Take a
River Cruise on the River Thames or come Canal Cruising on the spacious Tranquil Rose
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Route Descriptions 2011
 1. Hungerford
to Bath (Canal cruising)
9th April to 16th April (7 nights). 48 miles, 67 locks
Our first cruise is very rural and will be a special treat in Spring. We
start out between water meadows and wind our way gradually upwards towards
Crofton locks. The canal summit passes through the short Savernake tunnel, then
we drop down a flight of locks to Wootton Rivers. This is a really charming
unspoilt little village. Onward past Pewsey wharf we pass through the wooded
Stowell Park with its elegant suspension bridge, the lovely Wilcot Wide Water
and under the ornate Ladies bridge. The vale of the White Horse is truly remote
Wiltshire countryside, and we pass such isolated hamlets as Honey Street to
eventually arrive at the sleepy market town of Devizes with its theatre and
canal centre. Next day, we prepare to drop down the amazing Caen Hill locks - 29
of them cascading down the hillside. Bradford on Avon is really a jewel of a
small town, with a delightful old-world atmosphere. Here are such treasures as
the mysterious little building on the river bridge. We continue on along the
wooded Avon valley, passing over the river on fine stone aqueducts at Avoncliff
and Dundas. Soon we approach Bath, through Bathampton, and start to catch
glorious glimpses of the wonderful golden stone buildings ranged out in front of
us at our destination - the Roman spa town of Bath.
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2.
Bath to Newbury (Canal cruising)
16th April to 23rd April (7 nights). 57 miles, 78 locks
This cruise takes us on the prettiest parts of the Kennet & Avon canal,
leaving Roman Bath with fine views back across the city. We pass Claverton with
its water wheel pump and the American museum before crossing the River Avon
twice on great stone aqueducts, which still bear the masons' marks in their
golden Bath stone. The lovely small town of Bradford on Avon is not to be
missed, as it really exudes a charming atmosphere of a past age. Leaving
Bradford, we journey through quiet countryside past Semington and Seend. Next we
climb the incredible Caen Hill flight of 29 locks to Devizes, with its canal
centre and theatre. A long section without locks follows, past Pewsey then on to
Wootton Rivers, which is a real gem of a village. We ascend to the summit of the
canal, pass through the short Bruce Tunnel, before descending past Crofton pump
house as we start the gradual descent that takes us through sleepy Hungerford
and the picturesque village of Kintbury to our destination in the market town of
Newbury
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3.
Newbury to Bath (Canal cruising)
23rd April to 30th April (7 nights). 57 miles, 79 locks
This cruise takes us from the valley of the River Kennet to the lovely Avon
valley. Our gradual climb starts past the picturesque village of Kintbury then
sleepy Hungerford, known for its many antique shops. We continue to ascend,
passing Crofton pump house as the locks take us to the summit of the canal. A
short tunnel at Savernake is followed by the old wharf at Burbage before a
gentle flight of locks brings us to Wootton Rivers, which is a real gem of a
village. The canal now winds its way across open countryside to Devizes, with
its canal centre and theatre. On leaving Devizes, we tackle the incredible Caen
Hill flight of 29 locks. Back on the level again, we pass through Seend and
Semington before arriving at the lovely small town of Bradford on Avon. This is
not to be missed, as it really exudes a charming atmosphere of a past age. We
are now in the lovely valley of the River Avon, which we cross twice on great
stone aqueducts, still bearing the masons' marks in their golden Bath stone. We
pass Claverton with its water wheel pump and the American museum before
Bathampton gives us our first glimpse of Bath, with panoramic views across this
fine Roman city.
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4. Bath to
Hungerford (Canal cruising)
30th April to 7th May (7 nights). 48 miles, 67 locks
Leaving Roman Bath with fine views across the city, we then pause to explore
Claverton with its water wheel pump and the American museum. We cross the River
Avon on great stone aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff: these still bear the
masons' marks in their golden Bath stone. The lovely small town of Bradford on
Avon is not to be missed, as it really exudes a charming atmosphere of a past
age, with its huge tithe barn as well as charming shops. We journey on through
isolated locks and rolling countryside past Semington and Seend, then climb the
incredible Caen Hill flight of 29 locks to Devizes. Here we pause to explore the
canal centre and maybe the theatre. Next we wind our way through unspoilt
countryside to Wootton Rivers, which is a real gem of a village. We ascend to
the summit of the canal, through a short tunnel, then pass Crofton steam pump
house where we start the gradual descent that takes us to sleepy Hungerford.
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5. Hungerford to Oxford (Canal and River cruising)
7th May to 14th May (7 nights). 68 miles, 46 locks
This fine cruise offers a combination of the peace and tranquillity of the
Kennet & Avon canal with the majestic River Thames. We start by the sleepy
little town of Hungerford and cruise slowly
past Kintbury to the market town of Newbury. Now on the Kennet Navigation, we
meander past some lovely water meadows, passing through a quaint old turf sided
lock and many swing bridges. At Aldermaston we descend the elegant scallop-sided
lock and pass under the imposing lift bridge. We continue on the twisting course
of the canalised river before County Lock heralds the swift trip through Reading
to join the River Thames. We pass upstream with the railway keeping us close
company for a short while until it turns away and leaves us in peace as we pass
Goring, Pangbourne and Wallingford. We are in lovely open typically English
countryside as we glance up to the hilltop at Wittenham Clumps, before passing
under the lovely old stone bridge at Clifden Hampden. Soon we pause in the
delightful little town of Abingdon before continuing our journey past Sandford
and savouring a slow entrance to the City of Dreaming Spires. This is truly a
cruise of pleasant contrasts, on two very different waterways.
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6. Oxford to
Windsor (River Cruising).
14th May to 21st May. (7 nights). 80 miles, 27 locks
This cruise features the Royal River Thames and has been consistently
popular with all our guests in previous years. On leaving Oxford, the river
winds its way down stream and remains very rural as we pass Sanford. We will
pause at Abingdon, a delightful market town, before cruising on past Clifton
Hampden, Shillingford and Wallingford. The river valley widens and becomes even
grander as we approach Goring and one of the most attractive stretches of the
river. At Caversham we pass the entrance to Kennet & Avon canal before pass
Sonning, a delightful and peaceful riverside village. At Henley there is the
River and Rowing Museum to visit as well as some interesting little shops.
Continuing along the still very attractive river, we pass through Marlow with
its fine suspension bridge, and then arrive at Cookham, where time is available
to visit the Stanley Spencer Art Gallery if you wish. We then pass down the
beautiful Cliveden Reach before gliding through Maidenhead and making our way
towards Windsor and our mooring in sight of the historic Castle.
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7.
Windsor to Godalming (River cruising)
21st May to 28th May (7 nights). 36 miles, 26 locks
This cruise features two very different rivers - the majestic Thames and the
gloriously peaceful River Wey, which is in the ownership of the National Trust.
We commence our journey by travelling down the Thames from Windsor past the
great royal Home Park towards Weybridge, where we join the truly lovely River
Wey and head upstream into much more rural surroundings. We pass the imposing
Coxes Mill, the sleepy hamlet of Pyrford, then as we ascend one of the pretty
locks, we catch a dramatic glimpse of the deserted priory at Newark. We ascend
Papercourt lock, with its idyllic cottage and weir before reaching Guildford, a
town that makes the most of its river. The cathedral stands on a hill
overlooking the town. More lovely meadowland continues to belie our closeness to
suburbia until finally we reach the end of the navigation at Godalming.
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8.
Godalming to London (River cruising).
4th June to 11th June (7 nights). 59 miles, 36 locks
This cruise features the River Wey, a little-travelled jewel of a waterway,
which is in the ownership of the National Trust. We start out from the limit of
navigation at Godalming, and immediately encounter lovely meadowland which
belies our closeness to suburbia. We pass through the busy little town of
Guildford, with its cathedral on the hill. Out into the countryside again, we
descend Papercourt lock (perhaps one of the prettiest of all), then catch a
glimpse of the deserted priory at Newark. Leaving the sleepy hamlet of Pyrford,
we pass the imposing Coxes Mill before imposing houses with large gardens signal
the approach to Weybridge. Here we join the River Thames and turn to head
downstream. We pause at the grand palace at Hampton Court before passing
Kingston and Richmond Hill. Downstream from here we pass through Teddington Lock
onto the tidal river, and start to approach the genteel outskirts of London at
Richmond. After passing the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, we join the Grand
Union canal at Brentford. We make our way to Bulls Bridge Junction, where we
turn onto the Paddington arm of the canal and wind our way past Norwood and
Kensal Green to arrive at our destination, the tranquil basin at Paddington,
known as Little Venice.
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9. London to
Leighton Buzzard (Canal cruising)
11th June to 18th June. (7 nights). 57 miles, 62 locks
This is a very interesting and scenic cruise along the picturesque and rural
Grand Union Canal.
We leave London by the 'back door' and cruise past Kensal Green to Bulls Bridge,
where we turn onto the main line to reach Uxbridge. We then climb gently up the
valley of the River Colne to Batchworth, with its little canal museum. We pause
in the wonderful Cassiobury Park, with its ornate bridges and if you are lucky
there are kingfishers to be seen. We journey, sometimes accompanied by the
railway, past Kings Langley and Boxmoor to reach Berkhamsted with its Norman
motte and bailey castle. We then climb a final series of locks taking us to the
summit of the canal at Cowroast and enter the deep mysterious Tring cutting.
This was a major feat of engineering, and will be ablaze with autumn colour as
we cruise through. The canal then winds its way down a meandering flight of
locks to Marsworth, with many glimpses of the reservoirs that feed the canal
ahead of us as we descend the northern foothills of the Chilterns. Through
rolling countryside and isolated locks, we reach Leighton Buzzard.
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10.
Leighton Buzzard to Warwick (Canal cruising)
18th June to 25th June (7 nights). 68 miles, 51 locks
This cruise is on the Grand Union canal throughout. The route north from
Leighton Buzzard is entirely rural, with some delightful locks and tree lined
stretches before we discover some of the hidden highlights of Milton Keynes,
including the old villages of Simpson and Great Linford. Cosgrove is a
delightful place, with a secret horse tunnel under the canal and the ornate
Solomon's bridge. We ascend another flight of locks to reach the canal village
and Museum of Stoke Bruerne, where we prepare to pass through the famous
Blisworth Tunnel. We are in very rural countryside now as we cruise through
Brockhall Park and ascend Whilton and Long Buckby locks to a further summit
level which leads through a tunnel to the village of Braunston, which has been
described as the heart of the English waterways. Leaving Braunston under the
elegant cast iron bridges, we descend through open countryside and via several
sets of locks towards Leamington Spa, where we cross the River Avon. Then the
canal starts to climb again towards our destination in Warwick, famous for its
castle. This cruise has more ups and downs than any other that we do!
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11. Warwick to
Stoke Bruerne (Canal Cruising)
25th June to 2nd July. (7 nights). 37 miles, 36 locks
Leaving Warwick behind us, we cross the River Avon and skirt Royal
Leamington Spa. A pleasant rural stretch of canal follows, including a passage
under the Roman Fosse Way. We ascend flights of locks at Stockton and Calcutt,
which are quite modern, having been constructed in the 1930s. We then join the
Oxford canal for a short stretch as far as Braunston. Braunston village on its
hill, overlooking the canals surrounding it, is well worth a visit. The flight
of locks from Braunston leads us to the famous tunnel, which has a slight kink
in the middle. The summit is at first tree-lined, then opens out to rolling
countryside before we reach Long Buckby and descend to the peace of Brockhall
Park. We pass Weedon with its Napoleonic barracks, before reaching Blisworth
village. A long cutting leads to the famous Blisworth Tunnel (which recently
celebrated its bi-centenary). On emerging from the tunnel, we are in Stoke
Bruerne, famous for its Canal Museum. We continue down the flight of locks into
open countryside with barely a house in sight until we reach the pretty village
of Cosgrove. Here after a look around we turn the boat and head back to Stoke
Bruerne.
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12. Stoke
Bruerne to London (Canal Cruising).
2nd July to 9th July. (7 nights). 85 miles, 77 locks
For those of you who enjoy a lot of boating this trip is a must, as it
features the Grand Union Canal throughout, and there are many fine sights on
this scenic waterway, which are far more rural than people often imagine. We
leave Stoke Bruerne and descend a short flight of locks before travelling
through some wonderfully peaceful stretches of canal past Soulbury and Leighton
Buzzard. From here we commence our gradual climb up the northern slopes of the
Chiltern hills. We reach Marsworth with its huge reservoirs feeding the canals:
a haven for wild birds of all sorts. We climb a winding flight of locks to the
canal summit at Bulbourne, then enter the heavily wooded Tring cutting, which
should be a wonderful sight in the autumn colours. At the curiously named
Cowroast lock, we commence our long descent towards the capital. We pass through
Berkhamsted with its fine Norman castle, followed by the long gradual descent of
the Colne valley to the delightful Cassiobury Park and on to Rickmansworth. At
Cowley, we turn left onto the Paddington arm of the canal, and enter London 'by
the back door' to arrive at our mooring in Little Venice.
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13. London to
Windsor (Canal and River cruising)
9th July to 16th July (7 nights). 77 miles, 32 locks
On leaving our mooring at Little Venice, we wind our way along the
Paddington arm of the Grand Union canal - a great way to see the suburbs of West
London. We head towards Brentford where we join the River Thames. Then we head
upstream, passing under some magnificent bridges before spying Richmond on its
hill. At Teddington we leave the tidal stretch of the river and sail past
Kingston. Our next stop is at Henry VIII's magnificent palace at Hampton Court,
which is well worth a visit. There are yet more royal connections at Runnymede.
The vast royal parks herald our arrival at Windsor. famous for its fine castle.
We then travel on upstream passing Maidenhead and Cookham to arrive at Marlow,
with its fine suspension bridge and massive river weir. Then we re-trace our
path sedately back down the wide and meandering river to Windsor, where we moor
in sight of the castle.
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14.
Windsor to Oxford (River cruising).
16th July to 23rd July. (7 nights). 69 miles, 24 locks
This gentle cruise features the Royal River Thames and is always popular
with guests. On leaving our mooring in Windsor, we journey upstream past
Maidenhead. Then the famous Boulter's Lock heralds the lovely wooded stretch of
Cliveden Reach. We arrive at Cookham, where time is available to visit the
Stanley Spencer Art Gallery if you wish. Continuing along the very attractive
river, we pass through Marlow with its fine suspension bridge, then we pas some
very fine waterside properties as we approach Hambleden with its fine mill. At
Henley there is the River and Rowing Museum to visit, as well as some fine shops
in the town. We pass Sonning, a delightful and peaceful riverside village, After
passing through Caversham, a particularly attractive stretch of the river takes
us past Mapledurham and Goring and on to Wallingford. After passing through the
ornate bridge at Clifton Hampden, we pause at the lovely little town of
Abingdon. From here, the river changes its character again and becomes narrower
as we pass Sandford before completing our journey to arrive in Oxford, the city
of Dreaming Spires.
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15. Oxford to Oxford (River cruising).
23rd July to 30th July. (7 nights). 62 miles, 20 locks
If you appreciate the calm and peace of an English summer's day, this cruise
is not to be missed - as this part of the country conjures up images of bees
buzzing lazily over cottage gardens, far from any distractions of the humdrum
world. We cruise gently through Oxford, where the river changes character. Up
stream from Oxford, we are on the picturesque upper reaches of the Thames, which
are quite unlike the more familiar parts of the river. This is an idyll of
summer buttercups, water meadows, sleepy waterside villages and inns. The river
twists and turns to reach Lechlade, passing the old manor at Kelmscot and a fine
statue of Old Father Thames reclining proudly by the side of St John's Lock. We
pass Lechlade and turn the boat at Inglesham, the limit of navigation of the
River Thames, before heading back downstream to Oxford, with its elegant spires
and colleges.
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16. Oxford to
Windsor (River cruising).
30th July to 6th August (7 nights). 80 miles, 27 locks
 See
description of Cruise 6.
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17. Windsor to
Godalming (River Cruising).
6th August to 27th August. (7 nights). 36 miles, 26 locks
See description of Cruise 7.
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18.
Godalming to Reading (River cruising)
20th August to 27th August (7 nights). 66 miles, 36 locks
On this cruise, we travel the length of the River Wey, as well as some
glorious reaches on the River Thames. From Godalming, we journey downstream and
at once start to glide through twisting stretches of this delightful river. We
pass through Guildford, and are soon back into farming land as we wind our way
through occasional locks including the lovely Papercourt Lock. The river
continues to twist and turn as we pass Coxes Mill and enter Weybridge. Here we
leave the River Wey and join the River Thames. First we turn downstream to reach
Hampton Court. The Royal palace and gardens here are well worth a visit. We then
turn Tranquil Rose upstream and head back past Runnymede and the site of the
signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. Passing through Old Windsor Lock, we begin
to see the Royal Home Park on our left before reaching our mooring in Windsor
itself, within sight of the famous Castle. We pass through the delightful wooded
Cliveden reach to arrive in Cookham (former home of artist Stanley Spencer). At
Marlow, we head out into open countryside. Passing Hambleden Mill, we soon
approach Henley, famous for its rowing associations. We journey on past Sonning
to arrive at the end of our cruise in Reading.
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19.
Reading to Devizes (Canal cruising)
27th August to 3rd September (7 nights). 54 miles, 57 locks
This is a gentle cruise along some of the finer parts of the Kennet & Avon
canal.
From Reading we take the Kennet & Avon canal. Numerous water meadows and
peaceful rural surroundings take us via Aldermaston to the market town of
Newbury.From here we journey past water meadows and wind our way past Hungerford
and Great Bedwyn towards Crofton locks, with its restored steam pumping house.
This was used to supply water to the summit of the canal in centuries past. The
summit passes through the short Savernake tunnel, then drops down a flight of
locks to the charming village of Wootton Rivers. Onward past Pewsey wharf, we
pass through the magnificent woods of Stowell Park with its elegant suspension
bridge and then the lovely Wilcot Wide Water, under the ornate Ladies bridge.
The vale of the White Horse feels to be truly the heart of the countryside, and
we pass such isolated hamlets as the quaintly-named Honey Street before reaching
the sleepy market town of Devizes.
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20. Devizes to
Bath via Bristol (Canal and River Cruising).
3rd September to 10th September (7 nights). 66 miles, 76 locks
This cruise in mainly on the finest parts of the Kennet & Avon canal, but
also includes a trip on the Bristol River Avon. We start the cruise in dramatic
fashion as we work down the Caen Hill locks - 29 of them striding down the
hillside. We cruise through wonderful relaxing landscapes to Bradford on Avon
with its huge old tithe barn and wonderful local shops. The scenery just gets
better and better as we cruise through the rich Avon valley where the canal
clings to the side of the hill, crossing the river on magnificent stone
aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. We approach Bath through the charming Sydney
Gardens and catch glimpses of the magnificent crescents of grand houses, all
constructed from glowing golden local stone. From Bath we descend a flight of
six locks, taking us to the lovely River Avon and on to Bristol, where time is
available to visit Brunel's SS Great Britain. We then return upstream on the
glorious River Avon to Bath.
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21.
Bath to Bath (Canal and River cruising).
10th September to 17th September (7 nights). 54 miles, 24 locks
This cruise includes a visit to the floating harbour in Bristol, before
sampling some of the finer parts of the Kennet & Avon canal. We leave Bath by
descending an interesting flight of locks to join and cruise gently downstream
on the River Avon. The river meanders through the wooded valley past Saltford
and Keynsham before we arrive in Bristol, where there will be plenty of time to
enjoy the many delights of this famous city, including Brunel's iron steamship
the Great Britain. We then head back upstream to Bath, where we rejoin the
Kennet & Avon canal and continue to cruise the Avon valley at a higher level. We
leave Bath for the second time through the charming Sydney Gardens and catch
glimpses of the magnificent crescents of grand houses, all constructed from
glowing golden local stone. The scenery is marvellous as the canal clings to the
side of the valley, crossing it on magnificent stone aqueducts at Dundas and
then at Avoncliff. We soon approach our mooring in Bradford on Avon, with its
huge old tithe barn and wonderful local shops, where we turn the boat to head
back through the Avon valley to Bath.
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22. Bath to
Newbury (Canal cruising)
17th September to 24th September (7 nights). 57 miles, 78 locks
 See
description of Cruise 2
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23.
Newbury to Windsor (Canal and River cruising)
24th September to 1st October (7 nights). 48 miles, 32 locks
This fine cruise offers a combination of the peace and tranquillity of the
Kennet & Avon canal with the ever-popular River Thames. We start by meandering
through some lovely water meadows, passing through quaint old turf sided locks
and many swing bridges. At Aldermaston we hold up the road traffic as we pass
under the huge lift bridge. County Lock heralds the swift trip through Reading
to join the River Thames. We then journey gently down stream on the great river,
passing Sonning to reach Henley - the Mecca of the rowing world. The river is
wide and imposing here, as we pass Cookham and Marlow. There are many wonderful
wooded stretches and fine houses for us to admire. Finally we reach our mooring
within sight of the magnificent castle at Windsor. This is truly a cruise of
pleasant contrasts, on two very different waterways.
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24. Windsor to
Goldalming (River cruising)
1st October to 8th October (7 nights). 36 miles, 26 locks
See description of Cruise 7
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25. Godalming to London (River cruising).
8th October to 15th October (7 nights). 59 miles, 36 locks
See description of Cruise 8
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26. London to
Windsor (Canal and River cruising)
15th October to 22 October (7 nights). 93 miles, 38 locks
On leaving our mooring at Little Venice, we wind our way along the
Paddington arm of the Grand Union canal - a great way to see the suburbs of West
London. We head towards Brentford where we join the River Thames. Then we head
upstream, passing under some magnificent bridges before spying Richmond on its
hill. At Teddington we leave the tidal stretch of the river and sail past
Kingston. Our next stop is at Henry VIII's magnificent palace at Hampton Court,
which is well worth a visit. There are yet more royal connections at Runnymede.
The vast royal parks herald our arrival at Windsor. famous for its fine castle.
We then travel on upstream
passing Maidenhead and Cookham to arrive at Marlow, with its fine suspension
bridge and massive river weir. Still heading upstream, we pass the imposing mill
at Hambledon before arriving at Henley, home of the River and Rowing Museum.
Then we re-trace our path sedately back down the wide and meandering river to
Windsor, where we moor in sight of the castle.
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If you’re
having difficulty deciding which river cruise would suit you best, please call us and
we’ll be happy to assist you in making your choice. |
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