see and do along the riverbanks of the Thames. Join your local leader on a River Thames tour from source to sea to experience England's most iconic river the Intrepid way. Whether it's kayaking along the tranquil waters, cycling through charming villages in the Cotswolds, trying your luck at punting, or enjoying some much-deserved R&R in cosy pubs after your active adventures, this is the English countryside at its best.

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19 Days · Original

Best of England, Wales and Scotland

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27 Days · Original

Best of the United Kingdom

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River Thames highlights

Lake at Neigh Bridge Country Park, The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

Go wild swimming

You won’t find any plastic slides and chlorine smells around here. Spanning a mighty 40 square miles and surrounded by natural beauty, the Cotswold Water Park is the perfect place to recharge the batteries. Take a cool dip (trust us, there’s no better way to start your day!), glide across the water on a paddleboard, go wakeboarding or chill out on a lakeside beach with a good book.

Best of England, Wales and Scotland

Boating In Punts On River Cherwell In Oxford, England, on a summers day

Try your luck at punting

It wouldn’t be right to pass through Oxford without having a go at punting. Hitting the river on a flat-bottom wooden boat (AKA a 'punt') has been a favourite pastime in Oxford for hundreds of years. You can do a guided tour past the city’s most iconic spots or brave it in your very own boat to explore at your own pace. There’s plenty of pubs dotted along the riverbank to wet the whistle. From punt to pub – now that sounds like a great afternoon.

Best of Britain

English country house, in Bampton, Oxfordshire, on a sunny day

Soak up the old-world charm of Bampton

Could this old medieval town be any more delightful? Bampton oozes old-world charm with centuries-old buildings, quaint village shops and heaps of green space to sit and watch life go by. You might even recognise it from Downton Abbey – it’s where much of the hit series was filmed and it’s easy to imagine you’ve stepped back to the 1900s as you walk around. Hop on some wheels for a pleasant riverside cycle, explore the village on foot or sip your way through local tea rooms and pubs.

Best of the United Kingdom

Man standing on paddleboard on the River Thames at dawn, shot from behind

Go stand-up paddleboarding

Fancy seeing the Thames from a different perspective? What better way than hopping aboard a stand-up paddleboard. Float from Eyndsham all the way to Oxford while you soak up the quintessential English scenery. You might even get a few friendly waves from passersby – just make sure you're steady if you wave back, unless you fancy a dip! Paddleboarding can work up quite an appetite, but there are loads of pubs dotted along the banks to grab some hearty grub and refuel. 

Best of England, Wales and Scotland

Long walk to Windsor castle in spring, with pink flowers on the road, London suburbs, United Kingdom

Visit the majestic Windsor Castle

Fancy getting a glimpse inside the world’s largest occupied castle? Windsor Castle is over 900 years old and is said to be Queen Elizabeth’s II favourite weekend digs. It has a whopping 1,000 rooms, 300 fireplaces and magnificent gardens. Windsor is also said to be the most haunted royal residence and there are plenty of ghost stories that’ll make your hairs stand on end. Keep an eye out for the royal flag – if it’s up you know the Queen is home!

Landscape of Little Missenden nature and river Misbourne, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, England

Cycle the lush Chiltern Hills

Load your daysack with snacks and set off for a fun day of exploring on two wheels. Cycle through the rolling green Chiltern Hills and the gorgeous Hambledon Valley before reaching Windsor. Although the Chilterns are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are plenty of spots that are still a bit of a local secret – from bluebell-blanketed forests and secluded villages to Roman ruins and centuries-old stately homes.