Boating

Rowing at Cliveden Reach on the River Thames.

Cliveden Reach is renowned as one of the prettiest spots on the Thames. Here, there's a selection of boating options that are the perfect way to spend a few hours down by the river.

Skippered river cruises

Join a knowledgeable skipper and cruise down a stretch of the river with over 350 years of pleasure boating.
 
Smooth Waters 
 
Smooth Waters is an Edwardian style launch, which cruises in a circular route between Boulters lock and Cookham lock. A perfect way to get a taste of life on the Thames. These cruises run at 11am, 12pm, 1.10pm, 2.10pm and 3.10pm. Tickets are £11.50 per person. 
 
Still Waters
 
Still Waters, an electrically powered boat, takes an extended circular trip along the Thames allowing our experienced skippers to show you more of this great river. These cruises run at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 2.45pm. Tickets are £11.50 per person and a special discounted rate of £6 per child. 
 
Booking a skippered cruise is essential and can only be done by phoning 01628 605069, e-mail us at cliveden@nationaltrust.org.uk or booking in the Information Centre in the Walled Garden car park.
 
 

Self-drive boats

Explore the River Thames at your own pace on a rowing or self-drive motor boats. Boats are available to hire at weekends and bank holidays from March to October. This extends to seven days a week in July and August. Boat hire is from 11.30am to 4pm. No booking is required, just visit the boat station to pay.

Motor boat hire (4 people + 1 child max)

  • 1 hour - £39

  •  ½ - £34

Rowing boat hire (4 people max)

  • 1 hour - £22

  •  ½ - £17.00

Self-drive boats are cash only and must be paid for directly with the skipper, down by the river.  A cash deposit of £30 for rowing or £35 for motor boats is taken.

 

Getting to the river

By walking

All boats leave from the riverside which is approximately a 20-30 minute walk from the Info Centre. The quickest route includes 172 steps.

By boat shuttle

Volunteers run a free electric boat bus from the car park to the riverside boat station and back. This service is on a first-come first-served basis and only when requested. Priority is given to those less able to follow the walking route. Please ask in the Info Centre or ask the Skipper for details. The bus will only run if the boats are running.

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.

A river custodian will collect your mooring fee and give you some helpful local knowledge about Cliveden's river
Cliveden boating
A river custodian will collect your mooring fee and give you some helpful local knowledge about Cliveden's river

Fees are for 24 hour mooring and we’re happy to adjust them if you would like to stay for a shorter amount of time. 

£5 for National Trust members
£10 for non-members

For the moment we take payment by cash only. This can be paid on the day of arrival to one of our River Custodians or at our properties Information Kiosk. 

Please note our River by-laws:
-    No fires at any time, or in any place.
-    No bikes are permitted
-    Music is to be kept low and with the consideration of others.
-    No collection of wood.
-    No visitors allowed in Cliveden’s grounds after estate closing time.

Disclaimer

All information correct as of 13 March 2019. On rare occasions, including in the event of inclement weather, there may be a change to the boating schedule at short notice. 

If you are making a special trip please telephone Cliveden in advance on 01628 605069 for the latest details.