Hurley Henley

Hurley Henley

Discovering the Thames

One of the most famous walking, cycling, and driving routes in the UK travels right along the Thames River, stretching 184 miles from the Cotswolds to the sea. The route offers countless attractions for visitors to enjoy, ranging from rural villages and historic towns, to stunning natural beauty. So, it's no wonder so many nature and culture enthusiasts choose to travel along the Thames each year, planning a day trip, weekend break, or extended getaway.

While you'll find an array of spectacular attractions along the Thames, some sites define the path and simply shouldn't be missed. Starting your trip in the west, stop in Lechlade to visit the Ha'penny Bridge - an old stone toll bridge, still with its toll house (but no toll required), followed by the town's churchyard – where poet Percy Bysshe Shelley is said to have composed some of his works. Nearby, at St John's Lock, you'll find the famous sculpture of Old Father Thames, while moving further east to Kelmscot, you'll see the Elizabethan Kelmscott Manor - home of writer and artist William Morris from 1871 to his death in 1896. Visitors can also pay a visit to Morris' final resting place in a local churchyard.

Not far off is the town of Radcot – which claims to have the oldest existing bridge on the Thames – and Port Meadow (in Oxford), where Lewis Carroll first told the story of Alice in Wonderland in 1862. Take a detour to see the Sinodun Hills in Dorchester, atop which stand the Wittenham Clumps – the oldest recorded tree clumps in Britain. Climb to the top of one of the hills for stunning views, then head to present day Dorchester from Day's Lock – home of the annual World Pooh Sticks Competition. Don't miss the town of Henley, which hosts the Henley Royal Regatta every July (it was along this reach that the first university boat race between Oxford and Cambridge took place in 1829, attracting more than 20,000 people). Nearby, you'll find the town of Hurley – home to a pub (called the Olde Bell) that dates from 1135.

Windsor castle – the largest inhabited castle in the world today - is another attraction that's not to be missed. It's where William Shakespeare's "Merry Wives of Windsor" was first performed in 1593, as well as the site where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are buried. Runnymede is another highlight, where the Magna Carta is said to be have been signed. And, of course, among the most famous sites along the Thames in London are the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey. End your tour with a peek at the Thames Barrier – an anti-flood measure completed in 1982 – and a stop at Greenwich – where the first public time signal started operating at the Old Royal Observatory in 1833.

The best time of year to travel along the Thames is April through November, when there's little danger of the river flooding. The views of the wildlife along the river are also at their best during this time. If you're travelling from afar or simply short on time, you might consider flying into Heathrow Airport and hiring a car for your adventure along the Thames, travelling east to west. Car hire is also the ideal option for those who prefer vehicle transport to hiking and walking, or anyone who wishes to walk a portion of the route and drive the rest. Heathrow car hire companies will usually take reservations ahead of time online and over the phone, or in person upon arrival at the airport. So it's easy to plan and enjoy a trip along the Thames, no matter what your holiday timeframe or travel preferences.

About the Author

Janine Barclay writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Hurley Teagan Black Striped YC 3/4 Sleeve Henley Top $28.99 Give boring stripes a stylish kick in this ultra comfy and flattering Teagan 3/4 sleeve henley top by Hurley!

Hurley $9.49 Hurley

Henley $24.99 Henley - Photographic Print

Mens Hurley Shirt - Hurley Download Long Sleeve Thermal Knit Shirt $34.99 Online Exclusive! This thick long sleeve knit isnt as thick as a heavy duty hoodie, but it will keep you just as warm. A trendy charcoal thermal gives you a super textured feel with some depth as well. A few hoodie attribute make an appearance as the Download Thermal Knit has a front pocket pouch and matching hood. The shirt is given even more style with three Hurley detailed buttons down the henley styled neckline. Thermal body. Three-button neckline with hood. Hurley H on left chest. 19.5" shoulder, 29" length. Medium shown and measured.

Elizabeth Hurley $10 Elizabeth Hurley

At Henley-In-Arden $19.99 At Henley-In-Arden - Premium Poster

Georgie Henley $7.99 Georgie Henley - Photo

Elizabeth Hurley b/w $10 Elizabeth Hurley b/w

Aster Hurley AW11 $86.5 Aster Hurley AW11

Henley Park Hotel $77 The Henley Park Hotel D

Henley on Thames $49.99 Arthur Gilbert Henley on Thames - Giclee Print

Muscle Car Hurley $3.49 Muscle Car Hurley Vinyl Sticker BadAss, Is that Elizabeth Hurley