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The following barges cruise in this area:
Cruising in England on the Royal River Thames is the
absolute height of decadence. For centuries English
monarchs have savoured the pleasures of boating on
the Thames, so why not come and try it for yourself?
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Interactive Map
Click to explore this region and see barge cruise routes
(Opens as a popup window) |
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Royal Palaces, private stately homes, country watermills,
the rowing Regatta at Henley, the Queen’s perfect
white swans, Eton College and many other prestigious
venues and interesting cultural experiences await you on our
luxury hotel-barge cruises. Follow in the footsteps of royalty,
as you experience the heart of traditional England whilst floating
on your private luxury hotel.
Where is it?
The River Thames runs between Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds, through London
to join the sea on the east coast. It has run this course for half a million years and the finest stretches of
the River Thames are enjoyed to the west of London, between Windsor and Oxford, exactly where
our two luxury hotel-barges cruise in splendour through the lush English countryside.
What are the cruises like?
Utterly charming! On these cruises you will experience the
prettiest, lushest, most verdant scenery, from flowery meadows dotted with grand, ancient oak trees,
to fields of ripe corn swaying in the warm breeze and gentle woodland as you glide next to the rushy
banks and islets on your gentle journey through the heart of England. Quaint towns and villages will
welcome you here and there as you moor up to explore, and the private visits to stately homes and
prestigious places of learning such as Eton and Oxford Colleges, will leave you with an authentic feel
for the very cream of English culture and heritage. Interesting museums, traditions and customs
will be explored and revealed to you wherever you go. This is definitely a ‘must do’ cruise.
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The spacious and luxurious Magna Carta (above)
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Big Ben (below
left) welcomes you to London,
where you can enjoy the bright lights and cultural
riches of this exciting capital city- either
pre or post cruise.
Actief (left) takes up to 11 guests and
Magna Carta (far left) takes up to 8 guests. Both barges are available for private charter by private groups.
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Left to right, above—the beautiful
Magna Carta dining table, a delightful
Actief twin cabin and the
Actief cruising serenely on the River Thames. |
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How does this waterway compare with others in Europe?
This is
a truly special waterway. The richness of its history and the land through which it wends is incredible.
The river itself is surprisingly intimate and on your cruise it is nowhere near as wide
as it is in the centre of London. The multitude of interesting possible excursions along this
wonderful route make cruises on the Thames astound you and you will realise that you were missing
out on something really beautiful before your remarkable cruise through the heart of England.
Most people who have cruised here wish they could return to the gentle tranquillity and
the restfulness that was theirs during their cruise.
Why would I want to cruise here?
- Because you are seeking a quaint and
gentle cruise through the heart of majestic, historic countryside. The weather is never intensely
hot so those sensitive to the sun can really relax in this mild but often sunny climate. For
sun-seekers July and August are the best months to cruise.
- Because you will be delightfully surprised by the quality of the excellent cuisine on these
barges—much of which has its roots in the best of traditionally English fare.
- Because you enjoy cycling or hiking—there are great routes through the most gorgeous countryside.
Maps and compasses can be provided!
- Because you are fascinated by history and perhaps also royalty...you’re sure to learn a few little-
known facts about the English royal family (past and present!) on this cruise!
- Because you enjoy private tours of places no member of the public is usually allowed access to,
such as certain stately homes and historic buildings of note.
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The regal Magna Carta on the River Thames…
From left to right—a beautifully appointed bathroom, fun on the sun deck and one of her spacious
staterooms.
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How can I travel to this area?
Flying to England makes a lot of sense for many of our clients. Here are the main airports of interest in this cruising region:
- London Heathrow - 20km from the centre of London.
The busiest and
largest international airport in the UK, offering flights to destinations throughout the world.
- London Gatwick - 25km from the centre of London
Offers scheduled international flights.
- London Stansted - 45km from the centre of London
Offers scheduled international flights.
- London City - 5km from the centre of London
Offers scheduled European and UK Domestic flights, plus a single service to New York.
In addition to major airports, there are several smaller airfields and aerodromes in this region suitable for private aviation use:
- Oxford Airport - 8km from the city centre.
Offers scheduled flights to the British Channel Islands, and is also available for private charter flights.
- Northolt Jet Centre - 20km from the centre of London.
Operated by London City Airport this airfield is available for private charter flights.
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