thames river cruise overnight

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Magna Carta

• Category Premier
• Capacity 8 Guests
• Crew Members 4
• Booking Type Charter & Cabin bookings
• Check-in Time / Location 3:00 PM in London, Hotel Stafford

Cruising aboard barge Magna Carta on the Royal River Thames is a study in both antique and modern lifestyles – an ancient history book with the pages still being written.

Guests are met in London at the glamorous Stafford Hotel where they enjoy an afternoon tea. Then, the modern metropolis becomes but a distant memory upon boarding Magna Carta. Captain Dominic Read is a longtime area resident and an expert in the folklore and history of the river and its inhabitants. The cruise unfolds major historic sites alongside small slices of life: gently gliding past mansions and boathouses, as well as villages that look as if Miss Marple will pop out at any minute! History comes alive at Hampton Court Palace (where Magna Carta moors), the Tudor-style palace of King Henry the 8th; Windsor Castle, home to British royalty; and Christ Church College in Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Back on board, four spacious cabins with modern en-suite baths provide havens of privacy, while the comfortable deck and light-filled indoor salon become the perfect vantage points to take in the passing scene. Dining options deliciously address outdated notions about British cuisine. Magna Carta’s menus are fresh and creative, utilizing the best of locally-sourced produce, meats, and fish. A broad selection of Old and New World wines are carefully paired with the meals.

Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.

Last visited in 2019

A Cruise on the River Thames aboard Magna Carta

Extra, extra…Read all about Barge Lady Cruises!

Accommodations & amenities, itineraries, gourmet dining, rates & dates.

• Interested in This Cruise?

Accommodations

• 117 sq ft long, with 6’4 – 7’4 ceiling height throughout
• Four Cabins
• Winston Churchill, 200 sq ft, 7’4” ceiling height, choice of  king bed or two twin beds
• Henry VIII and Shakespeare, 200 sq ft, 6’4” ceiling height, choice of king bed or two twin beds
• Christopher Wren, 200 sq ft, 6’4” ceiling height, one fixed queen bed
• Ensuite bathroom with shower in all cabins
• Adequate storage space in cabins
• Salon and dining room
• Deck with canopy
• Outdoor dining space and seating

Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

Travel from Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames on the River Thames

An English Cream Tea Begins Your Cruise in Style

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Magna Carta at the designated meeting point in London. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Tour the Finest Tudor Palace in Existence

This morning, explore Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of Henry VIII. Walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens and the famous maze! This afternoon, the Magna Carta cruises up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Drinks and dinner are served onboard.

Windsor Castle...Where the Royals Live

This morning's cruise takes us through Runnymede where King John put his seal on the Magna Carta in 1215, from which our vessel takes its name. This afternoon, history comes alive at Windsor Castle! Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in for over 900 years by the British Royal Family, the castle boasts unrivaled displays of art, furniture, ancient armor, and royal treasure. Your Tour Guide returns you to Magna Carta for cocktail hour and dinner.

A Day of Manors and Manners

This morning's excursion is a private tour of a Tudor manor that has been in the same family for 13 generations! Authentic and iconic, the manor is regularly used for filming. Then cruise this afternoon into Clivedon Reach where we have special permission to moor. Cliveden, now a hotel, was once owned by the Astor family. Tour the grounds, discussing the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous! A late afternoon cruise is the perfect time to laze in the hot tub. Enjoy another gourmet dinner onboard.

Traditional Boatbuilding Craftsmen at Work

This morning's sightseeing is a visit to the gallery of one of England’s greatest artists, Sir Stanley Spencer. Spencer described Cookham has “heaven on earth” and much of his work was painted in and around the village. A late morning cruise precedes a tour of Peter Freebody’s Boatyard to watch traditional craftsmen work on wooden boats as they have done for generations. Explore an 11th century village, including a tipple at Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country. Your Tour Guide escorts you back to the barge where Chef presents dinner onboard.

Christ Church College at Oxford

A morning cruise takes us to Henley-on-Thames to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Oxford for a tour Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Founded in 1546, its magnificent surroundings have been the scene of Lewis Carroll writing Alice in Wonderland, welcomed 13 British prime ministers among its students, and just lately served as a set for the Harry Potter films. Return to Magna Carta for the Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

A Sad Farewell

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to the designated drop off point in London.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Downton Abbey Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

An English Cream Tea Begins your Cruise in Style

A member of Magna Carta crew will greet you at the Hotel Stafford in London at the designated meeting time. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

This morning, explore Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of Henry VIII. Walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens and the famous maze! This afternoon, the Magna Carta cruises up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Drinks and dinner are served aboard.

Visit the Castle where Downton Abbey is Filmed!

This morning, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Highclere Castle, scene of the popular television series Downton Abbey. Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. Our public tour reveals several grand reception, drawing, and dining rooms on the first floor, along with a brief look into a select few of the home’s 50 bedrooms! Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise, a visit to an art gallery, and a stroll around the village mooring. Dinner is served onboard.

A morning cruise takes us to Henley- on-Thames to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Oxford for a tour Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Founded in 1546, its magnificent surroundings have been the scene of Lewis Carroll writing Alice in Wonderland, welcomed 13 British prime ministers among its students, and just lately served as a set for the Harry Potter films. Return to Magna Carta for the Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point in London.

Royal Cruise Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

An English Cream Tea Begins Your Cruise in Royal Style

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Magna Carta at the designated meeting point in London. Enjoy a delightful English Cream Tea before being chauffeured to Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, the Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where the vessel remains overnight. Meet your crew at the traditional champagne reception. Tonight, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Welcome to Henry VIII’s Royal Palace

This morning, the immersion into “Royal England” begins in the vast palace of a most iconic monarch: Henry VIII. Discover Henry VIII’s rooms, the Royal Chapel, and the kitchen gardens on a private tour with local expert Lesley Richardson. A resident and guide of Hampton Court for over twenty years, Lesley shares dishy anecdotes and insider's secrets about famous (and infamous) palace residents! Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Once moored, explore the riverside path by bicycle or on foot before another gourmet dinner.

Secrets of Windsor Castle with a Noble Military Knight

This morning's cruise takes us through Runnymede where King John put his seal on the Magna Carta in 1215! This afternoon, European history comes alive at Windsor Castle, notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family. A uniformed Military Knight of Windsor introduces a “behind the scenes” tour of the castle, offering access to original art, sophisticated architecture, and royal treasure. Return to Magna Carta, where Chef is putting the final touches on a gourmet dinner fit for a King.

A Day of Monarchs, Manors, and Manners

Manors and manners are on offer today thanks to two tours of fascinating estates. Begin the British adventures with a private visit to Dorney Court, one of England's finest Tudor Manor houses, dating from around 1440. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to our mooring on the Clivedon Estate. After walking through the grand gardens, step inside for a tea and a “butler’s guide” to the personalities and scandals associated with over 350 years of aristocratic life at Clivedon House. Relive the day over drinks and dinner.

Welcome to One of England’s Oldest Stately Homes

Relax on deck this morning as Magna Carta glides past the enchanting scenery of the Royal River Thames. This afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to Stonor Park, the seat of the Stonor family, Baron Camoys, for over 850 years. Tour this astonishingly preserved historic country home with a Stonor family member, discovering the 12th century private chapel, as well as the remains of a prehistoric stone circle. Return to the barge and explore the riverside path with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll before tonight's delicious dinner.

A Private Tour of Highclere Castle

Regattas and rowing are foundations of the lifestyles along the Royal River Thames; this morning, a visit to Peter Freebody’s boatyard introduces craftsmen who restore vintage vessels using ancient techniques. After an early lunch, it's a but mere drive to Highclere Castle, home to many of the iconic scenes in the beloved drama "Downton Abbey". On this private tour, guests will explore the rooms, grounds, and gardens of this stately home, as well meet and greet members of the Highclere household. Back onboard, a Farewell Feast awaits.

Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!

• Couscous with Raisins and Pine Nuts
• Bouillabaisse with Toasted Sourdough and Saffron Aioli
• Cheeses: Claxton Bleu and Cheddar
• A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
• Sweet Corn Veloute
• Pork Tenderloin with Honey Roasted Carrots
• Cheeses: Cropwell Bishop Organic, Stilton, and Dunsyre Blue Bath
• Poached Pear with Gingerbread and Vanilla Ice Cream
• A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
• Cote-du-Rhone 2009, Rasteau, France
• Rioja 2010,  Baron De Barbon, Spain
• Don Cayetano Merlot Baroncini Rosso di Montalcino
• Les Pontilles, Sauvignon Blanc
• Petit Chablis 2010, France
• Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Split Rock, New Zealand

Italic Dates = Value Season Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Additional Details

Included in the rate.

• 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
• Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from London
• A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
• All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
• All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
• Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
• Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub

Not included in the rate

• International airfare
• Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
• Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

“We so enjoyed the entire experience. The crew was exceptional. The cabin accommodations were generous and most comfortable. We didn’t realize how much we would enjoy cruising down the Thames!” – Nancy and Bill S, Magna Carta

Are you ready to engage with a most enchanting waterway in England?

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River Thames Cruises From London to Oxford

Cruises on the River Thames travel between London and Oxford for overnight cruises. You won’t find large river boats on Thames. Instead you’ll find cruises on smaller barge vessels, which typically accommodate up to an average of twelve passengers. Most itineraries are seven days long and stay within the Thames Valley region of the river.

More commonly, though, you’ll find day and evening cruises   on the Thames . Several companies offer scenic cruises through London.

An Interesting Fact: Did you know there is a river with a similar name located in the United States? The Thames River is formed from the confluence of the Yantic and Shetucket rivers in Norwich, Connecticut. It’s a very short river – only about 15 miles long.

River Thames in London

  By Diliff (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

River Thames Facts

The River Thames is 215 miles long and has over 80 islands. It is the longest river located entirely in England and the second longest river in the United Kingdom.

There are three parts to the river – the Thames Head, Thames Valley and the Thames Estuary. The river begins in Gloucestershire, England where it is referred to as the Thames Head. It flows basically in an easterly direction throughout most of its course.

The Thames Valley extends from Oxford to west London . And the Thames Estuary is the portion of the river from east London to the town of South-end-Sea in Essex, England where the Thames River empties into the North Sea.

River Thames Destinations

Whether you take an overnight cruise or a day or evening cruise on the River Thames, you’ll spend some time cruising through the city of London. The river is lined with many historical sites and popular tourist attractions.

As you cruise through London, you’ll pass under quite a few bridges. The River Thames has 34 bridges just in London! A few of them include the Tower Bridge , London Bridge and the Westminster Bridge .

Westminster Bridge on the River Thames in London, England

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

In addition to its many bridges, you’ll see many other famous sites along London’s skyline. The Big Ben , Tower of London , Houses of Parliament and the London Eye are all visible from the River Thames. The London Eye – a 443-foot ferris wheel - is one of the city’s most famous and popular attractions. It’s located on the south bank of the Thames.

Other destinations in the Thames Valley are west of London and include Windsor, Henley, Reading and Oxford. During your visit to these cities, you’ll have a chance to see some famous castles like the Hampton Court Palace, the Windsor Castle and the Highclere Castle, which is featured in the television series “Downtown Abbey”.

There are a few companies that offer cruises on the River on the Magna Carta – a river barge boat that carries up to eight passengers. This definitely provides a unique experience for travelers.

Aboard the Magna Carta

By Gloverepp (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

For those who want a customized itinerary, Isabella River Cruises offers cruises to only one party at a time. They do not have a predetermined schedule or route and allow guest to choose what time they want to eat, where they want to go, what they want to see, and how long they want to stay at each destination.

What are others saying about this cruise? Read some reviews here .

Just looking for a 1-day cruise? You’ll also find several options for day cruises and evening cruises on the River Thames.

If you enjoyed reading this page, please share it with other people you think would also enjoy reading it. Thank you! :)

Lauri Wakefield  is a travel writer who specializes in  river cruises in Europe and the U.S. Connect with her on Twitter and Google+ .

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Thames River Cruise

Step aboard and let the gentle sway of the water carry you on an unforgettable adventure along the iconic Thames River.

A Thames River Cruise is not just a leisurely boat ride—it's an immersive experience that reveals the beating heart of London's rich history and vibrant culture. 

As you glide beneath the timeless arches of its famous bridges, past the majestic landmarks that dot its banks, you'll witness the city's story unfold in a breathtaking panorama.

Join us as we delve into the allure of a Thames River Cruise, where old meets new and tradition intertwines with modernity, promising an enchanting voyage you won't soon forget.

The Best Thames River Cruises

Whether you want to book a sightseeing cruise or are looking for one of the many river-based dining experiences in London, you will find a Thames river cruise that's right for you. Here are some of the options you can choose:

Thames Rockets

You won't see too many of the sights along the river when you're traveling down the Thames in the city's fastest boats.

The Thames Rockets travel down the Thames River at 30 knots, so pack your waterproof clothing and brace yourself for a high-speed ride in a 12-meter-long fiberglass boat.  The Red Rockets speed down the exclusive High-Speed Zone, blasting music.

You'll pass Tower Bridge, the HMS Belfast, St Paul's Cathedral, and the famous Tower of London, but be warned: this isn't a sightseeing cruise! It's forty minutes of pure exhilaration. Get your tickets online.

Bateaux London

Credit: Bateaux London

This popular river cruise and steamboat restaurant offer dining experiences, like a lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea cruise or the famous three-course lunch and jazz cruise. You can choose between two vessels, the Glass Room and River Room.

The Glass Room has a fully stocked bar and lavish interiors designed by Tom Dixon, while the River Room boasts large windows and the largest outdoor rooftop observation deck on the Thames.

With food, drinks, and toilet facilities, you will definitely be comfortable as this river tour slowly makes its way past the many sites along the river.

It's one of the best dining cruises the Thames has to offer. Cruises depart from the Victoria Embankment, and you can book in advance online.

Website: bateauxlondon.com

City Cruises

Credit: City Cruises

City cruises offer practical hop-on, hop-off boat trips throughout London. They run from Westminster, Waterloo, Greenwich Pier, and Tower Pier, with convenient stops at the city's various attractions.

North Greenwich Pier, for example, is the ideal point of departure for the Cutty Shark, Royal Observatory, and National Maritime Museum.

Tower Pier is a great spot if you would like to see Tower Bridge or the Tower of London. It's not only a great sightseeing cruise but a good option when you get sick of using the Tube.

Website: cityexperiences.com/city-cruises

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops at a whopping 24 piers between Barking Riverside Pier and Putney Pier. Services start early in the morning, and they operate until late at night. 

The river is divided into the West, Central, and East zone, so make sure you have a valid ticket.

All of these hop-on hop-off river cruises are accessible to wheelchair users and parents with prams, except for Cadogan, London Bridge City, and the Wandsworth Riverside Quarter. Bring your bike along for free.

London Duck Tours

Credit: London Duck Tours

This unique sightseeing cruise uses WWII landing vehicles (painted in rubber duck yellow) and passes by all of the most beautiful sights in the city by road before splashing down into the Thames to travel past Docklands, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich.

It's not nearly as fast as some of the boats on the water today, but it's a unique experience you can't enjoy anywhere else.

Website: londonducktours.co.uk

Thames River Boats

Credit: Thames River Boats

The Thames River Boats will take you on a leisurely 22-mile journey from the Palace of Westminster to Hampton Court.

It's a three-hour cruise, where you can see the greener, quieter side of London along with the exciting hustle and bustle of its high-rises and busy streets.

Website: thamesriverboats.co.uk

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames River Cruise

If you'd like to explore the city at your own pace, book a combination ticket for the Red Bus and the Thames River Cruise. You'll be able to view the Globe, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace . 

Why stop with the land and the sea, though? You can add a ticket for the London Eye as well, so you can see the twinkling lights of London from the sky.

Tate to Tate

Art lovers, pay attention! You can see two of the city's most iconic art institutions with the Tate to Tate Boat. You can see both the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain while passing the central London scenery.

YBA Damien Hirst has decorated the interior and exterior with his unique flair. It's the quickest and most original way to travel through the city. The Tate Modern is located in Bankside, while the Tate Britain is located in Milbank.

Both are close to popular tube stations, so you can easily see the rest of the city after paying a visit to either institution.

Website: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-boat

Final Thoughts

Thames river cruises are a great way to experience the city of London, whether you would like to take a slow and relaxing sightseeing cruise or board a music-filled party boat. A Thames cruise is a must for visitors to the city.

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