British Barge ACTIEF - Hotel barge on the River Thames England Britain UK

- ACTIEF -

Golf Cruise

The Upper Thames, England

Imagine you and your friends combining your love of golf with a leisurely cruise aboard Actief, a fully-crewed luxury hotel barge, drifting along tranquil waterways past some of the most beautiful scenery in England, along the Royal river Thames.

The finest gourmet cuisine is prepared by your on-board master chef, complemented by a wide array of fine regional wines and an open bar, and of course, the experienced and knowledgeable crew is there to attend to your slightest need.

From Oxford to Windsor, Golf and cruise aboard Actief - the most blissfully relaxing time imaginable! Combine the sheer luxury of a leisurely journey on our antique Dutch Barge with fantastic cuisine and the tranquil ever changing beauty of the River Thames and its abundant wildlife.

Then add exciting golf at some of the premier courses in the country and you have the vacation of a lifetime. Even more, there are exciting tours for accompanying non-golfers too….

Sunday - Golf cruise Day 1
2.00PM Pick-up at the Goring Hotel in London and transfer to Actief at Shillingford Bridge. Cream tea on arrival before a delightful afternoon cruise through beautiful water meadows. This is followed by a champagne reception, dinner and your first night aboard Actief.

Monday - Golf cruise Day 2
A morning cruise takes you through the steep hills of the Goring Gap, formed during the last ice age, and through the locks of Benson, Cleeve and Goring to Pangbourne.
After lunch, golfers depart for a round of golf at Huntercombe. Huntercombe Golf Club was founded in 1901 by renowned Scottish professional Willie Park Jr. and was hailed by Walter Travis, the first great American amateur, as "easily the best laid out links that I have every played over anywhere". With a fascinating history Huntercombe is much loved and remains a fine and beautiful course in a glorious piece of countryside.

Tuesday - Golf cruise Day 3
This morning golfers depart for a round of golf at Sunningdale Golf Club. Sunningdale Golf Club was established in 1901 and is ranked as one of the top 20 courses in the world. It is a 6187m, par 70 heathland course.
After lunch, today's cruise is through true 'Wind In The Willows' country past further stately homes which vie with each other as the original Toad Hall. Passing on through the town of Reading we continue until reaching the ancient village of Sonning, founded in 909 AD as an abbey settlement. Our gentle walking tour of this charming wisteria clad village shows black and white half timbered houses jostling for position. An evening drink at the wonderful village pub, the Bull, is well worthwhile.

Wednesday - Golf cruise Day 4
An early morning cruise brings us to Henley-On-Thames. The introduction of the annual Royal regatta in the early 19th century ensures this charming and historic small town remains firmly at the forefront of Britain's social season. Golfers depart for a round of golf at Denham Golf Club. Denham Golf Club is a prestigious private members club founded in 1911 and designed by renowned golf architect Harry Shapland Colt (in 1913 he was involved for a brief but critical period in the lengthy construction of Pine Valley in America).
Our afternoon cruise takes us along the famous 'Regatta Mile' and through Hambledon Lock to our overnight mooring at Hurley.

Thursday - Golf cruise Day 5
Hurley means 'glade at a bend' and this mellow red brick village still reflects its ancient name. A gentle walking tour allows a glimpse of medieval life before we continue our cruise. Our next stop is at our private mooring at the picturesque boathouse of Cliveden. From here golfers depart for a round of golf at Stoke Park Golf Club which was voted 'Golf Club of the Year' in 1996 out of 2,200 clubs. Of special interest is the unique 18th century clubhouse which was built for John Penn, grandson of the Honourable William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania.

Friday - Golf cruise Day 6
This morning we cruise through Boulters Lock and Maidenhead passing under the largest brick span bridge in the world, designed by Brunel. Afterwards our journey continues on through Bray and Boveney locks to our mooring at Windsor, with a magnificent view of the castle. After lunch golfers depart for a round of golf at Wentworth Golf Club. Wentworth Golf Club is considered one of Europe's finest clubs and almost needs no introduction. Famous for the PGA and World Match Play tournaments as well as many other events.

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

NOTE: Because these courses are very much in demand we cannot guarantee availability. In the event that a golf course is unavailable we reserve the right to provide an alternative course