Highlights

  • Gentle terrain passing through idyllic villages and river towns.
  • Barnsley, Bibury, Oxford, Henley-on Thames, Cliveden.
  • Christchurch College, Barnsley House garden, Cliveden gardens, punting, pub lunches.
  • Famous locations from 'Inspector Morse', 'Harry Potter', and more

Sunday Overnight: Barnsley House Hotel

Meet at Kemble railway station in the Cotswolds, and transfer to the beautiful Barnsley House Hotel. We'll gather this evening for a Welcome Dinner.

Monday Overnight: Barnsley House Hotel

Leaving the sanctuary of our rural retreat, walk through meadows and woodlands to arrive in idyllic Bibury just in time for a pub lunch. We'll return to the hotel with time to enjoy the wonderful facilities before dinner.

Tuesday Overnight: The Randolph Hotel

Today we head to nearby Cirencester, to find the source of the Thames. We'll follow the Thames path to a pub in Ewen for a brief break and to board our transport into Oxford for lunch overlooking the river at Cherwell. After lunch, we take to the water on chauffer piloted punts! On return, we walk through town to our Oxford hotel. This evening we dine as guests with a local family with close ties to the university.

Wednesday Overnight: Hotel du Vin

Follow the Thames out of town towards Wolvercote for lunch at the Trout, a pub known to be a favorite of writers Colin Dexter (Inspector Morse) and Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland). See Oxford's famous spires as we approach from historic Port Meadow. Watch out for grazing horses! We then take a short transfer to Henley-on-Thames where we learn about the river and Henley's rowing traditions at the rowing museum. This is the spot that inspired 'Wind in the Willows', one of England's best-loved children's stories. Walk on into Henley and explore the market town before arriving at our next hotel. Before dinner we embark for a champagne cruise on the river.

Thursday Overnight: Hotel du Vin

The Thames' footpath leads to Hambleden Lock, a picturesque and popular village location for movies and TV. We'll tour the village with a local resident who joins us for lunch at the Stag and Huntsman pub. Afterwards, we head off to Cliveden where we explore the estate and gardens, and have a cream tea before returning to Henley for our Farewell Dinner at the famous Leander Rowing Club.

Friday

After breakfast, The Wayfarers can transfer you to either Twyford Rail station or Heathrow Airport.
Easy
"There is no river in the world to be compared for majesty and the witchery of association to theThames."
Hume Nisbet
Terrain: Our easiest walk. On riverside paths and fairly flat gradients, occasionally some muddy stretches.
6-8 miles walking per day.

TRIP DETAILS

5 nights from
$4,295.00
per person, double occupancy
(Single Supplement $665.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is $4,080.00

Dates

From Oct 4 to Oct 9 (more dates)
Request booking
Arrival: Kemble Rail Station
Departure: Reading Rail Station or Heathrow Airport
Thames River October 2020 Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Barnsley House Hotel

Barnsley House Hotel

Situated in the center of the Cotswold village of Barnsley, this is a country hotel like no other. Set in exquisite landscaped gardens designed by Rosemary Verey, Barnsley House is reminiscent of a stunning stately home with grounds to match. Every room within Barnsley House is uniquely designed and furnished with traditional country charm and modern creature comforts to make your stay thoroughly relaxing. Amenities include a spa, hydrotherapy pool, and an ground-floor spa lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. The restaurant serves fresh, local produce and vegetables picked from their own kitchen garden.

MacDonald Randolph Hotel

MacDonald Randolph Hotel

A leading five star hotel in the heart of Oxford city centre opposite the Ashmolean Museum and near two university colleges, Balliol and St John's. The luxury accommodation has been recently refurbished and many features such as gothic arches and windows have been retained and the famous Morse Bar maintains its lavish but cosy wood panelling.
Hotel du Vin

Hotel du Vin

Nestled in a valley in the Chilterns, you'll find the delightful 12th century market town of Henley-on-Thames. And on the banks of the Thames itself, with the river gliding slowly by, you'll find the Hotel du Vin. Behind the classic Georgian architecture of this 300 year-old brewery, you'll find exposed beams and brickwork, updated with modern conveniences. Each guest room includes a custom-made bed, hand-sprung mattress, soft Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and robes, monsoon shower or roll top bath. Free Wi-fi is also included.

Start planning your trip

What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation

  • Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
  • A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
  • Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
  • Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
  • Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
  • All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
  • Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
  • First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
  • All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
  • Wine with dinner
  • On-trail snacks and refreshments
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants