Thames boat hire: self-drive river boats & boating holidays

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Overview

When approaching Henley-on-Thames, you gaze at a postcard-perfect scene — sculling crews row sleek craft, and colourful waterfront pubs and shops look inviting. You know you’re in the midst of quintessential England, so you stop for a lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding washed down with a pint of local ale, a favourite on River Thames cruises!

Top highlights:

• Wallingford’s castle and famous market
• Goring’s Hartslock and Withymead nature reserves
• The Georgian Manor and exotic animals of Beale Park in Pangbourne

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Wallingford: The Royal Borough of Wallingford was once home to 14 churches! While most are long gone, there’s still plenty to see, from independent shops and markets to cafes and restaurants. Markets are held every Friday with a farmers’ market on the third Tuesday of each month. The castle ruins and gardens are a nice place for a picnic. Wallingford is perhaps most famous for being the home of Agatha Christie and the setting for many of her stories.
• Moulsford: A small, but pretty village which faces South Stoke on the opposite bank. South Stoke has a quaint church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops but the highlight in Moulsford is the famous Beetle and Wedge Hotel.
• Goring: This pretty town sits between the Chilterns and the Berksrent Downs within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The Norman church of St Thomas can be seen overlooking the river and there are many shops, restaurants and bars to help while away a lazy afternoon.
• Pangbourne: Pangbourne dates back to Saxon Times. Lord Nelson’s Bo’Sun lived in Pangbourne and is buried at St James the Less church, built in 1660. The individual shops are full of character and the surrounding area is ideal for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
• Reading: Famous as one of the UK’s top ten retail destinations, the heart of Reading offers much more than superb shopping. The Forbury Gardens, a nationally acclaimed Victorian formal garden, leads you beautifully to the ruins of Reading Abbey, an ancient monument and burial place of a King of England.
• Sonning: Sonning-On-Thames is a picturesque riverside village with half timbered Tudor houses and is one of the prettiest stops along the Thames. Sonning Lock, with its colourful gardens, is a lovely place for a stroll and the impressive arched bridge, built in 1775, spans the River Thames perfectly.
• Henley-upon-Thames: Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.
• Marlow: Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.

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Overview

England’s city of learning, venerable Oxford, rises in understated grandeur over the shimmering blue of the Thames. You’re all set to go ashore to sightsee, shop, dine and trek the river’s excellent trail. The laid-back quality of the landscape has soothed you, and you’re glad you made sure your Thames riverboat cruise included some bird-watching at Benson Lock.

Top highlights:

• Abingdon’s historic market town with seventeenth century buildings 
• The Anglo-Saxon architecture of Oxford, with an endless array of beautiful libraries
• Wallingford’s castle and famous market 
• Strolling through the half-timbered houses of Sonning-On-Thames

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Dorchester: Dorchester-on-Thames is a village at the confluence of the River Thames and its tributary The Thames. It is ideal for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside by foot or bicycle. For something different to do, nearby Day’s Lock hosts the World Pooh Sticks Championships every spring.
• Abingdon: Abingdon, a lovely market town, has some 56 buildings from the 17th century and prior. Evidence also exists of a 6,000 year old settlement, making this the oldest, continuously-occupied town in Britain. By contrast, it’s known for its MG car manufacturing and was one of the UK’s first towns to offer free wi-fi for all.
• Oxford: Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, will inspire and enchant you with its architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Home to royalty and scholars for over 900 years, it is full of old buildings, many owned by the famous University. Excellent shopping, museums and tours will keep you busy for a whole day at least.
• Wallingford: The Royal Borough of Wallingford was once home to 14 churches! While most are long gone, there’s still plenty to see, from independent shops and markets to cafes and restaurants. Markets are held every Friday with a farmers’ market on the third Tuesday of each month. The castle ruins and gardens are a nice place for a picnic. Wallingford is perhaps most famous for being the home of Agatha Christie and the setting for many of her stories.
• Moulsford: A small, but pretty village which faces South Stoke on the opposite bank. South Stoke has a quaint church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops but the highlight in Moulsford is the famous Beetle and Wedge Hotel.
• Goring: This pretty town sits between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The Norman church of St Thomas can be seen overlooking the river and there are many shops, restaurants and bars to help while away a lazy afternoon.
• Pangbourne: Pangbourne dates back to Saxon Times. Lord Nelson’s Bo’Sun lived in Pangbourne and is buried at St James the Less church, built in 1660. The individual shops are full of character and the surrounding area is ideal for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
• Reading: Famous as one of the UK’s top ten retail destinations, the heart of Reading offers much more than superb shopping. The Forbury Gardens, a nationally acclaimed Victorian formal garden, leads you beautifully to the ruins of Reading Abbey, an ancient monument and burial place of a King of England.
• Sonning: Sonning-On-Thames is a picturesque riverside village with half timbered Tudor houses and is one of the prettiest stops along the Thames. Sonning Lock, with its colourful gardens, is lovely place for a stroll and the impressive arched bridge, built in 1775, spans the River Thames perfectly.
• Henley-upon-Thames: Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.
• Marlow: Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.

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Overview

You have fun trying to make the palace guards at Windsor Castle smile, but you don’t succeed! Then you take a picnic lunch to the Royal Gardens to relax under the warm sun, vastly content from the rigors of the morning. Royal Cruise boat holidays on the Thames have bewitched with the grand castles and homes you’ve seen so far!

Top highlights:

• The Georgian Manor and exotic animals of Beale Park in Pangbourne
• Maidenhead’s multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants
• Windsor’s Abbey and Castle
• Stopping for tea at Cliveden House

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Wallingford: The Royal Borough of Wallingford was once home to 14 churches! While most are long gone, there’s still plenty to see, from independent shops and markets to cafes and restaurants. Markets are held every Friday with a farmers’ market on the third Tuesday of each month. The castle ruins and gardens are a nice place for a picnic. Wallingford is perhaps most famous for being the home of Agatha Christie and the setting for many of her stories.
• Moulsford: A small, but pretty village which faces South Stoke on the opposite bank. South Stoke has a quaint church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops but the highlight in Moulsford is the famous Beetle and Wedge Hotel.
• Goring: This pretty town sits between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The Norman church of St Thomas can be seen overlooking the river and there are many shops, restaurants and bars to help while away a lazy afternoon.
• Pangbourne: Pangbourne dates back to Saxon Times. Lord Nelson’s Bo’Sun lived in Pangbourne and is buried at St James the Less church, built in 1660. The individual shops are full of character and the surrounding area is ideal for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
• Reading: Famous as one of the UK’s top ten retail destinations, the heart of Reading offers much more than superb shopping. The Forbury Gardens, a nationally acclaimed Victorian formal garden, leads you beautifully to the ruins of Reading Abbey, an ancient monument and burial place of a King of England.
• Sonning: Sonning-On-Thames is a picturesque riverside village with half timbered Tudor houses and is one of the prettiest stops along the Thames. Sonning Lock, with its colourful gardens, is a lovely place for a stroll and the impressive arched bridge, built in 1775, spans the River Thames perfectly.
• Henley-upon-Thames: Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.
• Marlow: Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.
• Cliveden: As the river snakes past Cookham, the beechwoods rise steeply and you will see the Cliveden Estate. A country retreat on a grand scale, it was once the glittering hub of society; visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I.
• Cookham: Cookham is a pretty village with a delightful High Street that has changed little over the centuries. Today it boasts many fine restaurants and inns. Kenneth Grahame lived in Cookham and is said to have been inspired by the River Thames at Cookham to write The Wind in the Willows.
• Maidenhead: Maidenhead is an ancient town with a history going back to early Saxon times. This bustling town is now a centre of rowing excellence. It is a popular destination for shoppers and, for those who love fine dining; the area is home to some fantastic restaurants including some Michelin-starred venues.
• Eton: Across the river from Windsor is Eton, home to the famous public school, Eton College, one of the most exclusive schools in the world with annual fees of around £20,000. The ancient desks and benches bear the graffiti of generations of former pupils, which include 19 former British Prime Ministers.
• Windsor: The Royal Town of Windsor is full of history and charm and is home to Britain’s largest inhabited castle and royal residence of over 900 years – Windsor Castle. You’ll also find a bustling town centre with contemporary shopping, fine dining and leisure activities. Well worth a stop for the day.

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Overview

Every medieval village you pass draws the eye with ornate buildings and beautiful waterfronts. You’ve just gone by Beale Park outside Goring, but you didn’t stop for a picnic. Instead, you travel on to spend the night in Henley-on-Thames. You’ve decided to take it slow and easy on your River Thames boat rent, savouring the delights of cycling, golf and hanging out in friendly pubs!

Top highlights:

• Windsor’s Abbey and Castle
• Goring’s Hartslock and Withymead nature reserves
• Maidenhead’s multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants
• Stopping for tea at Cliveden House

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Wallingford: The Royal Borough of Wallingford was once home to 14 churches! While most are long gone, there’s still plenty to see, from independent shops and markets to cafes and restaurants. Markets are held every Friday with a farmers’ market on the third Tuesday of each month. The castle ruins and gardens are a nice place for a picnic. Wallingford is perhaps most famous for being the home of Agatha Christie and the setting for many of her stories.
• Moulsford: A small, but pretty village which faces South Stoke on the opposite bank. South Stoke has a quaint church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops but the highlight in Moulsford is the famous Beetle and Wedge Hotel.
• Goring: This pretty town sits between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The Norman church of St Thomas can be seen overlooking the river and there are many shops, restaurants and bars to help while away a lazy afternoon.
• Pangbourne: Pangbourne dates back to Saxon Times. Lord Nelson’s Bo’Sun lived in Pangbourne and is buried at St James the Less church, built in 1660. The individual shops are full of character and the surrounding area is ideal for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
• Reading: Famous as one of the UK’s top ten retail destinations, the heart of Reading offers much more than superb shopping. The Forbury Gardens, a nationally acclaimed Victorian formal garden, leads you beautifully to the ruins of Reading Abbey, an ancient monument and burial place of a King of England.
• Sonning: Sonning-On-Thames is a picturesque riverside village with half timbered Tudor houses and is one of the prettiest stops along the Thames. Sonning Lock, with its colourful gardens, is a lovely place for a stroll and the impressive arched bridge, built in 1775, spans the River Thames perfectly.
• Henley-upon-Thames: Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.
• Marlow: Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.
• Cliveden: As the river snakes past Cookham, the beechwoods rise steeply and you will see the Cliveden Estate. A country retreat on a grand scale, it was once the glittering hub of society; visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I.
• Cookham: Cookham is a pretty village with a delightful High Street that has changed little over the centuries. Today it boasts many fine restaurants and inns. Kenneth Grahame lived in Cookham and is said to have been inspired by the River Thames at Cookham to write The Wind in the Willows.
• Maidenhead: Maidenhead is an ancient town with a history going back to early Saxon times. This bustling town is now a centre of rowing excellence. It is a popular destination for shoppers and, for those who love fine dining; the area is home to some fantastic restaurants including some Michelin-starred venues.
• Eton: Across the river from Windsor is Eton, home to the famous public school, Eton College, one of the most exclusive schools in the world with annual fees of around £20,000. The ancient desks and benches bear the graffiti of generations of former pupils, which include 19 former British Prime Ministers.
• Windsor: The Royal town of Windsor is full of history and charm and is home to Britain’s largest inhabited castle and royal residence of over 900 years – Windsor Castle. You’ll also find a bustling town centre with contemporary shopping, fine dining and leisure activities. Well worth a stop for the day.
• Runnymede: Nearly 800 years ago, King John met with a group of barons on Magna Carta Island in Runnymede. It was here he signed a historic document which is seen by many as the symbolic first step on the road to modern democracy. Today, in this spirit, Runnymede has several memorials to the ongoing struggle for liberty – a trio of thought-provoking places which are worth a stop at to reflect, ponder and remember.
• Staines: Staines is a bustling town which attracts scores of visitors to its impressive retail areas – The Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers, as well as the town centre with its pedestrianised shopping area offering a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.

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Overview

Hampton Court Palace, once the home of King Henry VIII, looms above you and the circular fountain in front murmurs in the background. You smile as you recall the varied charms of your Thames riverboat cruise, a unique way to travel! The world just looks different from a boat, and you know that now at the end of the trip! Cycling, pubs, historic sites — it was all part of the fun!

Top highlights:

• Windsor’s Abbey and Castle
• Exploring the history of the Magna Carta in Runnymede
• An exhilarating day of fun at Thorpe Park in Staines
• Learning about the history of Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace in Richmond

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Wallingford: The Royal Borough of Wallingford was once home to 14 churches! While most are long gone, there’s still plenty to see, from independent shops and markets to cafes and restaurants. Markets are held every Friday with a farmers’ market on the third Tuesday of each month. The castle ruins and gardens are a nice place for a picnic. Wallingford is perhaps most famous for being the home of Agatha Christie and the setting for many of her stories.
• Moulsford: A small, but pretty village which faces South Stoke on the opposite bank. South Stoke has a quaint church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops but the highlight in Moulsford is the famous Beetle and Wedge Hotel.
• Goring: This pretty town sits between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The Norman church of St Thomas can be seen overlooking the river and there are many shops, restaurants and bars to help while away a lazy afternoon.
• Pangbourne: Pangbourne dates back to Saxon Times. Lord Nelson’s Bo’Sun lived in Pangbourne and is buried at St James the Less church, built in 1660. The individual shops are full of character and the surrounding area is ideal for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
• Reading: Famous as one of the UK’s top ten retail destinations, the heart of Reading offers much more than superb shopping. The Forbury Gardens, a nationally acclaimed Victorian formal garden, leads you beautifully to the ruins of Reading Abbey, an ancient monument and burial place of a King of England.
• Sonning: Sonning-On-Thames is a picturesque riverside village with half timbered Tudor houses and is one of the prettiest stops along the Thames. Sonning Lock, with its colourful gardens, is a lovely place for a stroll and the impressive arched bridge, built in 1775, spans the River Thames perfectly.
• Henley-upon-Thames: Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.
• Marlow: Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.
• Cliveden: As the river snakes past Cookham, the beechwoods rise steeply and you will see the Cliveden Estate. A country retreat on a grand scale, it was once the glittering hub of society; visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I.
• Cookham: Cookham is a pretty village with a delightful High Street that has changed little over the centuries. Today it boasts many fine restaurants and inns. Kenneth Grahame lived in Cookham and is said to have been inspired by the River Thames at Cookham to write The Wind in the Willows.
• Maidenhead: Maidenhead is an ancient town with a history going back to early Saxon times. This bustling town is now a centre of rowing excellence. It is a popular destination for shoppers and, for those who love fine dining; the area is home to some fantastic restaurants including some Michelin-starred venues.
• Eton: Across the river from Windsor is Eton, home to the famous public school, Eton College, one of the most exclusive schools in the world with annual fees of around £20,000. The ancient desks and benches bear the graffiti of generations of former pupils, which include 19 former British Prime Ministers.
• Windsor: The Royal Town of Windsor is full of history and charm and is home to Britain’s largest inhabited castle and royal residence of over 900 years – Windsor Castle. You’ll also find a bustling town centre with contemporary shopping, fine dining and leisure activities. Well worth a stop for the day.
• Runnymede: Nearly 800 years ago, King John met with a group of barons on Magna Carta Island in Runnymede. It was here he signed a historic document which is seen by many as the symbolic first step on the road to modern democracy. Today, in this spirit, Runnymede has several memorials to the ongoing struggle for liberty – a trio of thought-provoking places which are worth a stop at to reflect, ponder and remember.
• Staines: Staines is a bustling town which attracts scores of visitors to its impressive retail areas – The Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers, as well as the town centre with its pedestrianised shopping area offering a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.
• Kingston-Upon-Thames: Kingston-upon-Thames was once the coronation place of Saxon Kings (902 – 978). Today this busy market town has developed into a major shopping and entertainment hub, although it retains much of its original charm. It also has a strong arts culture and a vibrant festival programme.

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Overview

The easy going pace of a River Thames boat rent relaxes you almost immediately after you get going. The villages with waterside pubs and pretty greens tempt you to stop, and you often do! Cycling takes you into the countryside to get a real taste of beautiful England, and sightseeing is unforgettable in Windsor!

Top highlights:

• Windsor’s Abbey and Castle
• Henley’s extraordinary church and market square
• Maidenhead’s multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants
• Stopping for tea at Cliveden House

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Staines: Staines is a bustling town which attracts scores of visitors to its impressive retail areas – The Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers, as well as the town centre with its pedestrianised shopping area offering a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.
• Windsor: The Royal Town of Windsor is full of history and charm and is home to Britain’s largest inhabited castle and royal residence of over 900 years – Windsor Castle. You’ll also find a bustling town centre with contemporary shopping, fine dining and leisure activities. Well worth a stop for the day.
• Eton: Across the river from Windsor is Eton, home to the famous public school, Eton College, one of the most exclusive schools in the world with annual fees of around £20,000. The ancient desks and benches bear the graffiti of generations of former pupils, which include 19 former British Prime Ministers.
• Maidenhead: Maidenhead is an ancient town with a history going back to early Saxon times. This bustling town is now a centre of rowing excellence. It is a popular destination for shoppers and, for those who love fine dining; the area is home to some fantastic restaurants including some Michelin-starred venues.
• Cookham: Cookham is a pretty village with a delightful High Street that has changed little over the centuries. Today it boasts many fine restaurants and inns. Kenneth Grahame lived in Cookham and is said to have been inspired by the River Thames at Cookham to write The Wind in the Willows.
• Cliveden: As the river snakes past Cookham, the beechwoods rise steeply and you will see the Cliveden Estate. A country retreat on a grand scale, it was once the glittering hub of society; visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I.
• Marlow: Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of ‘Swan Upping’ when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.
• Henley-upon-Thames: Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world’s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.

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Overview

Standing in front of the stately Hampton Court Palace near Kingston-upon-Thames, you think about King Henry VIII, who once lived there. You spend time sightseeing, and then your cruise on the Thames lures you past Chertsey to incredible Windsor Castle. Along the way, you stop often at waterside pubs for a bit of steak and kidney pie!

Top highlights:

• The ancient markets in Kingston-upon-Thames
• Windsor’s Abbey and Castle
• Exploring the history of the Magna Carta in Runnymede

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Kingston-Upon-Thames: Kingston-upon-Thames was once the coronation place of Saxon Kings (902 – 978). Today this busy market town has developed into a major shopping and entertainment hub, although it retains much of its original charm. It also has a strong arts culture and a vibrant festival programme.
• Staines: Staines is a bustling town which attracts scores of visitors to its impressive retail areas – The Elmsleigh Centre and Two Rivers, as well as the town centre with its pedestrianised shopping area offering a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.
• Runnymede: Nearly 800 years ago, King John met with a group of barons on Magna Carta Island in Runnymede. It was here he signed a historic document which is seen by many as the symbolic first step on the road to modern democracy. Today, in this spirit, Runnymede has several memorials to the ongoing struggle for liberty – a trio of thought-provoking places which are worth a stop at to reflect, ponder and remember.
• Egham: This water-meadow alongside the Thames makes a great place to moor up and enjoy a stroll or reflect on world history. Visit the Literary Institute to browse through archaeological items and paintings.
• Windsor: The Royal Town of Windsor is full of history and charm and is home to Britain’s largest inhabited castle and royal residence of over 900 years – Windsor Castle. You’ll also find a bustling town centre with contemporary shopping, fine dining and leisure activities. Well worth a stop for the day.
• Eton: Across the river from Windsor is Eton, home to the famous public school, Eton College, one of the most exclusive schools in the world with annual fees of around £20,000. The ancient desks and benches bear the graffiti of generations of former pupils, which include 19 former British Prime Ministers.