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ACTIEF cruises the River Thames between Windsor, home of the Royal Family and Europe’s most celebrated and magnificent castle, and Shillingford Bridge, near the famous university town of Oxford. Join Toad, Ratty and Mole from Wind In the Willows on this truly magical journey, winding through woodland and open country, passing quintessentially English villages of great beauty en-route.

Our special family itinerary has been designed to combine the magic of life on the river with exciting family tours and excursions. here really is something for the whole family to enjoy....

Sunday, Family cruise Day 1

Private transfer from the Goring Hotel in London to our mooring at Shillingford Bridge, where a traditional cream tea awaits your arrival. After settling into your comfortable cabins there is a festive champagne reception with non-alcoholic drinks for younger guests, followed by dinner and your first night aboard.

Monday, Family cruise Day 2

This morning we visit Oxford and take a fascinating journey through the history of the university at the award winning Oxford Story. This leisurely ride leads you from a medieval lecture hall through to the present day, meeting the writers, scientists, Monarchs and intellectuals who have all had a role in the Oxford’s history. After lunch the afternoon is spent cruising through the steep hills of the Goring Gap, formed during the ice age, and through the locks of Goring, Cleeve and Benson until reaching your next mooring at Pangbourne.

Tuesday, Family cruise Day 3

The morning starts with a gentle cruise through the beautiful countryside that inspired children’s’ author Kenneth Grahame to write Wind In The Willows. The first stop of the day is at stunning Mapledurham House and Water Mill . This wonderful old mansion has been home to descendants of the same family since 1490 and our private tour is both informative and entertaining. The mill is 500 years old and is now the oldest working water mill on the Thames. Afterwards we continue cruising until reaching the next overnight mooring at Henley-On-Thames.

Wednesday, Family cruise Day 4

Henley is a wonderful old town founded in the 12th century and firmly on the map of Britain’s social ‘Season’ since the introduction of the annual royal Regatta in the 19 th century. This morning we visit the new and innovative River and Rowing Museum where 250,000 years of the ecology and history of the Thames are waiting to be discovered, together with the story of rowing throughout the ages. There is also an enchanting audio and threatrical recreation of the classic story ‘Wind in the Willows’ for younger visitors. After lunch there is time for a little shopping or, if available, a visit to the Puppet Theatre Barge to watch enchanting adaptations of well loved Fables. A late afternoon cruise brings us to your next stop at Hurley.

Thursday, Family cruise Day 5

This morning starts with a cruise through Marlow and Maidenhead and into the stunning Cliveden Reach until we arrive at our private mooring at beautiful Cliveden. Spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent gardens, enjoying the stunning clifftop views over the river and surrounding countryside. Younger guests will enjoy feeding the koi carp in the water garden and a fun scavenger hunt.

Friday, Family cruise Day 6

A delightful morning cruise takes us to our final mooring below magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch guests can choose to either visit Legoland or explore Windsor. Legoland provides a unique experience and includes a Lego driving school and Lego flying school. Brave the pirate falls, ridge the space tower and explore the heights and depths of the new Dragon Knights Castle. There’s an enormous amount to see and do – great fun for children and adults alike!
Tonight the Captain hosts his farewell dinner on board Actief.

Saturday - Family cruise Day 7

After breakfast, depart at 9.30am and return to hotel or Heathrow Airport.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction.

As well as the activities described in this programme, throughout the week children (and adults too) can also enjoy rowing and fishing from Actief’s dinghy. In addition,we will be running a treasure hunt and scavenger hunt, plus various other fun competition and games throughout the week.

• GROUPS OR INDIVIDUAL CABIN BOOKINGS: Most of our family cruises are for whole boat charter groups but occasionally we are able to offer special Family Cruises for individuals to book on a cabin basis. Please contact our reservations department for further information.
• BICYCLES: There are adult bikes on board. Children's bikes for all ages and/or child seats for adult bikes can be supplied usually at no charge if requested to our Reservation Department at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
• OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Optional activities, for example hot air ballooning, pony trekking, quad biking, bowling, fishing etc may be available on your cruise and can be arranged at an additional supplement. Optional activities usually require advanced booking so please advise our Reservation Department at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
• BABY/CHILD EQUIPMENT: We are pleased to supply travel cots, high chairs, car seat, bottle warmer, toys, stroller etc at no charge but we must be notified at least 6 weeks prior to departure as to your requirements.