We are pleased to present ‘Boating at Cliveden’, offering a boating service for our visitors, from April until October. To reduce pollution, the fleet is fully-electric with skippered cruises and self-hire vessels including; electric motor boats, Canadian canoes, rowing boats and a pedal boat. On behalf of the National Trust, Boating at Cliveden will also operate the Liddesdale, Nancy Astor’s recently-refurbished electric canoe.
Boating on the Thames was a late Victorian and Edwardian craze in most social classes. Sitting on one of the prettiest stretches of the river, Cliveden Reach had the heaviest traffic of any up-river lock, and on one single day in 1894, a record 129 launches and nearly 1000 smaller craft passed through it.
By 1939, the river-loving Astors owned a varied collection of river craft including skiffs, canoes, (both rowing and Canadian) punts, whiffs, a dinghy and an electric canoe.
In 1908 the river was brought to life in Kenneth Grahame’s well-loved children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows. A regular visitor to Cliveden, it is believed Grahame was inspired to write the book by spending time on Cliveden Reach. Why not ‘mess about in boats’ like Ratty and Mole on your own boating adventure?
Skippered cruises on the Frolic 31
A 45 minute trip takes you along the riverfront owned by Cliveden Estate.
Adults: £11.50 each
Children: £6.50 each
Please Note: Child prices applies to those up to the age of 17 on the day of your trip.
On weekends cruises run at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Weekdays are subject to demand, please check the website.
Our two-hour cruises run at selected times during the week and allow time to transit one of the locks on the river.
Adults: £19.50 each
Children: £11.00 each
Please Note: Child prices applies to those up to the age of 17 on the day of your trip.
Self-hire electric motor boats
Available daily, £45 per boat, per hour, maximum 5 people
Self-hire rowing boats
Available daily £25 per boat, per hour, maximum 3 people
Self-hire Canadian canoes
Available daily £25 per hour, maximum 3 people
Self-hire pedal boat
Available daily £35 per boat, per hour, maximum 2 people
Click here to read more about unpowered boats.
For detailed information, and to book your boating trip at Cliveden via the Boating at Cliveden website, please click here: Boating at Cliveden
Getting to the river
By walking
Pick up a map upon your arrival and head to Yew Tree Steps to head down to the river. Alternatively, for a step-free route, please use Spring Drive.
By boat
Mooring spaces are available downstream from Spring Cottage and also on two of our four islands.
To help us look after Cliveden and its riverfront, mooring fees do apply. Our River Custodians will be on hand to welcome you, collect the fee and answer any questions.
