Messing About on the River: A Thames Boat Trip from The Old Crown

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."— Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Most people picture the Thames as it runs through London, broad and busy beneath its famous bridges. But the river begins its life far from all that, winding quietly through the water meadows of the Cotswolds, and some of its loveliest reaches are right here on our doorstep in Faringdon.

We have teamed up with our friends at Cotswold Boat Hire so that guests staying at The Old Crown can take to the water with the minimum of fuss. They are a family-run outfit who have worked this stretch of the river for more than thirty years, setting out from Brandy Island at Buscot Lock, just a couple of miles up the road from the hotel.

Mention The Old Crown over the phone and get a 10% discount there and then with the code CRW26. Or, book online and use the code CRW2610 in the special remarks.

It works both ways as well. If you book a boat trip with Cotswold Boat Hire, you'll get 20% off your meal or your stay - just let us know at the time of reservation.

Now, back to the water.

Choose your direction

Once you have cast off from Buscot, the river opens up in two directions, and both are worth exploring.

Head upstream towards Lechlade, and you are making for the very limit of the navigable Thames. A short, gentle cruise through open countryside, with the spire of St Lawrence's church rising ahead of you. Pull in at The Trout Inn beside St John's Lock, the highest lock on the whole river, where Old Father Thames himself keeps watch in stone.

Point the bow downstream towards Oxford and take your time. This way lies Kelmscott, where William Morris made his country home, and a string of wonderful riverside pubs to break up the day. Moor up at Newbridge, one of the oldest bridges on the river,, where you can choose between The Rose Revived on one bank and The Maybush on the other. We will let you settle that particular debate yourselves.

Have fun with the locks

Half the joy of the upper Thames is working the locks. There is a proper sense of occasion to it: easing the boat in, watching the water slowly rise or fall, and giving a cheery wave to whoever is passing the other way. Most are manned through the season and the lock keepers could not be more helpful, so even first-timers need not feel daunted.

The boats themselves

Cotswold Boat Hire runs a fleet of quiet electric boats. No engine noise, just birdsong, the occasional plop of a fish, and the gentle wash of the water. There is something to suit everyone, from a small open boat for a couple of hours to a larger cruiser for the whole family or a group of friends. Dogs are welcome on board, so nobody needs to be left behind.

We took one out ourselves not long ago and can tell you it was every bit as peaceful and beautiful as it sounds. A few hours on that water and the rest of the world simply melts away.

Your guest discount

Booking is straightforward. Reserve your room at The Old Crown, let us know you would like to get out on the river, and we will help arrange your boat. As our guest, you receive 10% off your hire with Cotswold Boat Hire — our small thank-you for staying with us.

A word to the wise: the boating season runs from April to the end of October, and the boats do get booked up in fine weather. Arrange in advance.

Come and make a proper weekend of it. A characterful room and a good dinner at the inn, a slow day drifting along the Thames, and a riverside pint or two along the way. Few better ways to spend a couple of days in this corner of Oxfordshire.

Ready to book? Reserve your room below and we will take care of the rest:

Reserve your room

FAQ: Thames Boat Trips from The Old Crown

1. Do I need any boating experience? None at all. All of Cotswold Boat Hire's boats can be handled comfortably by two people with no previous experience. The lock keepers are on hand throughout the season and are happy to help first-timers.

2. Can I bring my dog? Yes — dogs are welcome on all boats. When booking, tick the box to indicate you're bringing a dog (up to two can be selected). If you're bringing more than two, call ahead so they can ensure the boat and locks can be managed safely. There's a large field next to the site for a pre-boarding walk, and dog water bowls are provided on site.

3. Which boat is right for my family? It depends on the size of your group and how long you're out. For one to two hours, the open boats are ideal — Georgia suits two adults with children, while Redaye and Greyaye work well for larger families. For half or full days, the smaller cruisers with canopies are recommended. For day hire with self-catering, Raffles has a fridge and facilities to make hot drinks. For overnight stays, Melody sleeps up to two adults and two children, while Jozel suits longer family breaks with more sleeping space.

4. What's the best boat for a couple? Georgia is a popular choice — bring a picnic blanket, moor up along the river, and make an afternoon of it. For a full day with more comfort, Melody and Raffles both offer kitchen facilities.

5. Are buoyancy aids provided? Yes. Buoyancy aids are supplied for all children and any adults who would like one, from infant sizes up to XXXL. Dog life jackets are not supplied as they vary widely by size and breed, but can be purchased from Amazon or similar retailers if needed.

6. Which boats are best for young children, infants, or pregnant guests? Big Red and Big Grey are specifically recommended for families with infants, lively children, dogs, or pregnant guests. They have higher sides for added security and are the most stable and easiest to handle of all the boats in the fleet.

7. Can I go fishing from the boat? Yes, fishing is permitted between 14 June and 14 March, provided you hold a valid rod licence. Children under 13 do not require a licence. Junior licences for ages 13 to 16 are free but must still be obtained in advance.

8. How do I book, and how last-minute can I leave it? Bookings can be made online via Cotswold Boat Hire's website. For very last-minute arrangements, text or WhatsApp 07947 993784 directly. As an Old Crown guest, let us know when you check in and we can help coordinate everything.

9. Can we hire more than one boat for a group? Yes. Multiple boats can be hired together — call Cotswold Boat Hire in advance to arrange this, as not all boats are compatible with each other. Each boat will need a nominated skipper, but guests can move between boats at locks and mooring stops, making it a flexible and social day out.

10. Where does the river go from Buscot Lock? In two directions. Head upstream and you reach Lechlade — the very limit of the navigable Thames — passing St John's Lock where the famous Old Father Thames statue stands. Head downstream and you pass Kelmscott (William Morris's country home), continuing through the Thames Valley towards Oxford and Abingdon if you're on an overnight hire. Both directions take you through open Cotswold countryside with traditional pubs along the way.