Thames Path Walking Holiday in England
from The Cotswolds to London in 15 days
14 nights and 13 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

shakespears way walking holidays

thames_barrier thames path walking holidays with Letsgowalking

This 180 mile walking holiday along the River Thames is between the source at ThamesHead and the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. You walk via Oxford, Henley, Marlow, Hampton Court, Kew and London.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Lets Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let’s Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Lets Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Lets Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Lets Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Lets Go Walking

Thames Path Walking Holiday
in England
from The Source of the River Thames in the Cotswolds  to London
via Cricklade, Oxford, Goring, Henley on Thames, Marlow, Windsor, Richmond, Kew Gardens, Westminster, and the heart of London

The Thames Path walking holiday is 180 miles long and is on one of UK’s National Walking Trails. The walking holiday follows the whole meandering course of the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds at Thames Head to the Thames Barrier.

The Thames Path walking holiday hiking route is a great first walking holiday experience as it is easy walking and offers a wealth of interesting places to visit en-route. The Thames Path walking holiday is clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your walking holiday in Southern England.

The Thames Path walking holiday route passes through the cities of London and Oxford which are great places to visit, with good shopping, restaurants and pubs.
This Thames Path walking holiday is great hiking for visitors to the UK as it offers a taste of England’s history mixed with the modern UK of today. This is a gentle walk, full of contrasts, with bustling cities and quiet river banks.

On this English self guided Thames Path walking holiday you hike past some of the highlights of London’s great attractions, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Kew Gardens and Hampton Court to name but a few. London’s great river is full of surprises as its path flows gently from its source and the stunning Cotswolds. On the Thames Path tour you walk through some of Southern England’s most historic landscapes, full of wildlife and heritage. The highlights of Windsor and Oxford are en-route so why not take rest days to explore the many galleries and museums, and take advantage of the fine selection of shops, restaurants and pubs.

You can walk this Thames Path walking holiday hiking tour over 13 days at about 14 miles per day.
If you do not have a fortnight available, you can walk it in 2 separate weeks:
Source to Reading, and Reading to London.
This Thames Path walking holiday in the UK can also be walked upstream.

Our self-guided walking holidays are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind and can be tailor-made to your own personal requirements.

The routes are clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your hiking vacation.

We use a selection of guest houses, inns or small hotels with en-suite or private bathroom to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing. Rest assured that all our accommodation walking holiday providers are hand-picked and offer you that famous British hospitality.

Special diets can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.

We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive. We try to get your bags delivered by 4pm, but this may be delayed due to road conditions.

Let’s Go Walking has developed one of the largest selection of walking holidays.
Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch.

All our walking holidays are self-guided and you must be a confident map reader and able to navigate from a compass bearing.  The weather in the UK and Ireland can change quickly effecting visibility and underfoot conditions. It is important to carry a selection of clothing with you on your hike each day to cope with changing weather conditions. If you are not confident of completing any days walk, do not set out.

The Thames Path walking holiday connects with:

This walking holiday in the UK operates April to September and in either direction.

These daily distances are only a suggestion. If you would like to walk longer or shorter distances, we can arrange that too.
Our stated distances include mileage to the accommodation or pickup point and so may not agree with the guide book mileages.
Rest days can be taken in any location.

Why not combine this walk with a hiking tour in another part of England or the UK. Our staff will be happy to advise on necessary transfers.

Online booking available.
A deposit of £85 per person is required to secure the booking, with the balance due 6 weeks before departure.
Optional extra days and accommodation upgrades can be added during the booking process online.
Please wait for the confirmation of your holiday before making final travel plans just in case your holiday is not available for your requested date.

Thames Path Walking Holiday
Source to London
Suggested Tour Duration
:
14 nights, 13 days walking
Total Distance:
180 miles/288 kms
Min/max daily distance:
11/17 miles
Average Daily distance:
14 miles
Grading:
Easy
Features:
Cotswold Villages and Inns
The River Thames
Oxford
The Oxford Canal
The Kennet and Avon Canal
Henley
Marlow
Windsor and Windsor Castle
Hampton Court
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Lambeth Palace, London
The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben,
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
Westminster Abbey, London
The London Eye,
Royal Festival Hall, London
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
The Globe Theatre, London
Thames Barrier at Greenwich
Cutty Sark at Greenwich
This route connects with:
Oxford Canal Towpath
Shakespeares Way
The Ridgeway
Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath
Grand Union Canal Towpath

  Thames Path Walking Holiday
in Southern England
from The Source of The Thames in The Cotswolds to London
14 nights and 13 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kemble/Thames Head
To start your walking holiday on The Thames Path walking trail you make your own way to Kemble. We can assist with coach or train transfers if necessary. Car parking is available for the duration of your self-guided walking holiday. At Kemble there is an outstanding Brunel railway station. 

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Optional Day 1: Exploring Kemble
Take an extra day to explore The Cotswolds

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 2: Kemble/Source to Cricklade    12 miles   19km

The first day’s hiking on The Thames Path follows the River Thames from its source, which is marked with a stone placed there in the 1970s although the spot usually appears dry as the water course is below of surface. Hiking to Lechlade the walking trail passes some fine Cotswold villages. At the village of Ashton Keynes the soon to be mighty Thames appears little more than a large stream in the High Street.

Day 3: Cricklade to Lechlade          11 miles   18km
On leaving Cricklade you can see the large airfield at Fairford used by the USAF and was a testing site for Concord. Lechlade is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and marks the highest place on the River Thames navigable by boat. This town was once a very busy river port. The bridge at Lechlade still has its old toll house although now a toll free bridge.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 4: Lechlade to Newbridge       16 miles    26km
This section of the walking trail is very quiet and a haven for wildlife. As late as the 1980s, parts of the path were so overgrown they were impassable. Chimney-on-Thames has one of the largest areas of unimproved meadows in England and is rich in wildlife. There are many locks and little footbridges along the trail. Newbridge boasts the second oldest bridge on the Thames dating back to the 13th century.

Day 5: Newbridge to Oxford        13 miles   22km

The Trout Inn at Godstow, which means Gods Place, has been used in the Inspector Morse ITV series and even President Clinton has visited. Just past Godstow is Port Meadow, a large grassland full of cattle and wildlife, which is claimed to have been ploughed since the 11th century. The Thames Path intersects with Shakespeare’s Way and the Oxford Canal in Oxford.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Optional Day(s) 2: exploring Oxford
Oxford is a must for any visitor to the UK, with so much history and culture.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 6: Oxford to Clifton Hampden        15 miles   24km
On the walk today is Abingdon, one of Britain’s oldest towns dating back to 695. It is famous as the former home of MG cars and has many fine buildings and well worth spending some time to explore. Sutton Courtenay dates back to Norman times and has a fine Manor House and the grave of George Orwell in its churchyard.

Day 7: Clifton Hampden to Goring           15 miles   24km
Today you walk to Wallingford which has a 17th century town hall and fine old English inns. The famous Thames side town of Dorchester-on-Thames dates back to Roman times. The thatched village of Clifton Hampden is picture postcard pretty and boasts The Barley Mow Inn mentioned in Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat. The Thames Path connects with the Ridgeway at Goring.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 8: Goring to Reading           11 miles   18km

The Thames Path provides a pleasant route through to Reading. At Whitchurch, the walking route takes a short diversion up the only steep climb of the whole Thames Path. Walking on through the towns of Caversham and Purley, the town of Pangbourne is reached by walking through relaxing water meadows. The Thames Path connect with the Kennet and Avon Canal at Reading.

Day 9: Reading to Marlow            17 miles   28km

Walking on from Reading you pass Thames-Side Court which has a narrow gauge railway running alongside the river. Henley-on-Thames is famous for its rowing club and fine shops and pubs. Temple Island provides a fine vista. Medmenham Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey dates back to the 13th century and Bisham Abbey is headquarters of the English Football team. Marlow is a riverside gem with a fine bridge, pleasant park and is a great place to explore.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 10: Marlow to Windsor          15 miles   24km

Walking out of Marlow you walk past Cliveden, the former home of the Astor family. The fine riverside house at Oakley Court has been the location for many a film. Just before you reach Windsor is Eton, home of one of the world’s most famous schools.

Optional Day(s) 3:  Exploring Windsor

There is so much to see in Windsor that it is worth spending an extra day/s to take in the architecture and atmostphere. Windsor is a highlight of this section of the Thames Path. A visit to the castle is a must! Why not take “The Long Walk” in Windsor Great Park!

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 11: Windsor to Shepperton        12 miles   19km

Walking on from Windsor you reach historic Runnymede, location of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. At Chertsey you see the bridge which was built in 1785 and is mentioned in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist before arriving at Shepperton for the night.

Day 12: Shepperton to Richmond        14 miles   22km
Leaving Shepperton you soon reach Hampton Court, a fine Tudor palace with superb gardens. Below Teddington Lock the River Thames is tidal, this being the last lock on the River Thames. The Thames Path soon passes Eel Pie Island, named after the food served on the island from 16th century. Today the island is famous for its community of artists. Close the Eel Pie Island is the 17th century Ham House with its sumptuous interiors and restored formal garden. Today’s walk ends at Richmond, full of old riverside pubs, great places to eat, and also the famous Deer Park.

Optional Day(s) 4:  Exploring Richmond/Kew

There is so much to see in Richmond that it is worth spending an extra day/s to take in the architecture and atmostphere. Kew Gardens is a highlight of this section of the Thames Path. A visit to the Richmond Deer Park is a must! Why not take a boat trip on Thames.

Day 13: Richmond to London Pimlico      14 miles   22 km

On the first part of today’s walk you pass Kew Gardens, one of the World’s most famous gardens and well worth a visit. Walking along the river bank you reach Barnes and the London Wetlands Centre, a wildlife haven in the middle of London. On the South Bank of the Thames you pass the famous Old Battersea Power Station before arriving at London Pimlico for the night.  At Kew the Thames Path connects with the Grand Union Canal.

Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let's Go Walking

Day 14: London Pimlico to Thames Barrier     14 miles   22 km
On your last day the walking trail takes you to some of London’s hidden places as well as some of London’s most famous landmarks, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. You follow the South Bank of the Thames most of the way, and have great views over the river to The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and the City, giving insight into London and the River Thames’ industrial past and rebirth as a modern exciting capital city. On reaching the Thames Barrier, the official ending (or starting) point of The Thames Path walking trail, you take a short ride on London’s Underground Train Service back to your accommodation in Pimlico, or if you prefer, you stay in Greenwich.

Optional Day(s) 5: exploring London or Greenwich

There is so much to see in London that it is worth spending an extra day/s to take in the architecture and atmostphere.  A walk across Tower Bridge and perhaps a trip on the London Eye. Why not take a boat trip on Thames.

Day 15: Depart after breakfast
Depart after Breakfast or extend your holiday walking and spend some time exploring  London
We can transfer you to your car or station.
We also offer this walking route in an upstream direction.

Please note the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place at RAF Fairford between Friday 18th and Sunday 22nd July 2025.
This affects the availability of accommodation in Cricklade and Lechlade,
and our ability to deliver your luggage (days affected depending on itinerary). 
Therefore when booking your walking holiday on this section of the Thames Path we suggest you avoid these dates.

Please note the Windsor Horse Show will take place In Windsor from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th May 2025,
and the Windsor Triathalon will take place on Sunday 15th June 2025.
These events affect the availability of accommodation in Windsor and our ability to deliver your luggage. 
Therefore when booking your walking holiday on this section  of the Thames Path we suggest you avoid these dates.

Thames Path Walking Holiday
Source to London (downstream)
via Oxford and Windsor
in UK
15 day itinerary

13 days walking and 14 nights

Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:Arrive Kemble/ThamesHead
Optional Day:optional extra day in Kemble/ThamesHead
Day 2:ThamesHead to Cricklade12 miles
Day 3:Cricklade to Lechlade11 miles
Day 4:Lechlade to Newbridge16 miles
Day 5:Newbridge to Oxford13 miles
Optional Day:Optional extra day in Oxford
Day 6:Oxford to Clifton Hampden15 miles
Day 7:Clifton Hampden to Goring/Streatley15 miles
Day 8:Goring to Reading11 miles
Day 9:Reading to Marlow17 miles
Day 10:Marlow to Windsor15 miles
Optional Day:Optional Day in Windsor
Day 11:Windsor to Shepperton12 miles
Day 12Shepperton to Richmond/Kew14 miles
Optional Day:Optonal Day in Richmond/Kew
Day 13:Richmond to London Pimlico14 miles
Day 14:London Pimlico to Greenwich/Thames Barrier14 miles
Optional Day:optional extra day in London/Greenwich
Day 15:depart London/Greenwich
Prices per person for Thames Path
15 day itinerary 14 nights
Double or Twin
Occupancy
Single Occupancy
travelling with others
Solo
Traveller
2025£2,086£3,472£3,752

All prices subject to change

Extra nights from £64.00 per person
depending on location

Optional Accommodation Upgrades for
Thames Path
Walking Holiday 15 days
Source to London

Can be added when booking online

Subject to availability              Supplement per person per night

Cricklade
Red Lion Inn

double/twin
 £8.50

Single
please ask

Newbridge
Rose Revived

double/twin
£25.00

Single
 please ask

Oxford

double/twin

Single

Head of the River

 £68.00

please ask

Randolph Hotel

£189.00

please ask

Royal Oxford Hotel

 £72.00

please ask

Malmasion Oxford Castle

 £118.00

please ask

Goring/Streatley
The Swan

double/twin
£73.00

single
please ask

Reading
Crown Plaza Hotel
Malmaison Hotel

double/twin
£49.00
£49.00

Single
 please ask
 please ask

Marlow
The Complete Angler

double/twin
 £125.00

Single
please ask

Windsor
Macdonald Windsor Hotel

double/twin
 £59.00

Single
please ask

Shepperton
Warren Lodge Hotel

double/twin
 £18.00

Single
please ask

Richmond on Thames
Richmond Gate Hotel

double/twin
£78.00

Single
please ask

Orange Tree

£38.00

 please ask

Richmond Hill Hotel

£82.00

please ask

London Greenwich
Innkeepers Lodge

double/twin
£24.00

Single
 please ask

What’s included
in your Thames Path Walking Holiday
in England

  • accommodation at high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • room with en-suite or private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities
  • daily luggage transfer of 1 piece of luggage per person, max 20kg
  • support should there be any problems on route
  • detailed itineraries
  • OS 1:25,000 map
  • guide book to Thames Path

Optional Extras
for your Thames Path Walking Holiday in England

  • upgrade to the region’s most elegant, prestigious and famous hotels, where available
  • transfers back to car or station
  • parking facilities
  • rest days
  • inn to inn walks
 

What’s not included
in your Thames Path Walking Holiday in England

  • lunches and dinners
  • travel insurance
  • entrance to local attractions

Lunches and Dinners
These are not included.
Evening meals
These are available at overnight locations, either at your accommodation or in the town/village.
Packed lunches
These can be provided by your accommodation or can be obtained from a local store, or cafe or inn along the route.

Holiday Travel Insurance
We require that you take out holiday insurance as Let’s Go Biking Ltd accepts no liability for the following:
cancellation, personal accident, illness, loss/theft of personal possessions and/or money, and any unforeseen circumstances, especially travel delays.

This is in addition to our existing
booking conditions.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our telephone Lines are open 7 days a week.

UK +44 (0)1837 880075
or +44 (0)207 193 1252

March to September 9am to 9pm
October to February 9am to 5pm
US +1 (646) 233-1541
New York 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182
Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time:
 March to September 7pm to 7am EADT
October to February 7pm to 3am EADT
CAN +1 (647) 4786251
Toronto 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
or

Thames Path Walking Holiday:
How to get there:

  • By Plane  to Bristol, Birmingham or London where we can arrange transfer to London or Kemble etc
  • By Car to London or Kemble etc where parking is available
  • By Train/Bus to London or Kemble etc

We offer National Trail walking holidays in England and Wales in the UK.

This is one of our categories of walking holidays.

National Trail walking holidays in England and Wales with Lets Go Walking