Cruising in England - The Barge Company

Which barges cruise in this area?

Barge Name	Price Range (per person) and Maximum number of guests
ACTIEF	$2000-$4000 11 guests
MAGNA CARTA	$3000-$4000 8 guests

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?

Royal Palaces, private stately homes, country watermills, the rowing Regatta at Henley, the Queen’s swans, Eton college and many other prestigious venues and interesting cultural experiences await you. Come along and see how it feels to tread in the footsteps of royalty, whilst floating on your private luxury hotel.

Click on map to enlarge

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.

The spacious and luxurious Magna Carta (above)		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.

Left to right, above—the beautiful Magna Carta dining table, a delightful Actief twin cabin and the Actief cruising serenely on the River Thames.

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 this 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—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 ’outsider’ is usually allowed access to, such as stately homes and historic buildings of note.

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.