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About Thames Canoes
We're canoeing people with a passion that has taken us on a 30 year world wide journey where we've gathered incredible experience and the highest qualifications. This gives us a unique understanding of what makes for a first-class and completely enjoyable river trip.
We have got loads from our canoeing and that underlies our purpose at Thames Canoes. We want to provide opportunities for people to get out there, in the river environment, in a canoe enjoying the unique perspective travelling this way offers.
When you contact us, you'll notice straight away that we are energetically engaged in our purpose, giving you the information you need and friendly support, to help to establish your personal requirements.
With Thames Canoes you can be sure you're in the best possible hands.
The River Thames
The River Thames begins as a trickle of water flowing through a field in the Cotswolds, 30 miles above Cricklade. From Cricklade the river is a small and wild stream, until at Lechlade the first small motor launches appear and from then on the Thames is managed by a series of locks.
From Oxford to Windsor grand old houses, churches, colleges and, at Windsor, a Castle decorate the banks and are immaculately maintained. For lovers of England's gentler history and countryside, this stretch is hard to beat. The most popular section between Oxford and Windsor lies between Wallingford and Windsor. The full paddle would take three days, though it's easy to take a chunk off the start or end so that you can enjoy a two day trip.
From Windsor the pull of the city is always felt and at Teddington the gentle waters of the Thames mix with the sea as the river becomes tidal.
Books and Resources We Recommend
Three Men in a Boat
Author: Jerome K Jerome
If you read no other book, read this one. An hilarous tale of three work-shy bumblers, and their fox terrier, Montmorency, following their mis-adventures whilst boating along the Thames.
The River Thames Book
Author: Chris Cove Smith
A complete guide to the navigable Thames. Written for motor boats, the book contains factual information detailing all the facilities available on the river. Also contains maps.
Pubs of the River Thames
Author: Mark Turner
Beautifully illustrated with high quality photography, contains listings of all the best pubs along the river. Invaluable!
Pub Paddles
Author: Peter Knowles
A nifty book listing loads of canoe trips accross the south of England. Great maps and lots of detail make this a valuable resource for any canoeist.
The Stag & Hen Package
Sonning to Maidenhead
Quick Facts
| Online Price (Per Person) | £99 |
| Duration | 2 Days |
| Day 1 Distance | 12.11 Miles |
| Day 2 Distance | 9.34 Miles |
| Total Distance | 21.45 Miles |
| Locks | 8 |
This trip is suitable for all and perfect for Stags and Hens. It's a rural trip taking in classic Thames towns of Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead. Along the way you'll see much wildlife, landscape and architecture. Camping and breakfast are included in this package.
Henley to Marlow
Henley to Marlow
Quick Facts
| Online Price (Per Canoe) | £75 |
| Duration | 1 Day |
| Distance | 8.35 Miles |
| Locks | 3 |
This trip is suitable for all. It's a short rural trip taking in classic Thames towns of Henley and Marlow. Along the way you'll see much wildlife, landscape and architecture
Culham to Purley
Culham to Purley
Quick Facts
| Online Price (Per Canoe) | £140 |
| Duration | 2 Days |
| Day 1 Distance | 10.99 Miles |
| Day 2 Distance | 12.23 Miles |
| Total Distance | 23.22 Miles |
| Locks | 9 |
This trip is suitable for all. It's a very rural trip taking in the best of British countryside with much wildlife, landscape and architecture to be observed. Meandering, rural, green and pleasant ... The British countryside at its best!