Hampton Court Palace & Return

Heading south on the picturesque South Oxford Canal, you’ll head towards the city of the same name, passing through Thrupp, which is close by to your first palace – Bleinham.

A UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace offers an incredible mix of history, stunning gardens, and outdoor adventures. The palace grounds are ideal for picnics, and the Butterfly House, maze, and adventure playground will keep children entertained for hours. You can reach Bleinham via a short taxi ride from Thrupp.

After Thrupp, you’ll cruise on to the famous city of Oxford, there’s lots to see and do here, perhaps our top recommendations are the Christ Church College tour, a visit to the Boolean Library and a walk through the historic city centre.

Leaving Oxford, join the River Thames (a licence will be required and can be purchased from the lock, roughly £80 for one week). Travel through the historic market towns of Abingdon and Wallingford, stopping at riverside pubs along the way and onwards to Basildon, where there are moorings for the Beale Park wildlife park. Continue on to the pretty village of Sonning and the attractive market town of Henley-on-Thames and visit the fantastic array of independent shops, the River & Rowing Museum or some of the many pubs, bars and eateries along the Oxford canals.

Moving on, you will pass through Marlow and Cookham cruising on to the town of Windsor to visit attractions such as Windsor Castle and Legoland. Cruise on towards Runnymede and Staines-upon-Thames and moor at Penton Hook marina to visit one of the UK’s biggest theme parks – Thorpe Park. Travel on past the towns of Chertsey and Weybridge to reach Hampton Court where you can explore the home of Henry VIII, visit the grand gardens and famous maze and spend time walking the corridors steeped in Tudor history before returning to base.