Magna Carta - Hotel barge on the River Thames England Britain UK

MAGNA CARTA

Cruise the Historic Royal River Thames, England

STANDARD ITINERARY
Henley-on-Thames to Hampton Court Palace

Meet the Captain at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna Carta, moored in the historic regatta town of Henley-on-Thames. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner aboard.

Henley is surely one of the prettiest towns on the river. This morning we visit the award winning River and Rowing Museum and afterwards, there is time to explore the town, from the market place at one end to the easy Georgian curves of Henley Bridge at the other.

We set off at lunchtime and cruise the famous Regatta Mile. Here, every year in July rowing teams from around the world compete in front of Champagne and Pimms fueled crowds.

We pass through Hambledon Lock, and onwards to the medieval village of Hurley, where we have time to wander through Peter Freebody’s boatyard and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft.

Afterwards we have time to explore the ancient village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country before returning to the barge. Late afternoon cruise down through Bisham and Marlow to our overnight mooring in Bourne End. Dinner aboard. (After Dinner chance to join the Captain in a most unusual riverside pub!)

This morning we take a short cruise to Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, who frequently transposed biblical scenes into his surroundings.

After lunch, have cameras ready for a magical cruise. We navigate the narrow, willow lined Cookham lock-cut and then enter out into the spectacular Clivedon reach.

High on the wooded hillside we can see Clivedon, once the home of the Astor family and famous as a place of political intrigue and scandal!

Magna Carta continues through Maidenhead and Bray, (the lock here has the prettiest garden on the river) and down to our peaceful mooring near Windsor.

This morning we cruise right to the heart of Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and a royal home for over 900 years, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world.

We explore the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position.

Late afternoon cruise enjoying breathtaking views of the castle to our private moorings in Runnymede. Dinner aboard.

Moored at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, we have the opportunity to visit and use the facilities including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance.

Our tour for the morning takes us a short distance to the Magna Carta memorial. Here in 1215 King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal this historic document which took away absolute power from the King and later became the basis for the American Bill of Rights.

We also visit the JFK Memorial and the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial before moving on to Savill Gardens, part of Windsor Great Park and containing a wealth of diverse plants and shrubs.

After lunch we cruise down river to our secluded overnight mooring near Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

After breakfast we spend the entire morning cruising through countryside and the delightful riverside towns and locks of Chertsey, Sunbury and Molesey to our spectacular mooring right outside the gates of Hampton Court Palace.

After lunch we visit this magnificent palace, the finest Tudor building in existence. We can wander around King Henry VIII's apartments and the Royal Chapel, feel the chill in the haunted gallery, view Cardinal Wolsey's closet and stroll through the Tudor kitchens.

Outside, the gardens are breathtaking. The Great Vine, the oldest in the country still produces grapes and the world famous maze awaits.

NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Meeting Point:
3pm, Sunday at the Stafford Hotel, St James Place, London, for afternoon tea, departing 4pm.

Magna Carta also offers many theme cruises including Golf, Antiques, West-end Theatre, Murder Mystery, Health and Relaxation, and Christmas Shopping... Please contact Paradise Connections for more details.