River Thames
Thames boat hire, direct from owners
Narrowboats, river cruisers and dayboats along the non-tidal Thames, booked with the people who actually own them.
Boats available on the Thames
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Where to cruise on the Thames
Oxford to Abingdon
Quiet upper-river cruising through meadows and college boathouses. Three locks, easy in a day, good for a first trip.
Henley to Marlow
The picture-postcard stretch. Hambleden and Temple locks, riverside pubs, and Marlow's suspension bridge at the far end.
Windsor to Runnymede
Castle views from the water, then wide open water meadows. Busy in summer, so book moorings early.
Teddington and below
Below Teddington the Thames becomes tidal and needs proper tidal experience. Most hire trips stay upstream of the lock.
Navigation on the non-tidal Thames is managed by the Environment Agency. Check current river conditions and stream warnings before you set off.
Thames hire, the practical bits
Do I need a licence to hire a boat here?
No. The boat's owner holds the Environment Agency registration and, for hiring out, the required hire endorsement. You just turn up.
Do I need experience?
No. Your owner runs a full handover before you cast off, covering steering, mooring and locks. Most Thames locks upstream of Teddington are keeper-operated in season.
How far can I get in a weekend?
Plan on roughly 3 to 4 miles an hour plus around 15 minutes per lock. A relaxed weekend is usually 15 to 25 miles round trip.
Can I bring a dog?
Many owners welcome dogs. Each listing states its own house rules, and you can message the owner before booking.
Thames locks are busy on summer weekends. Setting off early gives you the calmest water and the shortest queues.