Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat
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The Scholars Cruise
Benson > Oxford > Henley > Benson
Head up river to Oxford, where England’s oldest university has educated many prestigious alumni. Enjoy a barbeque in Beale Park and cycle through Pangbourne’s quiet meadows. Cruise past the Victorian red brick buildings of Reading to the typically English town of Henley-on-Thames, home to rowing and the famous summer regatta. Watch the racing ashore or stay on board for a prime view!
- Distance: 186 km
- Cruising Time: 32 hrs
- Locks: 30
- Return Trip
Benson > Oxford > Henley > Benson
Benson
This large, attractive village lies just 10 miles from Oxford at the foot of the beautiful Chiltern Hills. There is a village adjacent with a small supermarket, off licence and vegetable shop as well as an attractive pub serving meals
Wallingford
An attractive and lively historic riverside town, with a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants
Moulsford
A pretty village, just north of Streatley and south of Wallingford, famous for the Beetle and Wedge Hotel, which marks the site of the old ferry which once linked Moulsford and South Stoke, which face each other across the river. South Stoke has a pretty church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops.
Goring
This is a pretty village and boating centre set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In prehistoric times this was the site of an important ford across the river, linking the Icknield Way and the Ridgeway. Goring is often considered a ‘twin’ with nearby Streatley because they are linked by a river bridge and in the early 19th century, Streatley was the larger and more important village because it was on the turnpike road to Reading.
Pangbourne On Thames
Pangbourne Meadows, owned by National Trust, offers lots of space to relax, for children to run around and for walks in the beautiful countryside here. The railway station, at Shooters Hill, offers the opportunity for sightseeing further afield. In June, Pangbourne Fete is well worth a visit.
Reading
Reading is a thriving town with a full range of shops and services. In the past, it was famous for the 3 'B's - Biscuits (Huntley & Palmers), Beer (Simmonds Brewery) and Bulbs (Suttons Seeds). Today, Reading is strongly into more modern business and has undergone major regeneration in recent years. There is a large Tesco supermarket here, conveniently situated alongside the riverbank - ideal for restocking.
Henley
Henley on Thames is a very picturesque, mainly Georgian town. It has many many listed buildings and retains a medieval street layout. The Market Place and its continuation, Hart Street, are dominated by St Mary's Church at one end and the late Victorian Town Hall at the other. The town is of course famous for the Henley Royal Regatta and is a regular finalist in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition. The market square hosts regular weekly markets, and there many attractive pubs in the town. Henley has good transport links with surrounding towns and cities - London, Reading, Slough, Maidenhead and Oxford are all easily accessible from Henley station
