Thames Boating Holiday ( VIDEO )

By Dipika Patel


A boat trip on the River Thames is a great way to see the sights of London and its surroundings if you're planning a UK boating holiday.

If you'd like to experience the capital in a new way and avoid the noisy evenings staying in accommodation in the centre, a Thames boating holiday could be the perfect break for you.

You can begin your boating holiday in the UK at Benson, near Oxford, or Chertsey, near Windsor, and cruise in either direction, taking in London's most famous landmarks as you go. The slow pace of boating makes it an ideal way to spend a vacation if you're looking to relax.

And its also a great way of getting up close to the city's attractions, as the river is within easy reach of such renowned locations as Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. Take in the sights from your boat and decide which you'd like to see on foot.

As you drift down the river, you'll journey through some of England's oldest towns, including Pangbourne, Reading, Marlow, Cookham and Henley-upon-Thames, but you don't need to alight at any of the locations unless you choose to. With a boating trip, you're free to explore whichever of the towns you like, at your leisure.

You'll also find some of the country's top attractions close by, such as Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland and Thorpe Park - which might be great places to visit if you're a thrill-seeker or travelling with youngsters.

As well as the fantastic theme parks, there's plenty of scenery to enjoy, too. You might like to spend an evening moored at a beauty spot along the waterway and watch the sun set over the countryside landscape, or take a day trip to Beale Park wildlife reserve and gardens if you're hoping to get closer to nature.

It's likely that on your Thames boating break you'll want to visit some of London's most well-known locations, so continue on down the river until you reach Windsor. The ancient town is home to the spectacular Windsor Castle, which is the oldest and largest fortress to still be inhabited in the world. And while you're in the area, don't miss the changing of the guard.

There's plenty to see and do in the royal borough - perhaps you might enjoy calling in at Ascot or Royal Windsor Racecourse and watching the horses in action, or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the area to see it in its full glory.

A major attraction in Windsor is Savill Garden. Created in the 1930s, the ornamental garden covers 35 acres and is divided into all manner of planting groups. Here you'll find rare and exotic species of flora as well as hybrids.

And after all that exploring, you can return to the peace and quiet of your boat for a restful night's sleep away from the bustling centre and prepare for another day of leisurely drifting.

The next stop on your London tour might well be another of the capital's most renowned locations - Oxford. The city is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, so why not pay a visit and explore the buildings, which have been accepting scholars for over 800 years? You might also enjoy exploring the centre, where you'll find Victorian shopping arcades.

If you'd like to broaden your knowledge during your boating holiday, you could always pay a visit to Oxford University Museum of Natural History or the Museum of the History of Science, or go and view the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments.

When you've exhausted the city's attractions, continue your journey along the Thames towards the historical destination of Kingston-upon-Thames. The area is where you'll discover the first crossing point of the Thames upstream from London Bridge was erected, and is now the site of Kingston Bridge. It's also known for its arts, so call in at one of the theatres and enjoy a performance one evening.

If you continue on, you'll arrive at Richmond upon Thames, another historical location. You may well want to alight your boat here and make your way to Hampton Court Palace. Built in the 1500s, the structure was a favourite of King Henry VIII and his family and now features exhibitions about the famous resident. You can explore the palace's hidden sections and even watch the cooks whip up meals in the kitchens that would once have been eaten by the king.

And then it's time to return to your boat and put your feet up for another night of tranquility on the river.

A boat trip on the River Thames could be a great way of exploring London and its surroundings. And with UK boating holidays widely available, you're sure to find something to cater for your needs on a Thames boating holiday. Check out Le Boat for a wide selection of boating holidays in the UK.

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