2026 Thames Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

We had a pleasant return journey from Westminster to Hampton Court yesterday. Traveling along the picturesque, winding Thames was fascinating, with interesting sights and stunning houses along the way. As the trip takes about 3 hours each way, I’d suggest bringing something comfortable to sit on since the deck benches are quite hard. The time flew by thanks to a humorous and insightful commentary. While snacks and drinks are offered at the downstairs bar, we opted to bring our own lunch. There’s covered seating below, but we preferred enjoying the sunshine and fresh air on the top deck. The abundance of birdlife added to our enjoyment. Thank you for a fantastic trip!

I just stayed at this hotel and my experience was very positive! The property consists of several beautiful buildings and has a large parking area, which meant we didn’t need to leave the car on the street (unlike what other hotels had told us). The common areas and outdoor spaces are also stunning. Our room had been recently renovated, was clean, very spacious, and featured an enormous bathroom (as it was a disability-friendly room, which we were aware of when booking). The breakfast was simply endless—an abundant buffet with a wide variety of high-quality food, plus the option to order freshly prepared dishes, as the friendly and cheerful lady managing the breakfast room kindly explained to us. The staff, in general, is a major plus that elevates the hotel experience. Everyone was incredibly kind, helpful, and pleasant to interact with. I must mention that we ran into issues with our rental car, yet the young, capable reception staff provided excellent help, displaying both professionalism and great empathy. In my opinion, the location is excellent—it’s a bit outside the city center, but you can easily reach central Oxford without driving, either by a nearby bus or by walking along the Thames. We opted for the walk, which was lovely; we passed grazing horses, a fox, and even saw kids from a summer camp diving into the river with their instructors! In summary, this hotel is a fantastic choice for its great price-to-quality ratio. Highly recommended!

Some hotels are merely a place to stay, but The Village Hotel Reading becomes part of your travel story. For us, it feels like coming home every time we return. Set along the beautiful River Thames, the location is stunning. The river walk, adorned with weeping willows and peaceful scenery, offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. It was during one of our visits here that I learned a quirky piece of British history—how the late Queen traditionally owned all the swans in England—a memory I’ll always cherish. Swans and other birds add to the serene, picturesque charm of the riverside. We were lucky to stay here during the final FIFA World Cup match, and the hotel was bustling with excitement. Even with the crowds, the service was outstanding. A standout moment was the incredible service from Daniel at the front desk. When the lift was out of service during check-out, and we had four suitcases, he didn’t hesitate to help carry them all down. Beyond that, he made time to talk with me while my husband attended his conference, making me feel less alone and as though I had a friend at the hotel. Daniel’s kindness was truly above and beyond—something you can’t teach but comes from within. Daniel, I hope you had a wonderful anniversary! ❤️ The hotel renovations since our last visit are equally worth mentioning—they’re fresh, modern, and inviting, yet the warm atmosphere that keeps bringing us back remains intact. We make it a tradition to stay here every two years and already look forward to our next visit. Waking up to views of the Thames, watching the swans glide by, and enjoying the familiar, welcoming vibe makes every stay special. Thank you to the entire team, and especially to Daniel, for making our experience unforgettable. We can’t wait to return! 🇬🇧❤️

We enjoyed a delightful cruise through some of the most scenic areas of the Thames. Our skipper, Paul, was extremely knowledgeable and provided an excellent guided tour aboard one of the most charming little boats. The amenities and the picturesque setting added to the experience, making it a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday.

Windsor is famous for its castle, royal history and almost 1,000 years of British heritage. But today, I wanted to capture the other side of Windsor. Just a short walk away from the castle, everything changes - the River Thames, boats passing by, swans everywhere, green parks and people simply enjoying a sunny British day. 🦢 And the swans are part of British history too. For centuries, the Crown has held special rights over unmarked mute swans on parts of the River Thames. Even today, the traditional Swan Upping takes place every year, when swans on sections of the Thames are counted and checked. It is one of those old British traditions that somehow still exists in modern life. Then there is the very British weather - huge clouds one minute, beautiful sunshine the next. ☁️☀️ And of course, after all that history and walking… Churros in the park. 😂 That’s what I enjoyed about Windsor. You can spend part of your day surrounded by kings, queens and centuries of history, then walk a few minutes and sit beside the Thames watching swans and boats go past. History, nature and everyday life all exist together here. Sometimes the best part of travelling isn’t another famous landmark. It’s simply walking beyond it. 🇬🇧✨ 📍 Windsor, England #funtravel2026

The skilled captain, Charlene, took us on an exhilarating high-speed journey along the Thames, while the guide, Geoff, had everyone laughing nonstop. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience for all ages.

Today my family and I took the Thames riverbank tour with Pablo, and it was an unforgettable experience. He shared very interesting information and explained everything in a very engaging manner. On top of that, he pointed out excellent spots for taking photos. Absolutely 100% recommended!

Great walk on the Thames path, finishing with a wild swim

We stayed at VOCO Oxford Thames through a Secret Escapes booking in mid-June 2026. Our first impression was the stunning reception area and the friendly, welcoming staff. We were fortunate to have a room in the old part of the hotel, which felt truly special. The room was well-appointed with lovely toiletries, bottled water, and a well-equipped tea and coffee station. As part of our stay, we enjoyed a bottle of wine on our patio, which was a delightful touch. Dinner was included on both evenings, and the staff at Napiers were outstanding—knowledgeable, approachable, and attentive. The food quality was excellent, and the cocktails were top-notch. Breakfasts were also fantastic, offering an extensive selection. It was the warmest welcome we’ve experienced at a hotel in a long time. We used the swimming pool both days, which, although modest in size, was perfect for a relaxing dip after long walks. The location of the hotel is ideal for exploring the Thames Path. We walked to Oxford and onward to Jericho, which boasts some charming coffee shops. Oxford was bustling since it was a weekend, but the covered market provided a lovely, quieter spot for lunch. Overall, this was a wonderful experience, and we’d love to return. Well done to everyone at VOCO Oxford Thames!

We’ve passed through Thames more times than we can count and at first, we treated it like most people do, just a stop on the way to somewhere else. But over time, we’ve come to appreciate it for what it is. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be a major attraction. It’s just a really practical, easy place to stop and when you’re travelling, that matters more than you think. We always find ourselves doing the same things here. Topping up groceries, filling up with fuel and Bobs gas is a great place to fill up your gas bottles, grabbing a coffee or a pie and sorting the basics like laundry. Everything is close, easy to access and there’s no stress getting around. If you’re in a campervan, Thames just works. There’s a shopping centre with campervan friendly parking, including spots that are easy enough to get in and out of with a camper. You’ll also find plenty of freedom camping spots in and around town, which makes it a handy place to stop for the night. One thing we love is the artwork scattered throughout the town. It’s subtle, but once you notice it, it adds a bit of character as you walk around. There’s also a great little information centre if you want to get your bearings or see what’s happening locally. For us, Thames has become a reset stop. A place to catch up on the practical stuff, take a breath and decide where to head next, whether that’s further into the Coromandel or up into the Kauaeranga Valley. It’s simple, but it does exactly what you need it to. #ThamesNZ #Coromandel #CoromandelPeninsula #ExploreNZ #Aotearoa #NewZealandTravel #NorthIslandNZ #RoadTripNZ #CampervanNZ #VanLifeNZ #FreedomCampingNZ #NZMustDo #TravelNZ #HiddenGemsNZ #SmallTownNZ #thingstodo

nice place...Calm and friendly people

From Paeroa, the town famous for its L&P lemonade, to Thames, the gold rush town, we drove all the way to Cathedral Cove, the filming location for Narnia. The stunning scenery, enhanced by blue skies and white clouds, was breathtaking; every frame looked like a Windows desktop wallpaper. The hour-long round trip on the trails was definitely worthwhile. Cathedral Cove also offers boat trips, including many glass-bottom boat tours, but advance booking is required. The hot springs are suitable for all ages. You can bring a large shovel to dig in the hot water, or simply enjoy the sea view and seafood. Of course, all this beauty is only possible during off-peak season. You can imagine how popular Cathedral Cove is during peak season. However, traveling during the off-season also has some drawbacks: ① The museum, miniature train, and gold mine in Thames are only open from 10 am to 1 pm. Check the opening hours beforehand if you want to visit. ② Many beach activities are only available during peak season. For example, the water taxi service to Cathedral Cove is currently closed, and there are no clear signs. You must take a shuttle bus uphill and then hike for about half an hour to reach it. This is not recommended if you have young children or need to push a stroller. Additionally, most people visiting Cathedral Bay choose to stay in the nearby town of Whitianga. However, there's a very challenging 30km stretch of mountain road heading north from Thames along the west coast, characterized by flying sand and rocks and no cell phone signal! If your car has a low chassis, try to avoid driving on that section.

The perfect place to take a young family for a walk on a cool winter day. Calm sea, sand and empty beach. Time to dig in the sand, walk and talk, find shiny crystal pebbles on the beach or watch birds drying their wings.The beauty of the place makes up for the simplicity of the photography. #simplejoy #Thamescoast

#newzealand Thames may be a place most people pass through on their way tho the beautiful white sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. But if you are lucky enough to catch one of the sunsets here it will rival soe of the most beautiful you are likely to see in the world.This walk starts behind the local supermarket and winds it's way for a couple of kilometers along the seashore. and easy walk with some interesting art on the way.#sunsets

Thames is a picturesque town located at the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. As soon as you step into the town, you will be immediately attracted by its tranquility and beauty. The town's architecture is simple and elegant, exuding a strong British style. Strolling along the street, you can admire the exquisite wooden houses and exquisite gardens, as if you are in a beautiful picture. Thames has a unique natural environment, surrounded by lush mountains and blue bays. Here, you can enjoy the gifts of nature. You might as well take a walk along the coastline, feel the sea breeze, and admire the spectacular view of the waves hitting the reefs. Looking far away from the top of the mountain, you can also overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire town, which is refreshing. In addition, the town also has a wealth of outdoor activities for tourists to experience. You can participate in a kayak tour to explore the surrounding bays and islands; or rent a bicycle and ride on the country roads in the town to feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. If you are interested in history, you can also visit the town's museums and historical sites to learn about its history and culture. In terms of food, Thames will not disappoint you. There are many restaurants here that serve fresh seafood and authentic local cuisine. You can taste delicious fish and chips, roast lamb chops and other delicacies, allowing your taste buds to enjoy. In short, Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand is a charming tourist destination. Its natural scenery, simple architecture and rich activities will leave you with unforgettable memories. Starting from the town, you can also visit other surrounding attractions, such as the beautiful Fraser Coast and the charming Matamata Town. In addition, you can also explore the unique landforms and cultural heritage of the Coromandel Peninsula. Whether you are a tourist who likes natural scenery or historical culture, it can meet your needs. When planning your trip, consider staying in Thames for a while to feel its tranquility and beauty. I believe you will be attracted by the scenery here and leave good memories.

#2024wish In 2019, my brief sojourn along the serene Thames River led me to the Thames Goldmine Experience at Tararu Road, New Zealand. The historic site, nestled in Thames' picturesque surroundings, offered a captivating journey into the region's gold mining legacy. Descending into the mine's depths, the echoes of bygone eras resonated through the tunnels, revealing tales of fortune seekers and hardships. Above ground, the quaint charm of Thames added an enchanting touch to the experience. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow, I felt a profound connection to the past. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to relive those timeless moments and immerse myself once more in Thames' rich history.