Thames River Cruise

Classic Itinerary

Day 1: London - Hampton Court Palace
Day 2: Hampton Court Palace - Shepperton
Day 3: Shepperton - Windsor
Day 4: Windsor - Cliveden
Day 5: Cliveden - Hurley
Day 6: Hurley - Henley on Thames and Oxford
Day 7: Henley to London

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. If you are chartering the entire vessel, the itinerary can be tailored for your group. Please contact us to find out what the possibilities are on the certain week of your interest. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Day 1: London - Hampton Court Palace
A crew member will meet you at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3 pm for an English Afternoon Tea, before being transferred at 4 pm to the Magna Carta. Onboard, there will be a Champagne reception and welcome. You will moor for the overnight outside Hampton Court, the former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII.  Gourmet dinner will be served on board this evening and every evening thereafter.

Day 2: Hampton Court Palace -  Shepperton
This morning, there is ample time to really explore Hampton Court Palace, the most fabulous Tudor home, once belonging to Cardinal Wolsey until acquired by Henry VIII!  You walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today, with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens, the oldest growing grapevine, and the famous maze! After lunch, you enjoy your first cruise, up through Molesey Lock, and following the meandering path of the river through Sunbury to the overnight mooring on Shepperton Lock. 

Day 3: Shepperton -  Windsor
This morning, the Magna Carta cruises to Windsor, navigating the Thames through Chertsey, past Penton Hook Marina and Bell Weir Lock through Runnymede. This is where King John faced the barons in 1215 and was forced to put his seal on the Magna Carta, the document which was the very first Bill of Rights and from which your vessel takes its name. From the boat, the Magna Carta Memorial and Magna Carta Island where the sealing took place is clearly visible. This afternoon's excursion is to Windsor Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in for over 900 years by the Royal Family. This is the largest inhabited castle in the world. You explore the State Apartments, see Queen Mary’s dollhouse, and St George’s Chapel. From its elevated fortress position, you will enjoy the far-reaching views. 

Day 4: Windsor - Cliveden
After breakfast, guests are transferred to Dorney Court. This very special home has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years passing from father to son through 13 generations. King Henry VIII has stayed here and the manor is regularly used for filming including “Poirot” and most recently “The Other Boleyn Girl”. You will be treated to a private tour of the house. After Dorney Court, you have the opportunity to spend some time in Eton or Windsor. As lunch commences on board, the Magna Carta cruises up to Boveney Lock, passing the fabulous waterside homes of Bray and Maidenhead, Boulters Lock (made famous in Victorian times), and into the spectacular Cliveden Reach. The ship has special permission to moor at the house itself!

Day 5: Cliveden - Hurley
Today you visit the little village of Cookham. Cookham was once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Sir Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters. Much of his work was painted in and around Cookham. A visit to his gallery here is on the agenda. Upon returning to Cliveden, you will enjoy a tour. Cliveden was once owned by the Astor family, though the original house dates back to 1666. The gardens are simply amazing and include a Parterre, Chinese water garden, and a topiary. You will discuss the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous!! On your return, you will be served a lovely lunch as you cruise through Bourne End and Marlow to Hurley. Once moored up for the night, there is to explore the ancient 11th-century village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country.

Day 6: Hurley - Henley on Thames and Oxford
The last day begins with an early morning tour of Peter Freebody’s boatyard where you watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work, building and restoring wooden boats as they have done for generations. A morning cruise will then lead to Henley on the Thames through the fabulous countryside to the final mooring in Remenham, a small village on the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. Following an early lunch, you will be transferred to Oxford. Here enjoy a fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college, founded twice, once by Cardinal Wolsey and then by King Henry VIII. This is the magnificent surroundings in which Lewis Carrol wrote Alice in Wonderland. This evening you will enjoy your final night and a Captain's farewell dinner.

Day 7: Henley - London
Following breakfast, disembark at 9.30 am and return to London or to Heathrow Airport.

Ask us about our 4-day option for a shorter cruise.

• Magna Carta

  Deluxe

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Once a working barge in Holland and Belgium, the Magna Carta has been converted into a luxury cruising vessel, navigating England's Upper Thames River. Accommodating only 8 passengers, this deluxe ship is the perfect size for an exclusive charter and itinerary or join a set departure! Read More