Boating at Cliveden

A view along the River Thames in Buckinghamshire with Spring Cottage in the background — A glimpse of Spring Cottage from the banks of the River Thames near Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Boating has been a popular pastime at Cliveden for over a hundred years. Cliveden Reach is renowned as one of the prettiest spots on the Thames. Find out more about how you can enjoy boating here.

The 2024 Boating season has now finished. Check back in April 2025 for more infomation.

Plenty of ways to enjoy the river

‘Boating at Cliveden’ is a boating service, running daily between April to October, subject to river and weather conditions. To reduce pollution, the fleet is fully electric with skippered cruises and self-hire vessels including electric motorboats, Canadian canoes, rowing boats and a pedal boat.

A history of boating for pleasure

Boating on the Thames was a late Victorian and Edwardian craze in most social classes. 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.

Inspiring Wind in the Willows

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?

How to book

Please visit our third-party operator's Boating at Cliveden website for full details.

Skippered Cruises

Available Thursday - Sunday.
45min Cruise - Adults £14.50, Children £9 (includes babies)
2hr Cruise - Adults £25, Children £15.50 (includes babies)

Click here to read more about skippered cruises

A view of Cliveden looking along the River Thames — A view of Cliveden from the River Thames in Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

Self-drive electric launches

Available Thursday - Sunday from £60 per hour, maximum 5 people per boat.

Click here to read more about self-drive electric launches.

Rowing Boats

Available Thursday - Sunday from £30 per boat per hour, £20 for 30 minutes, maximum 3 people.

Click here to read more about Rowing Boats.

Canadian canoes

Available Thursday - Sunday from £30 per boat per hour, £20 for 30 minutes, maximum 3 people or 2 adults and 2 children under 12 in our family canoes.

Click here to read more about Canadian canoes.

Pedal boat

Available Thursday - Sunday starting at £35 per boat for the first hour, maximum 2 people

Click here to read more about Pedal boat.

Getting to the river

The shuttle bus service is run by volunteers and is not guaranteed. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact the boating team in advance of your booking. Access to The Boathouse is a 20–30-minute walk from the main car park via Yew Tree Steps or Spring Drive.

By walking

From the walled garden, walk towards the house and turn right before the forecourts. Walk alongside the Parterre to Yew Tree Steps to head down to the river. All boating starts from the Boathouse. Alternatively, for a step-free route, please use Spring Drive. A map will be sent through on your boat booking confirmation and can also be viewed here.

By boat

Boating at Cliveden and National Trust River Custodians regularly patrol the river along Cliveden Estate. Boating at Cliveden staff and National Trust River Custodians have been appointed by National Trust to collect the mooring fees for Cliveden Estate.

River by-laws

No fires at any time, or in any place
No bikes are permitted
Music is to be kept low in consideration of others
No collection of wood
No visitors allowed in Cliveden’s grounds after estate closing time

Disclaimer

All information correct as of March 2024. 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 Boating at Cliveden in advance during office hours on 01628 918026 for the latest details.