Thames Path Walking Holiday in England
from The Cotswolds to London in 15 days
14 nights and 13 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary
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.
This is one of our River Walking Holidays, one of our Southern England Walking Holidays, and also one of our National Trail Walking Holidays.
Thames Path walking holiday in England with Let’s 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:
- Oxford Canal Towpath at Oxford
- Shakespeares Way at Oxford
- The Ridgeway at Goring
- Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath at Reading
- Grand Union Canal Towpath at Kew
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
The London Eye
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.
Optional Day 1: Exploring Kemble
Take an extra day to explore The Cotswolds
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.
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.
Optional Day(s) 2: exploring Oxford
Oxford is a must for any visitor to the UK, with so much history and culture.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 19th and Sunday 21st July 2024.
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 Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th May 2024,
and the Windsor Triathalon will take place on Sunday 9th June 2024.
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
from Source to London (downstream)
via Oxford and Windsor
15 day itinerary
13 days walking and 14 nights
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Kemble/Thameshead
Optional Day 1: extra day in Kemble
Day 2: Thameshead to Cricklade 12 miles
Day 3: Cricklade to Lechlade 11 miles
Day 4: Lechlade to Newbridge 16 miles
Day 5: Newbridge to Oxford 13 miles
Optional Day 2: extra day in Oxford
Day 6: Oxford to Clifton Hampden 15 miles
Day 7: Clifton Hampden to Goring/Streatley 15 miles
Day 8: Goring to Reading 11 miles
Day 9: Reading to Marlow 17 miles
Day 10: Marlow to Windsor 15 miles
Optional Day 3: extra day in Windsor
Day 11: Windsor to Shepperton 12 miles
Day 12: Shepperton to Richmond/Kew 14 miles
Optional Day 4: extra day in Richmond/Kew
Day 13: Richmond to London Pimlico 14 miles
Day 14: London Pimlico to Thames Barrier/Greenwich 14 miles
Optional Day 5: extra day in London or Greenwich
Day 15: Depart after breakfast
15 day itinerary 14 nights
| Double or Twin Occupancy | Single Occupancy travelling with others | Solo Traveller |
|
| 2024 | £2,086 | £2,912 | £3,192 |
All prices subject to change
Extra nights from £59 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.
- Annandale Way in Scotland
- Avon Valley Path in Wiltshire and Hampshire
- Dart Valley Trail in Devon
- Exe Valley Way in Devon
- Nidderdale Way in Yorkshire
- Severn Way in Wales and England
- Shakespeares Way from Stratford upon Avon to London
- Speyside Way in Scotland
- Stour Valley Way in Dorset
- Teesdale Way in Northern England
- Test Way in Hampshire
- Thames Path from the Cotswolds to London
- Wye Valley Walk in Wales
- Cleveland Way
- Cotswold Way
- Cumbria Coastal Way part of the England Coast Path
- England Coast Path
- Glyndwrs Way in Wales
- Hadrians Wall Path
- Norfolk Coast Path part of the England Coast Path
- North Downs Way
- Offas Dyke Path in Wales
- Peddars Way
- Pembroke Coast Path part of the Wales Coast Path
- The Ridgeway
- South Downs Way
- South West Coast Path part of the England Coast Path
- Thames Path
- Yorkshire Wolds Way
