The Thames Valley Feature

One ideal way to see the Thames region is from the water. Water-based tours can range from 30 minutes to all day. Hobbs and Sons covers the Henley Reach (Easter-September) and also rents boats if you want to take the active approach. You can explore the Thames from Datchet, near Eton and Windsor, by the hour, day, or longer with a self-drive rental boat from Kris Cruisers (April through October). Salter's Steamers runs daily round-trip steamer cruises, mid-May to late mid-September from Windsor, Oxford, Abingdon, Henley, Marlow, and Reading. Thames River Cruises conducts outings from Caversham Bridge in Reading, Easter through September. French Brothers operates river trips from the Promenade in Windsor, and from Runnymede going as far as Hampton Court.

The Environment Agency Visit Thames Web site and telephone hotline provide information about boating, fishing, and walking the Thames.

Contacts and Resources

Environment Agency Visit Thames (0370/850-6506. www.visitthames.com.)

French Brothers (The Promenade, Barry Ave., Windsor, SL4 1QX. 01753/851900. www.boat-trips.co.uk.)

Hobbs and Sons (Station Rd., Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1AZ. 01491/572035. www.hobbs-of-henley.com.)

Kris Cruises (Southlea Rd., Datchet, SL3 9BU. 01753/543930. www.kriscruisers.co.uk.)

Salter's Steamers (Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4LA. 01865/243421. www.salterssteamers.co.uk.)

Thames River Cruises (Caversham Bridge, Reading, RG4 8AH. 0118/948-1088. www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk.)