Boat hire & yacht charter in River Thames, United Kingdom

Hire a canal boat on River Thames 

Running at 330 kilometres, the River Thames is the longest river in England. It makes its way across southern England, cutting across cities such as Reading and Oxford. You can also hire a boat in London. It has a tidal section between the Thames Estuary and Teddington Lock, with tides that can go as high as 7 metres, and a non-tidal section from the Cotswolds to Teddington Lock. Canal boats on the River Thames are generally able to navigate even the tidal sections of the river, provided they are in excellent condition. Hire a boat in England and enjoy the sights along the River Thames.

How much does it cost to hire a boat on the River Thames?

The cost of renting a boat on the River Thames varies by season. Generally however, you can expect to hire a motorboat on the Thames from about 170€/day. On Samboat, you can find bareboat hires on the River Thames, as well as options with a skipper who will handle the trip’s navigation.

Do I need a licence to hire a boat on the River Thames?

In England, it is necessary to register your powered or unpowered boat and obtain a licence to sail on inland waterways. Registration and licensing for boating on the River Thames is managed by the Environmental Agency. It is also possible to obtain licences for short-term visits. 

Things to do on the River Thames 

There is a wide range of things to do on the River Thames. Some good (and free) fishing spots include the Osney and Iffley Locks in Oxford, and the Christchurch Meadows in Caversham. Also right on the River Thames in Windsor is the Royal Windsor Racecourse, a historic racecourse dating back to 1866, and summertime races taking place on Monday nights. While in Windsor, it is also possible to visit the Tally Ho Stables for horseback riding classes. The town of Henley-on-Thames is also worth a visit, and is buzzing with activities such as the Henley Boat Races, Henley Arts Trail, and the Eat! Food Festival.