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Hello and welcome to another special ‘Barge of the Month’ feature. This month we focus on the luxurious monarch of the Royal River Thames—the Magna Carta.
Taking 8 guests in great comfort she cruises between Hampton Court (the palacial former residence of Henry the Eighth) and Henley-on-Thames (famous location of the annual Royal Regatta)
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It’s clear that on this cruise you experience the very cream of unspoilt, rural England...
The interior of the Magna Carta is classically furnished, with large, leather sofas, hardwood fittings and oriental rugs. Quality oozes from everything on board, and the huge picture windows of the dining area and saloon mean that you even when inside the barge you still enjoy a wonderful view of the outside scenery.
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With a dedicated crew of 4 to look after your every need, you can really relax, knowing that you’re in safe hands.
To view
prices and a full description
of the
Magna Carta
click
here.
To see
more pictures of the interior
click
here.
To read
what past clients have said
about her click
here.
and...to enjoy a
preview of her food and wine
please click
here.
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Suites on the Magna Carta are pleasantly spacious by barging standards, and offer every comfort, from individual air conditioning for each cabin, to the underfloor heating in the bathrooms. TVs with DVD and CD capacity are in each suite, giving the option for spending some quiet time in your cabin when not exploring or relaxing up on deck or in the saloon.
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Wonderful natural woods have been used to excellent effect in many places, such as the floors in the cabins, and ceiling of the saloon and dining room. The colour theme of natural woods, white and dark blue are used expertly throughout the barge and the attention to detail is remarkable. Each suite has a couple of windows allowing plenty of natural light to enter your cabin (see above left for a spacious twin suite).
Above right you can see a typical Magna Carta bathroom. Masterfully tiled they each have large, well placed mirrors (even a magnifying mirror) and generous showers—as well as a lovely white washbasin and toilet of course. When we stayed on board I found there was plenty of room to spread out and apply make-up or take a little extra time to enjoy your shower, with lashings of hot water always available instantly at the turn of the tap.
Dining is always a special experience on the Magna Carta, using the finest cutlery and porcelain crockery. Thick linen napkins are always provided and the barge chef never fails to demonstrate his repertoire of culinary skills throughout the cruising week.
To enjoy a preview of her food and wine please click
here.
The large dining table and chairs occupy the one end of the large open plan saloon area and it’s a sheer delight to dine there whilst watching the sun set over a quintessentially English landscape. Different wines from all over the world are enjoyed on the Magna Carta, each one carefully chosen to complement each course presented to you. Your chef will come and explain what he has made for you at the very beginning of the meal, and you are waited on at the dining table by the barge Hostess.
Any allergies or dietary requirements are always noted and communicated to the chef prior to cruising so that he can plan your menus for the week well in advance of your arrival.
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A highlight of cruising on the Magna Carta as part of a theme cruise or a private charter can be cruising through the centre of London; past the Houses of Parliament (see right!) and floating gently under the Tower Bridge—spectacular!
Some highlights of the excursions you will enjoy during your cruise week include a tour of the ancient and reputedly haunted Hampton Court Palace (former home of Henry the Eight) and excellent Tudor Palace, Henley-on-Thames, the town of Windsor (moor up not far from the majestic castle), Runnymede and the JFK Memorial and Saville Gardens, the Stanley Spencer Art Gallery, plus of course enjoying such treats as traditional English cream teas, wandering around antique shops and much much more.
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Theme cruises offered by the Magna Carta are diverse and very interesting
—and include special cruise weeks to incorporate events such as tennis at Wimbledon, The Chelsea Flower Show Gardens Cruise, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Show, a World War II Cruise, Antiques Cruise, Ghosts and Ghouls Cruises— these last few with no supplement to pay.
Golf, tennis, Health and Relaxation, West End Theatre Cruises, walking and art workshop cruises all incur a supplement so please ask for details. The last three noted include the services of a Specialist Professional Guide.
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If you’re interested in cruising on the
Magna Carta
please
contact us
for further information or to check available dates for your cruise.
We’d love to hear from you.
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